Instructors

With a martial arts journey spanning over 35 years, Mr. Leonhardt brings a rare depth of experience and real-world expertise to the students of Lionheart Martial Arts. His passion was first ignited in 1989, and though he has explored a multitude of disciplines—including Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, BJJ, and Jeet Kune Do—his dedication has always returned to the tradition and power of Taekwon-Do.

Mr. Leonhardt's commitment to the art was solidified under the tutelage of Grand Master Doerksen, where he immersed himself in training up to five days a week. This dedication allowed him to earn his I Dan Black Belt in just three and a half years and has since led him to achieve the rank of 6th Degree Black Belt.

This lifelong dedication to martial arts is paralleled by a distinguished career in law enforcement. Since 2008, Mr. Leonhardt has served as a police officer and is a certified Police Defensive Tactics Instructor. This professional experience provides him with a unique, reality-based perspective on self-defence, which he integrates into every class to ensure the techniques are both practical and effective.

Above all, Mr. Leonhardt is guided by strong family values. He founded Lionheart Martial Arts on the ideology of creating a "Taekwon-Do Family"—a supportive, respectful, and encouraging community in Blackfalds where individuals and families can learn, grow, and build confidence together.

Ms. Leonhardt is the co-owner of Lionheart Martial Arts and the heart of our "Lion Cubs" program, serving as its dedicated Program Coordinator and head instructor. With a passion for early childhood development that began in 2005, she holds a Level 1 Certification as an Alberta Early Childhood Educator. This deep understanding of preschool-aged children allows her to create a unique and nurturing environment where our youngest students (ages 4-6) can thrive.

Although her official Taekwon-Do training began in 2018, Ms. Leonhardt has been an integral part of the martial arts community since 2005. Her journey in Ch'ang-Hon Taekwon-Do has been marked by remarkable dedication and achievement.

As a certified ICTF Class B Umpire and a respected member of the ICTF Alberta Promotion Committee, Ms. Leonhardt contributes to the integrity and standards of our art at a provincial level. Her skill and spirit are further exemplified by her accomplishments on the world stage as a 2025 Team Canada Competitor and a double Gold Medalist in both Patterns and Sparring at the World Championships.

A passionate advocate for female leadership, Ms. Leonhardt serves as an outstanding role model, inspiring young girls to become strong, confident women. She actively gives back to the community, volunteering for the past two years with the "Girls on Fire" program, empowering the next generation of female leaders.

Ms. Leonhardt embodies the family-oriented spirit of our club. As the main Assistant Instructor for Lionheart Martial Arts, she is a leader to students of all ages. While her expertise in early childhood education makes her the foundational guide for our Lion Cubs program, her instruction and influence are vital across all ranks. Ms. Leonhardt is dedicated to our mission of not just building martial artists, but of fostering confidence, discipline, and character in every student. She is a cornerstone of our Taekwon-Do family and a true example of strength and dedication.

Mr. McMullen is a seasoned martial artist who began his Taekwon-Do journey over 26 years ago, training extensively throughout Alberta. As a III Dan Black Belt and Assistant Instructor with Lionheart Martial Arts, he brings a wealth of experience and a deep-seated passion for the art to our Dojang. For Mr. McMullen, Taekwon-Do is a family affair; he has had the unique privilege of training alongside all his family members, and his daughter, a II Dan Black Belt, continues the tradition by teaching in Airdrie.

Upon earning his own Black Belt, Mr. McMullen embraced the profound understanding that this achievement was not an end, but the true beginning of his training. This belief fuels his commitment to continuous learning and drives his desire to guide the next generation of students. Serving as an Assistant Instructor at our club is a personal highlight for him, as he is dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of our Taekwon-Do family.

Outside the Dojang, Mr. McMullen has had a distinguished career in Emergency Services. His leadership and dedication were recognized on a national level when he received the prestigious 2020 Fire Chief of the Year Award from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) and the Fire Underwriters Survey of Canada. See Article.

Mr. McMullen embodies the principles of service, discipline, and lifelong perseverance. He is an inspirational model for all students, demonstrating how the core tenets of Taekwon-Do can shape a life of purpose, both on and off the mats.