Sr. Master Redden
Sr. Master Redden is a 7th-Dan Black Belt and Head Instructor. He instructs Beginners, Adults, Hyungs, Mighty Tigers and Salina Black Belts.
Arlen first started Tae-kwon-do at the age of 14. He became interested in martial arts after watching TV shows like Walker Texas Ranger. After doing research on the different styles of martial arts and looking at the schools available in Salina, he decided Tae-kwon-do was most fitting to his interests. With the help of his sister Elina, Arlen was able to convince his family that Tae-kwon-do would be a great family activity. In September of 1995 Arlen began taking Tae-kwon-do from Sun Yi’s Academy. His first instructors at the Salina Sun Yi’s Academy were Jr. Master Susan Seim, Bruce Seim along with Eric Tran and Tom Goding. He also had instruction from Jr. Master Lanny Zadina of the Minneapolis, KS school, and later while training for 3-Dan degree, he received training from Master Bill Cody of Hutchinson, KS. In addition, he has been able to attend Black Belt classes and receive further instruction from Grand Master Yi in Topeka, KS. Arlen currently is the head instructor of the Sun Yi’s Academy, Salina branch and is working hard at maintaining and bettering his skills in Tae-kwon-do. On April 8, 2005, Arlen married a lovely young lady named Hayley who is also working towards perfecting her martial arts skills. Arlen looks forward to what the future will bring for the Salina branch of Sun Yi’s Academy and is very thankful for the group of instructors sharing his dream.
Master Sibilla
Master Mark Sibilla is a 6th-Dan Black Belt and has more than 20 years of Tae Kwon Do experience with Sun Yi’s Academy. He teaches both children’s and adult’s classes, and assists Master Redden with both novice and advanced students. Master Sibilla is a Co-Teacher in the Special Education department at Salina South Middle School where he shares the tenets of Tae Kwon Do and the lessons he has learned through his journeys with his students.
Master Holly Peppersack
I started Tae Kwon Do in 2007 at the Hays Sun Yi’s Academy with Master Biskie. I received my 1st-Dan in July of 2009 right after graduating from Fort Hays State University. Then moved back to Salina and stated taking classes under Master Redden. In April of 2011 I received my 2-Dan, and in December of 2013 I earned by 3-Dan. I have been teaching classes and helping out around the school sense I got my 1st-Dan and continually striving to get better and love helping the color belts improve their skills. I just recently earned my 5th-Dan Black belt, and look forward to continuing this journey.
Jr. Master Jason Langen
Jason Langen Is a 4th-Dan Black Belt at Sun Yi’s Academy of Tae Kwon Do. He started at Sun Yi’s Salina in 2010. After trying out the first class, he knew he chose the right place to train. Jason first started his Martial Arts training at age six in Great Bend Kansas under instruction from (the late) Wayman Johnson, at the Great Bend Karate Institute. Jason earned his recommended Black Belt in (Moo Duk Kwan) Tae Kwon Do at age 13. After Wayman moved to Topeka, Jason continued his training with Master Joe Felke in Great Bend, which is part of Kim’s Academy. At age 15, Jason decided to take a break. That break turned out to be a 20 year break. He came into Sun Yi’s with a determination to make up for lost time. Jason wanted to start out at white belt and go through the journey once again. He achieved his 1st Dan Black Belt in 2012, his 2nd Dan in 2014, and his 3-Dan in 2017. Jason has also earned a Black Belt in Go-Ju-Ryu Karate from Master Sam Price in Hutchinson Kansas. Jason is now looking forward to seeing his daughter and son achieve their goals at Sun Yi’s Academy. Jason enjoys instructing students at Sun Yi’s and handing down his knowledge in self-defense training techniques to students that share his passion for Tae Kwon Do.
To read more about Jason’s journey in Martial arts please check out his 3-Dan Essay here.
Jr. Master Zach Crabbs
Jr. Master Zach Crabbs is a 4th-Dan Black Belt and Instructor at Sun Yi’s Academy. He instructs Beginners, Color Belts, and assists with Basics and Forms classes.
