Strength, skill, and confidence at any age.
About Black Belt Leadership Academy
A community where martial arts meets mentorship, and every student is encouraged to lead.
Meet Our Team
Sensei Corey Holzman – Owner & Head Instructor
Sensei Holzman is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Karate with additional ranks in Kobudo, Escrima, Shorei-Ryu, and Tae Kwon Do. He began training at age nine and earned his first black belt in 2001. As an accomplished competitor, he’s won world titles in Ireland, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, and has consistently ranked in the Top 10 with NASKA.
Outside of martial arts, Sensei Holzman holds a degree in science and a teaching certificate. His background includes creating martial arts programs for youth in treatment centers and working as both a special education and science teacher. His passion for instruction and personal development drives everything he brings to Black Belt Leadership Academy.
Sensei Mark Weinberg – Founder
Sensei Weinberg is a 7th Degree Black Belt in Karate with over 30 years of martial arts experience. He holds certifications in Sports Weaponry and Kobudo, and has trained with respected figures across multiple disciplines. A lifelong educator, Sensei Weinberg also holds a Ph.D. in Theatre and spent decades teaching communication, problem-solving, and violence prevention through applied theatre.
He co-founded the Milwaukee Open Martial Arts Tournament and continues to train and compete, winning major titles in recent years. His greatest achievement, however, is mentoring generations of students—many of whom now teach and lead in their own communities.
Sensei Michael Beal – Lead Instructor (Wauwatosa)
Michael Beal is a dedicated martial artist and educator who began his journey at Black Belt Leadership Academy at the age of seven. By sixteen, he transitioned into an instructional role, bringing over a decade of experience to his teaching. Michael holds a 4th Degree Black Belt in Karate and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kobudo.
As the Lead Instructor at the Wauwatosa location, Michael is known for his enthusiastic and passionate approach to teaching. He specializes in sparring and traditional forms, actively competing in tournaments across the Midwest. Michael’s commitment to martial arts and his students fosters a supportive and challenging environment, encouraging each student to reach their full potential.
Our Instructors & Staff
Our team is filled with passionate martial artists who bring years of training and real-life leadership into every class. All instructors started as students within the academy and now help guide the next generation.
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Ada Gerth – 3rd Degree Black Belt, Instructor since 2015
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Haley Powers – 3rd Degree Black Belt (Karate & Kobudo), Instructor since 2019
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Melissa Myers – 2nd Degree Black Belt (Karate), 1st in Kobudo, Instructor since 2023
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Shiv & Avi Muthupandiyan – 3rd and 2nd Degree Black Belts, Instructors since 2021 and 2023
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Jake Dahlgren & Liam Apps – 2nd Degree Black Belts, Instructors since 2022
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Braylynn Irby & Phoenix Verdin – 1st Degree Black Belts, Instructors since 2024
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Kathy MacDonald – 1st Degree Black Belt and office manager
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Rebecca Sloan – Summer Camp Director and MPS educator, currently pursuing her Master’s in Library Science
Our instructors & Staff
Our team is filled with passionate martial artists who bring years of training and real-life leadership into every class. All instructors started as students within the academy and now help guide the next generation.
-
Ada Gerth – 3rd Degree Black Belt, Instructor since 2015
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Haley Powers – 3rd Degree Black Belt (Karate & Kobudo), Instructor since 2019
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Melissa Myers – 2nd Degree Black Belt (Karate), 1st in Kobudo, Instructor since 2023
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Shiv & Avi Muthupandiyan – 3rd and 2nd Degree Black Belts, Instructors since 2021 and 2023
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Jake Dahlgren & Liam Apps – 2nd Degree Black Belts, Instructors since 2022
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Braylynn Irby & Phoenix Verdin – 1st Degree Black Belts, Instructors since 2024
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Kathy MacDonald – 1st Degree Black Belt and office manager
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Rebecca Sloan – Summer Camp Director and MPS educator, currently pursuing her Master’s in Library Science
Two Locations. One Mission
With academies in both Greenfield and Wauwatosa, our mission remains the same: deliver top-tier martial arts instruction in a space where every student feels seen, supported, and challenged to be their best.
Contact Us
Black Belt Leadership Academy – Wauwatosa
Location: 9208 W Center St.
Milwaukee, WI 53222
Phone: +1 (414) 258-4111
View Schedule: Schedule
Black Belt Leadership Academy – Greenfield
Location: 4440 S. 108th St.
Greenfield, WI 53208
Phone: +1 (414) 258-4111
View Schedule: Schedule