Reality Based Self Defence NZ

**Official Notice**

We are deeply saddened to acknowledge the passing of Mr Blair Martin of United ITF Combat & Traditional Taekwon Do Schools.

Mr Martin was a respected leader, Instructor and a valued part of both the wider Taekwon-Do and martial arts community for many years. His journey from student to building a successful organisation was a testament to his dedication, passion and commitment to others.

His influence on the lives of his students and the community will be lasting and his absence will be felt for years to come.

Our thoughts and condolences are with his partner Kylee, children family, friends and all those he inspired including the Stevenson family.

Rest easy Sir. Your legacy will live on for generations.

RBSDNZ whānau and wider martial arts family

It is with deep sadness that we share the loss of one of our own.

Our brother Mr. Noah Lee Tietjens was a valued member of our martial arts family - a ICHF Cane Instructor and a dedicated student preparing to test for his Black Belt in Combat Hapkido. He trained with heart, humility, commitment and he would have been celebrating his birthday 05.03.26.

Tragically, Noah lost his life while serving the United States Army in Kuwait and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

We ask our RBSDNZ community, friends, fellow martial artists and families to please keep Noah’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

A college fund has been established for his son. If you feel moved to contribute, you can do so here:
Dylan Tietjens Education Fund
https://gofund.me/bbd5d9f07

Our heartfelt love and prayers go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ngā mihi mō tō mahi nui.
Whakatā te hōia, moe mai rā i runga i te rangimārie.
Your watch may be over, but your legacy remains.

Rest in peace brother.

We are heartbroken to share the loss of our brother, Sergeant First Class Noah Lee Tietjens, who tragically lost his life while serving our country in Kuwait.

To us, he was Mr. Noah, a devoted husband and father, a respected Black Belt in Philippine Combatives and Taekwondo, and an instructor who gave his time, discipline, and leadership to others.

Noah lived the martial arts code and he carried that same character as a soldier.

He did not simply wear a Black Belt… he lived it.
He led with integrity.
He trained with purpose.
He taught with humility.

On the mat, he trained as a martial artist.
In uniform, he served as a soldier.

In both roles, he carried the same values: honor, discipline, service, and commitment to others.

His impact on our students, our instructors, our academy, and everyone he crossed paths with will endure far beyond this moment.

We will honor him the way disciplined people do - martial artists, soldiers, and leaders - by continuing to live the standard he carried.

Mr. Noah Lee Tietjens… your legacy remains on this mat and it lives on beyond these walls, in the world you served.

For those who have asked how they may support the family, a college fund has been established for his son Dylan in lieu of flowers.

Dylan Tietjens Education Fund
https://gofund.me/bbd5d9f07

Keep the Tietjens family in your prayers, and please share this post so our Bellevue, Omaha, and Sarpy County community can come together - military or civilian, parent or spouse, friend or neighbor, anyone who has ever carried loss. If you’re able, leave a few words in this thread - encouragement, comfort, or a lesson learned through grief - so the family has something to hold onto and return to again and again.

May they feel that he is remembered not only as a fallen warrior, but as ONE OF OURS. Thank you for standing with this family in unity. 💛🙏 🇺🇸

Merry Christmas 🎄

As we come to the end of another year, I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for being part of our wider community - whether you are training with us, supporting from the sidelines, or following our journey.

To our students - thank you for your commitment, effort and willingness to show up, learn and grow. Your progress, resilience and respect for one another are what make our community so special.

To our parents, guardians and partners - thank you for the support you give your children, your partners and each other. Your encouragement, time and trust play a vital role in helping our students succeed both on and off the mats.

To our Instructors - thank you for your dedication and for giving up your valuable time to teach, mentor and guide. Your passion, patience and leadership are the backbone of what we do and we are deeply grateful for everything you contribute.

To our extended ICHF and RBSDNZ families, fellow martial arts schools and martial artists who follow and support our page - thank you for standing alongside us, sharing knowledge, values and mutual respect across systems and styles. The strength of the martial arts community lies in unity, growth and shared purpose.

We are incredibly proud of the community we continue to build together and the values we uphold. We wish you all a safe, restful, and joyful Christmas, and we look forward to another year of learning, growth, and connection in the New Year.

Merry Christmas, warm wishes and stay safe.
Yours in the arts
Master Susan Stevenson