As any student of the martial arts knows, it takes an incredible amount of dedication and perseverence to achieve the rank of black belt. The following individuals are currently active SDY certified black belts. We are proud to showcase them here.
| Rank: | III Dan (TaeKwon-Do) |
| Joined S.D.Y: | 1997 |
| Rank: | II Dan |
| Joined S.D.Y: | 1999 |
Mr. Gregory Arndt started training at SDY in 1999. He holds a II Dan in TaeKwon-Do and also enjoys training in Ju Jitsu. Along with his training, he assists in teaching the kids and adult classes. When he isn't training, teaching, or at his day job, he enjoys rock climbing, playing chess, brewing his own beer, and wandering across the country.
| Rank: | II Dan - TaeKwon-Do |
| Joined S.D.Y: | 2001 |
| Rank: | I Dan (TaeKwon-Do) |
| Joined S.D.Y: | 2013 |
Ms. Lauren Bearden began training in the martial arts in 1997 at Washburn TaeKwon-Do in Washburn, Illinois where she earned her I Dan. Before joining S.D.Y she also trained with Smith Sport TaeKwon-Do in Sycamore, Illinois while studying at Northern Illinois University. Both schools were World TaeKwon-Do Federation/Olympic style focus.
She joined S.D.Y in 2013 and became a US Kido Federation certified I Dan in TaeKwon-Do in June 2014. Ms. Bearden enjoys studying Ju-Jitsu and self defense in class. In her free time Ms. Bearden enjoys traveling, running marathons, and being involved in the community.
| Rank: | Honorary Black Belt |
| Rank: | Probationary I Dan (TaeKwon-Do) |
| Joined S.D.Y: | 2002 |