Our Instructors & Assistants

The Staff of the Hwa Rang Do Minneapolis Academy consists of a team of highly motivated and dedicated men and women who believe in the spirit of excellence which can be achieved through the practice of Hwa Rang Do & Tae Soo Do. Chief Instructor Dylan Sirny teaches them regularly on improving their skills as a teacher, instructor, and councilor, and we are all always striving to continue our own education as well.

Team Kwan Chang

Team Kwan Chang is the group of staff members who oversee all of the dojang activities.

Chief Instructor Dylan Sirny - began his Hwa Rang Do training when the UW - Eau Claire club was initially founded. Understanding some of the many benefits Hwa Rang Do has to offer, he transferred to the Midwest Headquarters in Madison to pursue his education further in this art. This is where he was trained by Master David Kijek and also began assisting and teaching classes. While assisting in the growth of the Madison schools, he continued his education at UW - Madison where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in East Asian Studies.

Soon after, he was fortunate enough to receive a special apprenticeship program at the Hwa Rang Do World Headquarters, with the Founder of this art, Dr. Joo Bang Lee. This was a truly unique and awesome opportunity, in which he was groomed as the head instructor of the dojang and administrator for some of the activities of the WHRDA. While there, he was educated in the traditional Way of the martial arts as well as its physical techniques by this art's founder, Dr. Joo Bang Lee, and his eldest son Grandmaster Taejoon Lee.

While enjoying the many seasons of Minnesota (yes, including winter) and activities like music, camping, and windsurfing, his heart is connected and committed to instructing Hwa Rang Do. He has taught in summer school programs, with football teams, at local schools and churches, numerous corporations, and presented various demonstrations around the region. He is currently a 4th Degree Black Sash, Director of Public Relations for the World Hwa Rang Do Association, and is the chief instructor and owner of the Hwa Rang Do Minneapolis, MN Academy where he continues to work on teaching the principles of this art to the next generation of practitioners.

Instructor Preston Packard - began learning Hwa Rang Do here in the Minneapolis area after Instructor Sirny first started teaching here in the twin cities area. From this time, he has trained on a very committed level working hard and sweating 6 days a week here at the dojang. Mr. Packard has become the bulldog of the school on and off the mat. From helping lead classes and teaching, to construction work on our new facility, his contributions to our Minneapolis Academy have been tremendous. as he selflessly gives his support to the school and his leadership to the next generation of practitioners. For those of you who want a solid grappling or sparring match jump on in with Mr. Packard as you will be sure to learn something ^^

Instructor Alyssa Marlenee - started her train when the U of MN Club was started at the Twin Cities Campus. She has taken a very serious approach to her training, understanding that the martial art pursuit is one of searching for perfection. This search takes place on very many deep levels, and Ms. Marlenee is committed to this quest of mental and physical harmony here at the Academy. Ms. Marlenee has also won numerous recognitions through her performances at regional and international Hwa Rang Do competitions winning 1st place in almost every division she has competed in from forms, weapons, sparring, and grappling as a Hwa Rang Do practitioner, including the Black Sash Female Champion award at our world championships every year since she achived that rank. Along with training hard, she currently is the current head instructor at the U of MN Club.

Assistant Instructors - Teuk Gong Team

As individuals progress through training, our school offers leadership opportunities for those who excel in their martial art training and in their motivation. These individuals comprise the assitants of our program and can be found in both our adult and junior classes. The Teuk Gong Team (Special Forces Team) are personally invited by Chief Instructor Sirny and must uphold and represent the highest ideals of our art. They are the role models of the Dojang and must adhere to a strict code of conduct, and the Junior TGT Members must maintain a minimum of a "B" average at school and follow our 8 home rules for children.

Adult TGT
Douglas Cole
Alina Cole
Brett Shields
Jason Ritenour
Mangan Pulford
Elias Dawson

Junior TGT
Max Finch-Raymond
Hunter Hohlfeld
Ella Sullivan
Erik Graba
Kellan Moore
Alex Haw
Emma O'Neil