Mr. Felix Montes is the founder of Montes Combative Martial Arts located in Sacramento, California. Mr. Montes is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Moo Duk Kwon Taekwondo and Sogo Ryu Bujutsu. Mr. Montes began his training in the martial arts in 1995 under the instruction of senior instructor Mr. Randy Eldred in Escondido, California. Mr. Montes was awarded his 1st degree in 2000, 2nd degree in 2001 and 3rd degree in 2004.

Master Justin Faiferlick began his martial arts journey in Fort Dodge in 1984. Master Faiferlick earned his 1st degree Black Belt in 1986 and began instructing. In 1987, Master Faiferlick enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in Combat Control and continued his martial arts instructing and training around the country. He earned his 2nd Dan in 1987, 3rd Dan in 1995, 4th Dan in 1998, and 5th Dan in 2013. He started Sogo Ryu Bujutsu in 2013 and is preparing to test for Shodan in 2015. In 2014, Master Faiferlick purchased a 5600sq ft facility and opened Faiferlick TaeKwonDo, Martial Arts, Fitness, and Self Defense LLC. Classes offered include TaeKwonDo, Sogo Ryu Bujutsu, Kendo, Tai Chi, Yoga, and Cardio Kickboxing. He works full time for the Iowa Air National Guard with over 25 years of military experience. He also served with the Webster County Sheriffs Department and the Fort Dodge Police Department with 20 years as a Reserve Officer. Master Faiferlick holds a Master's Degree in Management with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. Master Faiferlick is a Certifed USA TaeKwonDo coach with referee experience. He also has a Coaching Authorization from the State of Iowa and has coached since 2007 at the high school level for football, wrestling, and golf. Since 1997 he has coached in the Fort Dodge Community with youth soccer, baseball, basketball, softball, and football. He has participated at an elite level in TaeKwonDo at the local, state, national, and international competitions. He has earned 6 State Championships and 4 National Championship Titles in both forms and sparring. He started national level competitions in 1989 and won 4 national titles in 2003 and 2004. In 1992 and 1993, he competed in the first two U.S. Open international tournaments representing the USA. He has participated in training camps at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs in 1996 and 2014.

Mr. Dietz began his martial art's training in 1968 studying Taekwondo under Master H.U Lee. In 1971 the army sent him to Viet Nam, where he continued his training in Tang Soo Do under the instruction of Captain Lamont Turner. Mr. Dietz also traveled to a nearby Air Force base to train with instructors from the R.O.K army. In 1991 Mr.Dietz began training under Master Pepin and in 2004 Mr. Dietz was promoted to 5th Degree Black Belt by Master Pepin. Mr Dietz and is owner of the Southwest Iowa Taekwondo Academy in Council Bluffs,Iowa.

Master Pepin is the founder of the International Combat Arts Federation and the Sogo Ryu BuJutsu system. He began his martial arts training in 1975 while stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha Nebraska. Master Pepin found his skills useful on more than one occasion during his 25 year career with the Omaha Police Department where he retired as Chief of Police in 2003.

During his law enforcement career Master Pepin served as a member of the training academy staff and was a state certified law enforcement instructor. Among his primary duties while assigned to the training staff was the responsibility for conducting In-Service Defensive Tactics Instruction for the department.

Master Pepin has a bachelors degree in criminal justice and a masters degree in administration. He is also an instrument rated private pilot.

Master Pepin holds black belt rank in several different systems including; 8th Degree in Sogo Ryu Bujutsu, 8th Degree in Taekwondo, 4th Degree in Hapkido, 5th Degree in U.S.M.A. Jujitsu, 5th Degree in U.S.M.A. Judo, 2nd Degree U.S.J.A. Judo and 2nd Degree U.S.J.A. Jujitsu. Master Pepin is a life member of the U.S.J.A and U.S.M.A. During his martial arts career he has had the privilege to study under the tutelage of many martial arts notables including
Master H.U Lee - Taekwondo
Master Dale Craig - Taekwondo/Jujitsu
O' Sensei Phillip Porter - Judo/Jujitsu
Hachidan Delo Lee - Judo
Hachidan Burl Parsons - Weeping Style Jujitsu
Soke Dave McNeil - Goju Shorei Weapons

In addition to training with these fine instructors, Master Pepin has had the opportunity to attend seminars taught by some of America's top instructors. It is his belief that each system or style has something unique to offer and in spite of his substantial martial arts credentials he continues to seek out continuing opportunities to learn from others.

On September 29th, 2018 Master Pepin was promoted to Rokudan, 6th Degree Black Belt in Judo by Dr. Lee.