Zach began his Tae-kwon-do journey not as a student, but as a parent. When his son Eli expressed interest in martial arts, Zach supported him from the sidelines, attending classes and helping him practice at home. Wanting to lead by example and believing it was important to fully understand what he was asking of his son, Zach joined the school himself. What began as support quickly grew into a personal commitment to growth, discipline, and continual improvement.
Progress did not come quickly, and Zach learned early that earning a black belt was not an endpoint but the beginning of a deeper journey. Through his training, he discovered that one of the greatest ways to grow in Tae-kwon-do was by helping others grow. Though initially uncomfortable with public speaking and teaching, Zach accepted opportunities to instruct, starting with basics and gradually gaining confidence. Over time, teaching became something he not only accepted, but genuinely looked forward to.
Zach views his students as an extended family and believes strongly in meeting each individual where they are. He understands that students come with different challenges, backgrounds, and confidence levels, and he strives to be a consistent voice of encouragement and support. Zach believes that martial arts instruction extends beyond physical technique and that building confidence, perseverance, and self-worth is just as important as teaching forms or self-defense.
Jr. Master Crabbs continues to work diligently to improve his Tae-kwon-do skills and his ability to pass on knowledge to his students. He is thankful for the opportunity to teach, to learn from those around him at every rank, and to help cultivate an environment where respect, trust, and growth can thrive.
Jr. Master Kim Crabbs
Jr. Master Kim Crabbs is a 4th-Dan Black Belt and Instructor at Sun Yi’s Academy. She instructs Beginners, Color Belts, and assists with Basics and Forms classes.
Kim’s Tae-kwon-do journey has been marked by perseverance through both physical and mental challenges. Over the past several years, she has continued her training while navigating significant health limitations, learning firsthand what it means to press forward even when progress feels slow or uncertain. Through this experience, Kim has come to deeply understand that perseverance is not measured by perfection, but by consistency and commitment.
Kim believes strongly in the importance of simply continuing to show up. Whether facing mental fatigue, physical limitations, or moments of discouragement, she encourages students to do what they can and to keep moving forward. Her approach to instruction is rooted in compassion, patience, and respect for individual limitations, recognizing that every student is facing struggles that may not be visible.
As an instructor, Kim strives to be a source of encouragement and understanding. She emphasizes that Tae-kwon-do is not only about technique, strength, or memory, but about developing perseverance that carries over into everyday life. By helping students work through challenges in class, she hopes to equip them with the confidence and resilience to persevere beyond the mat.
Jr. Master Crabbs is grateful for the instructors and community at Sun Yi’s Academy who have supported her journey and continues to work diligently to improve her skills and her ability to encourage others. She is honored to be part of a tradition that values discipline, respect, and perseverance, and she remains committed to helping students continue forward—one step at a time.
Mr. Jerry Cox
Mr. Jerry Cox is a 3rd-Dan Black Belt and Instructor at Sun Yi’s Academy. He has been active in Tae-kwon-do since April of 2008 and has faithfully assisted Sr. Master Redden with the Mighty Tigers program every Tuesday since the class began in 2015.
Jerry’s Tae-kwon-do journey began as a parent. When his daughter expressed interest in learning martial arts, Jerry and his wife carefully researched schools in the Salina area before enrolling her at Sun Yi’s Academy. After watching her excitement and progress, Jerry decided to step onto the mat himself. What began as a way to support his daughters quickly became a personal commitment to training, growth, and lifelong learning.
As he progressed through the ranks, Jerry discovered that Tae-kwon-do consistently presented new challenges—each form, one-step, and technique offering opportunities to improve both physically and mentally. He learned early that earning a black belt was not an ending, but the beginning of a lifelong journey of refinement, practice, and humility.
Jerry brings patience, understanding, and encouragement into his teaching, especially with younger students. Through years of working with Mighty Tigers, he has learned that every child learns differently and that strong foundations—both in technique and confidence—are essential. He strives to explain concepts in ways students can understand, helping them build proper stances, discipline, and self-belief.
