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Pictured above, L to R, are: Warrior Training Academy Instructor Ryan Koopman, Owner/Instructor Jen Tiesler, promoted Black Belt Brynlee Farris, promoted black belt Cullen VanderBeek and Instructor Jaxson Tiesler.
By Norma Dittman April 3rd, 2026 was a day of testing techniques, showing skills learned and receiving their Black Belts for Brynlee Farris and Cullen VanderBeek.
Farris and VandenBeek are students of Warrior Training Academy in Fulda, They are also both freshman at Fulda High School.
Farris began her Kenpo Karate training while in first grade at Fulda Elementary School. When asked why she chose Kenpo Karate, she responded, “I wanted to do a sport and it was a sport I could do at that age.” She continued by saying that the training has taught her self-defense, discipline and about competing in Kenpo Karate.
On the day of testing to see if she would earn her Black Belt, Farris began by demonstrating the basic moves that she had learned. Under the supervising eye of instructor Jen Tiesler, Farris worked her way through all of the forms that she had learned.
It was then up to her to demonstrate a take down, and then choose a weapon and demonstrating her skills with it.
Part of the testing included creating her own open-hand form of defense, followed by two people enacting a fight and the forms that could be used during it.
Cullen VanderBeek began his Kenpo Karate training while in second grade at Fulda Elementary School. When asked why he chose Kenpo Karate, he replied, “I wanted to do this instead of T-ball, I had a choice to make.”
Benefits of the training for VanderBeek have been discipline and self-defense. He also stated that the forms aided him during a strong growth spurt with balance, coordination, and body control.
Testing day for his Black Belt was the identical steps that Farris went through - also directed by Tiesler.
As an explanation of the varied forms used during testing, VanderBeek said that there are several levels in Kenpo Karate: Yellow, Orange, Purple, Blue, Green, Brown and Black.
The Yellow Belt lays the foundation for the Orange Belt, which expands the arsenal of strikes, checks and blocks that can be used. Purple Belts learn about taking control of a situation by stepping into attacks, grabbing, trapping and taking an opponent to the ground. A Blue Belt masters movement that makes everything work together. During Green Belt training a student finds the flow with emphasis on parries, circular movements, and continual motion. Brown Belts learn to power up with zero hesitation. It includes defending oneself against weapons and multiple attackers.
The Black Belt training is described as “The Ending is the Beginning”. Earning a Black Belt is actually a new beginning that embraces the martial arts as a way of life.
When testing was completed on Friday, April 3rd, Farris and VanderBeek were asked by Tiesler to line up for their Black Belt presentation. The belts were presented, followed by handshakes and the Kenpo Karate salutation.
They were also recognized at a banquet where Tiesler presented each a photo, and a gift of a high-end Black Belt. Other Black Belt recipients were present to congratulate the new Black Belts.
Regarding the two new Black Belt students, Tiesler stated, “Watching these two grow from young kids into young adults has been an incredible journey. Brynlee is one of a kind - hardworking, fiercely aggressive, and always ready with a sharp sense of humor. She keeps me laughing at the unexpected moments..sometimes I’m still trying to figure out if she’s joking. And trust me - watch out for those kicks!”
About Cullen, Tiesler commented, “Cullen is truly one of the most coachable athletes I’ve had the privilege to work with. His ability to adjust and adapt so quickly sets him apart. Not only that, but he naturally steps into a leadership role, always willing to help and guide the younger students.”
She continued, “I am so proud of both of them, and very excited to see where their paths lead next.”
Warrior Training Academy is located at 101 N. St. Paul Avenue, Fulda, MN.