In 1989 at the age of 41 I started training as a member of the ATA under the instruction of Mr. Mark Shirley. In April of 1991 I earned my 1st degree black belt under the instruction of Mr. John Morrison as a member of Martial Arts Research Systems and my 2nd degree black belt in April 1993 under the instruction of Master Alan Pepin. After attaining 2nd degree black belt I entered the trainee instructor program and became a certified instructor in April 1994. In February 1996 I earned my 3rd degree black belt and in June 1999 earned my current rank of 4th degree black belt under Master Alan Pepin as a member of ICAF. When Master Pepin closed his school in 2004 I began attending the Ralston Taekwondo Center in order to continue my training with Mr. Carl Cuozzo and Mr. Tony Ray and also continue as an instructor.On August 23rd, 2014 I was promoted to 5th Degree Black Belt by master Pepin at the 2013 National testing in Sioux Falls South Dakota.

I started martials arts at age 8 in Ninjutsu at Robert Bussey Warrior International. I trained in Ninjutsu until 1991. In 1992 I started Judo at Burke High School under Dr. Lee. Our first dojo open in 2005 in Bellevue Nebraska. Currently Mr. Reinders is a Continental Level Coach for USA Judo and is coaching 12 Students on the US Jr National Roster and 3 Adults on the senior national roster. Mr. Reinders is a life member of United States Judo Association, United States Martial Arts Association and the International Combat Arts Federation. "I have been very fortunate in my martial arts career to learn and train with the greatest judokas around and build life long friendships."

On September 29th, 2018 Mr. Reinders was promoted to Rokudan, 6th Degree Black Belt in Judo by Dr. Lee.

Harry A. Nelson began his training at Southwest Iowa TaeKwonDo under the tutelage of Mr. Leon Dietz in 2003 at age 38. He was introduced to the instructor trainee program as a blue belt and began leading classes through warm-ups and gradually moving on to other curriculum while under the supervision of certified instructors. He was promoted to 1st degree black belt in May of 2005 at age 40. Mr. Nelson was promoted to 3rd degree black belt in November of 2008 and continues to teach at Sothwest Iowa TaeKwonDo. He is also a 2nd degree black sash in the padded weapons program at S.W.I.T. His previous training was in TangSooDo in whiche he earned a green belt. Mr. Nelson is happily married to wife Melissa since 1985, has 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren.

"If I have any regrets of my training in the Sogo-Ryu Bujutsu system, it is that I should have began it much sooner in my life. I have experienced many wonderful moments and have met many wonderful people. "---Harry A. Nelson

Dr. Delo Lee serves as the technical adviser to the I.C.A.F for our new Combat judo program. Dr. Lee is a U.S Navy veteran having served from 1961-1965.

Dr. Lee began teaching Judo while attending South Dakota State University in 1968. He Moved to Omaha Nebraska in 1970 and began teaching Judo in the Omaha Public School System for 30 years. During this time he also taught Judo at Iowa Western Community College, and University at Omaha. He organized and taught at 2 U.S.J.A Gold Star Clubs, 1 Class A club, and 2 class C clubs at the same time.

Over his 30+ year span teaching it is estimated that he taught over 22,000 students. He has taught one student that became a national champion, and one that went on to become an international competitor. Too many of students to count through the years have become local champions. Many of his students have gone on to open their own school of Judo.

At present he holds the Ranks of 8th Degree Judo, 7th degree Jujitsu, 1st degree Taekwondo, 7th Degree in Sogo Ryu Bujutsu and has trained in the art of Savate. Dr. Lee is a Life member in The United States Judo Association and The United States Martial Arts Association and holds the position of Master Instructor and Master Examiner in both.

Dr. Lee has studied under the tutelage of Daryl Darling, John Frady, Bill Montgomery, Suk ki Shin, Yon Kim Pak, and Phil Porter.

He enjoys giving clinics because he says you always meet the best people there. He has always said that to look good, surround yourself with good people. He feels that he has done that.

On September 29th, 2018 Dr. Lee was promoted to 9th Degree, Kudan in Judo by the Board of the International Combat Arts Federation and by his many Black Belt students.