Tae-kwon-do has become an important source of focus and balance in Jerry’s life. He values training as a way to sharpen the mind, relieve stress, and remain grounded. He emphasizes the importance of consistent practice and often reminds students of Grand Master Yi’s advice: practice, and when in doubt, practice some more.
Jerry strongly believes in the family atmosphere of Sun Yi’s Academy and is thankful for the support, encouragement, and instruction he has received over the years. He is grateful to Grand Master Yi, Sr. Master Redden, and the entire Sun Yi’s Academy family, and looks forward to many more years of training, teaching, and helping students grow both on and off the mat.
Mr. Elijah Crabbs
Mr. Elijah Crabbs is a 3rd-Dan Black Belt and Instructor at Sun Yi’s Academy.
Elijah began his Tae-kwon-do journey in 2013 at the age of seven. What started as an early interest in martial arts quickly became a formative experience that shaped his discipline, mindset, and approach to learning. Like many young students, Elijah initially struggled with correction and the desire to do everything perfectly the first time Over time, he learned that correction is not failure, but an essential part of growth.
Through consistent training, Elijah developed a deeper understanding of indomitable spirit—learning to apply full energy, focus, and intent in everything he does. He discovered that effort produces strength, and that putting in full commitment leads to greater power, precision, and confidence. Tae-kwon-do also taught him perseverance, helping him develop the determination to keep working through challenges step by step, focusing first on understanding, then technique, and finally rhythm and refinement.
As an instructor, Elijah emphasizes effort, mindset, and steady improvement. He understands firsthand the importance of encouragement and correction working together, and he strives to help students learn how to push through frustration and continue progressing. He believes the discipline learned in Tae-kwon-do carries into everyday life, strengthening both physical ability and mental focus.
Elijah is grateful for the guidance and support of Sr. Master Redden and for the encouragement of his family, especially his father, who helped start him on this path. He looks forward to continuing his Tae-kwon-do journey and helping others grow through the same principles of discipline, perseverance, and indomitable spirit.
Ms. Amariah Redden
Ms. Amariah Redden is a 3rd-Dan Black Belt and Assistant Instructor at Sun Yi’s Academy.
Amariah began her Tae-kwon-do journey at a young age and has grown up on the mat, developing alongside the school and its students. As a child, her training was marked by energy, flexibility, and enthusiasm, but as she matured, she came to understand that true progress requires intention, discipline, and careful attention to technique. This realization led her to slow down, seek correction, and focus on proper placement, balance, and execution rather than simply moving through techniques.
Through consistent training, Amariah has learned how correction strengthens both technique and confidence. What was once difficult to receive has become an essential part of her growth, allowing her to apply instruction thoughtfully and improve with purpose. She has developed strong muscle memory, enabling her to train independently, recognize when something feels off, and make adjustments to refine power and precision.
As an assistant instructor, Amariah strives to set a positive example for younger students. She values encouragement, consistency, and effort, understanding that progress comes from doing things correctly—even when it is challenging. She believes that Tae-kwon-do should be both demanding and rewarding, and she seeks to help students experience the satisfaction that comes from hard work and improvement.
Amariah places great importance on the relationships built through Tae-kwon-do and considers her classmates and instructors to be her Tae-kwon-do family. She is thankful for the support of her parents, grandparents, instructors, and friends who have encouraged her growth both in and out of class. Tae-kwon-do has helped shape her discipline, character, and confidence, and she looks forward to continuing her journey while helping others grow alongside her.
Ms. Jessie Durr
Ms. Jessie Durr is a 3rd-Dan Black Belt and Assistant Instructor at Sun Yi’s Academy.
When Jessie first began Tae-kwon-do, she had a limited understanding of what martial arts involved, initially believing it to be focused primarily on fighting and self-defense. As she continued training, she quickly discovered that Tae-kwon-do is far more than a physical activity—it is a way of life that emphasizes discipline, dedication, respect, and personal growth. Through her training, Jessie has learned not only how to improve physically, but how to carry the values of Tae-kwon-do into her daily life.