Master Doug Blomker began his martial arts training while in high school in Humboldt Iowa under Master Michael Hemann, and then later under Jon Bogaard. Master Blomker was awarded 1st degree Black Belt in 1977 and began instructing that year. In 1978 he moved to Omaha Nebraska where he began to take instruction under Master Dale Craig while attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha. While there he received his second degree Black Belt. In 1980 Master Blomker moved to Lincoln Nebraska where he managed a martial arts school under Master Roger Terrell. While in Lincoln he was awarded his third degree Black Belt. In 1981 Master Blomker moved to Sioux Falls South Dakota where he purchased and operated the Taekwondo Karate Academy. In 1983 Master Blomker received the American Taekwondo Association National Instructor of the Year Award. In 1984 he was awarded his fourth degree Black Belt. In 1996 he was was awarded his 5th degree Black Belt again under the instruction of Master Dale Craig with Martial Arts Research Systems. In 2001 Master Blomker was awarded he 6th degree Black Belt from Master Alan Pepin with the International Combat Arts Federation. In August 2011 Master Pepin promoted Master Blomker to Shichidan (7th Degree) at the 2011 ICAF National Testing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In 1989 Master Blomker elected to make a life change and became a trooper with the South Dakota Highway Patrol. He remained with the SDHP for 15 years before leaving it to become the Assistant Director of Emergency Management for Minnehaha County in Sioux Falls South Dakota. In his current position he administers nearly 100 volunteers for the county including the Minnehaha County Police Reserves, a Search and Rescue team, a dive team, as well as doing the other duties his job requires. He is also a defensive tactics and State certified firearms instructor. Master Blomker currently operates a Taekwondo club in the town of Harrisburg South Dakota where he has 20 students ranging from beginners to 3rd degree Black Belts. Master Blomker is a member of the International Combat Arts Federation Advisory Board and has been an important part of the I.C.A.F. organization since it's inception. Master Pepin often relies on Master Blomker's advice and experience, he is an essential component of our organizations success.

Mr. Steve Sinning began his Martial Arts training with the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) in1976 in Sioux Falls, SD, under the instruction of Mr. Jack Hauswirth. He continued his training in the ATA under the instruction of Mr. Rick Juul, Mr. Ron Bosch, Mr. Alan Fees, Master Doug Blomker, and Master Larry Hoover. Mr. Sinning was awarded his 1st and 2nd Degree Black belts in the ATA.

In 1989 Mr. Sinning started the Lennox Taekwondo Club in Lennox, SD. He joined the Taekwondo America organization in 1990 under Master Jee Ho Lee. Mr. Sinning became a Certified Instructor in 1991 and was awarded his 3rd Degree black belt in 1992 under Master Jee Ho Lee.

In 1999 Mr. Sinning joined the International Combat Arts Federation under Master Alan Pepin. In 2000 he was awarded his 4th Degree and in 2009 his 5th Degree Black belt under Master Pepin. In August 2014 Master Pepin promoted Master Sinning to 6th Degree at the ICAF National Testing, held in Sioux Falls, SD. Mr. Sinning operates the Lennox Taekwondo Club with the assistance of Mr. Chuck Johnson a 6th Degree Black belt Certified instructor. Mr. Sinning is a valued member of the I.C.A.F Advisory Board and continues to take a leadership role in the organization.

Mr. Sinning is an integral part of the community and has farmed in the Lennox area since graduating from USD in 1976. Mr. Sinning is married to his lovely wife, Patty, and they have 2 children. Allison a 2nd Degree Black belt Certified Instructor and Alex a 1st Degree Black belt.

Ms. Allison Sinning began her Martial Arts training with the Taekwondo America organization in Lennox, SD at the age of five (1990) under close instruction of her father, Mr. Steve Sinning. She was awarded her 1st degree black belt in April 2000 by the International Combat Arts Federation.

Ms. Sinning was promoted to a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Januray 2005 and was certifed as an I.C.A.F instructor in 2006 by Master Pepin. Ms. Sinning was promoted to 3rd degree Black Belt by Master Pepin in August 2007

Ms. Sinning currently assists Mr. Steve Sinning and Mr. Chuck Johnson at the Lennox Taekwondo Club where she continues to learn, train and be mentored by other black belts in the I.C.A.F Organization.On August 23rd, 2014 Ms. Sinning was promoted to 4th Degree Black Belt by Master Pepin at the 2014 ICAF National Testing in Sioux Falls South Dakota.

Mr. Jamie Boley began Tae Kwon Do in 1985 under Mister Richard Lough in Estherville, Iowa. He received his first degree in 1988 from the same school. When Mr. Boley went away to college at Iowa State University, he joined with the college Tae Kwon Do Club. He earned his 2nd degree in 1992 and his 3rd degree in 1995. He was also one of the three instructors at the club and would ocassionally substitute at other nearby clubs. While at ISU, he also worked up through red belt in Hapkido and spent alot of time boxing. On August 23rd, 2013 Mr. Boley was promoted to 5th Degree Black Belt by Master Pepin at the ICAF National Testing in Sioux Falls South Dakota.

Dr. Dennis Stevens began his serious study of the martial arts in Illinois, where he trained in Kuk Sool Won under Master Zefo. He began his study of Tae Kwon Do when he arrived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he trained with Mr.Charlie Azzara, Mr. Steve Sinning, Master Doug Blomker, and Ms. Lori Soldake. Dr. Stevens taught and trained together with Mr. Azzara for ten years and joined the International Combat Arts Federation as an instructor in 1999.

Dr. Stevens received his 5th degree black belt in Sogo Ryu BuJutsu from Master Pepin in 2011 and has continued to teach in Virginia. Currently, he teaches reality-based self-defense classes at Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia, where he is the Provost and Dean of the Faculty.