Jessie found early inspiration by watching black belts perform their forms with focus, energy, and passion, regardless of fatigue. Their dedication motivated her to set high goals for herself and to pursue continual improvement. Over the years, she has remained committed to her training, recognizing that progress comes through consistent effort and perseverance.
A key reason Jessie has continued in Tae-kwon-do is the encouragement and guidance she has received from instructors, peers, and students of all ranks. She values learning from both higher and lower belts and appreciates the support system that pushes her to grow beyond her perceived limits. Jessie is also deeply thankful for the ongoing support of her parents, who have played an important role in her Tae-kwon-do journey through their encouragement and commitment.
Jessie values the strong sense of community at Sun Yi’s Academy and considers it a second family. Through Tae-kwon-do, she has formed lasting relationships built on mutual respect, teamwork, and shared goals. As an assistant instructor, she strives to help foster that same welcoming and supportive environment for other students.
Ms. Durr is grateful for the many lessons Tae-kwon-do has taught her and is proud to be part of the Sun Yi’s Academy family. She looks forward to continuing her journey, growing both physically and mentally, and helping guide others along their own Tae-kwon-do paths.
Mr. Ryker Redden
Mr. Ryker Redden is a 3rd-Dan Black Belt and Assistant Instructor at Sun Yi’s Academy.
Ryker began Tae-kwon-do at a young age and has trained within the Sun Yi’s Academy family. From early on, he learned the importance of consistent practice, attention to detail, and putting in effort both in and out of class. His training has helped him develop discipline, focus, and a strong work ethic.
Ryker has trained in forms, one-steps, three-steps, board breaking, and sparring, and understands that progress comes through steady practice and perseverance. He has learned that challenges and mistakes are part of the learning process and continues to work on improving his technique and understanding of Tae-kwon-do.
As an assistant instructor, Ryker helps teach the Mighty Tigers program alongside Sr. Master Redden. He enjoys working with younger students and learning how to explain techniques in ways that are clear and encouraging. Through this role, he continues to grow in his ability to help others learn.
Ryker values the guidance of the instructors and black belts at Sun Yi’s Academy and appreciates the opportunity to learn from Grand Master Yi. He looks forward to continuing his training and supporting the growth of the students around him as part of the Sun Yi’s Academy family.
Mr. Caleb Crabbs
Mr. Caleb Crabbs is a 3rd-Dan Black Belt and Instructor at Sun Yi’s Academy.
Caleb’s Tae-kwon-do journey began through his family’s involvement with Sun Yi’s Academy. Prior to starting Tae-kwon-do, Caleb faced significant physical challenges, including a major leg surgery that required extensive recovery and physical therapy. Though difficult, these early experiences shaped his understanding of perseverance and laid the foundation for his growth in martial arts.
As Caleb began training, he quickly discovered that Tae-kwon-do helped improve his flexibility, strength, and overall confidence. Working through physical limitations taught him that perseverance is not only a physical effort, but a mental commitment to continue moving forward despite challenges. Through consistent training, Caleb learned the importance of proper stances, technique, and discipline, and found that Tae-kwon-do positively impacted both his body and mindset.
Caleb places strong emphasis on the tenets of Tae-kwon-do—courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit—especially perseverance. He believes that growth comes from the willingness to continue showing up, even when progress feels difficult. This mindset has carried over into his role as an instructor, where he encourages students to face challenges with determination and confidence.
Caleb values the support of both his Tae-kwon-do family and his personal family and is deeply grateful for the instructors who have guided and supported him throughout his journey. As an instructor, he strives to help students understand that everyone faces obstacles, and that through perseverance and encouragement, those challenges can be overcome.
Mr. Crabbs looks forward to continuing his Tae-kwon-do journey, growing as an instructor, and helping students develop both the skills and character that traditional Tae-kwon-do instills.