Meet our Owners
Instructors
Taylor Kent - Owner - Chief Instructor
Taylor Kent started martial arts when I was 11—not for sport or trophies, but because I wanted to feel strong. I wanted to feel safe in my own body. At the time, I didn’t have many people I could rely on. I was looking for something that would help me feel confident, capable, and grounded. Martial arts gave me that.
Even though I was the youngest and smallest in my class, I was never treated like less. Grand Master Holden, my first instructor, created an environment where I was respected just like everyone else. That mattered. It taught me early on that martial arts isn’t about overpowering others—it’s about problem-solving, discipline, and learning to trust yourself. He used to say that if something doesn’t work, take a breath and look at it from another angle. That idea stuck with me—not just in training, but in life.
After high school and a major life loss, I stepped away for the summer. But when I got to college in Minnesota, martial arts found me again. I joined the campus club, and pretty quickly, I was voted into a leadership role. That’s when I realized how much I loved helping others grow. I’d research techniques I didn’t fully understand—not just to improve myself, but to be a better teacher for my peers. That experience showed me this work wasn’t just something I enjoyed—it was something I was meant to do.
Two years later, I came home and returned to my roots. I resumed training under Grand Master Holden, earned my 2nd degree black belt in 2019, and began assisting in his classes. In the fall of 2020, I began teaching at the Delavan location, and by October 2021, I stepped into the role of Chief Instructor. That was a turning point for me. I realized this wasn’t just something I was good at—it was something people truly needed. I saw firsthand how martial arts could help kids with focus, confidence, bullying, coordination—you name it. And I realized my own story wasn’t the exception. So many kids were walking into class carrying things they didn’t always have words for.
That’s when it became clear: this work was no longer a hobby. It was a mission.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, with a concentration in childhood behavioral development and a secondary degree in World Religious Philosophy. I completed my internship for that program right here at the Academy in 2021 Guided by Master Bjorkquist and my professor at the university, focusing on how martial arts supports child development and character growth. That time confirmed what I already believed: this work reaches kids in a way traditional systems often can’t. It’s not just about teaching skills—it’s about helping them understand who they are and how to carry themselves in the world.
What I love most is watching kids grow. I get to witness the small, quiet milestones—like a student finally raising their hand or staying balanced a little longer—and see those moments build into something bigger. Our goal here isn’t just skill. It’s ownership. I want every child to feel like they belong here, exactly as they are—whether they’re loud, shy, between homes, full of energy, or still figuring themselves out. This is a place where they are accepted. A place to become strong—not just physically, but emotionally. A place where their voice matters, where asking for help is safe, and where growth isn’t just expected—it’s supported every step of the way.
We coach with structure, discipline, and high standards—but it all comes from love. If I let a student slide on a task they’re capable of completing, I’m not helping them. Love means holding the bar and believing they can rise. And when they fall, that’s okay too. Failure is part of growth. It means we’re learning, trying, and building real confidence.
Outside of class, I love reading, crafting, animals, and all things Renaissance-related. I spend as much time as I can with my cats, who are basically my emotional support team. I also have a slightly overwhelming (and growing) collection of ducks—gifts from students over the years—that now mostly live in my Jeep. It’s become a daily tradition for students to check out the newest additions, count how many there are, or point out their favorites. It’s one of those little things that keeps our community fun and connected.
I also have ADHD, which helps me keep up with the high energy and fast pace of class—but it makes slowing down and taking time for myself a real challenge. I live with auditory processing differences too, which made school tough and sometimes still show up in funny ways (like when I misspell words on the whiteboard—which the kids love to point out!). But those differences also help me connect. They remind me what it feels like to work hard for confidence—and they help me meet students right where they are.
Even as an instructor, I’m still a student. I continue to train and grow in my own martial arts journey. I’m currently working toward earning my 4th degree black belt in Kyuki-Do and am scheduled to test in November of 2026. I also train in Kabuto, Judo, and Hapkido. Staying in the work keeps me grounded, humble, and constantly evolving—just like I ask my students to do.
This isn’t just a job for me. It’s who I am. Every time I see a student stand taller, speak louder, or simply believe in themselves a little more—I know I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do.
Master Rick Bjorkquist - Owner
Master Rick Bjorkquist has been training in the Martial Arts since the age of 14. He has been training for 30 years and has been teaching for over 20. Rick earned his 6th Dan Masters rank in Kyuki-do Martial Arts in November 6, 2020.
Over 35 years ago, I was a shy 14-year-old boy with a stutter. Fortunately, my parents allowed me to join a local Martial Arts school even though they were nervous about the “fighting” it entailed – something they soon came to realize was a radical misconception. As soon as I walked in to my first class, I felt something that I had never experienced before.
Acceptance.
It didn’t matter where I was from, what clothes I wore or even what my parents did for a living. All that mattered was that I was hungry to learn.
At that time, what is now considered ‘bullying’ was simply a rite of passage and, due to my differences, I bore the brunt of much of it. Before Martial Arts, I recall my home being the only safe space where I could escape my peers’ harassment, scrutiny and judgement. In today’s world, the effects of bullying are only heightened as children and teens are subjected to social media 24/7/365, often causing inescapable social anxiety. As more kids are building their self-esteem on the size of their social media following, they face uncertainty, lack of socialization, lack of organization and an almost impenetrable lack of connection. For many children, there is no longer a safe space into which they can retreat as the social scrutiny, now perfectly portable, follows them into the home.
As I made it into the middle ranks of my Martial Arts training, all the while creating friends who were outside the normal social structures of a teenager, I yearned to share this environment, community and culture with other families and their children who might be feeling like they don’t belong. I wanted to share the experience of an place where everyone is accepted as long as they want to train in the Martial Arts and grow into the person they were born to become. I eventually realized my goal and opened a family-owned, all-inclusive Martial Arts academy in the heart of Algonquin, Illinois where it doesn’t matter where you live, what you wear or the model of your cell phone. All that we focus on is building the drive to improve – one kick, strike or block at a time.
For the past 13 years, AKF Martial Arts has been helping to shape children into confident, outgoing and ambitious young people. As kids walk through the door, unsure of what to expect, they are equipped with the necessary tools to build confidence through understanding, learning and a ‘yes I can’ attitude. It is this attitude that is the most powerful tool of the Martial Arts. Children are given small challenges in the beginning belt levels and as long as they try their best, they’re sure to be successful. As their belt level increases, their mental and physical challenges intensify. We focus on building their confidence and self-esteem through cycles of
challenges where they experience what success feels like and learn that failure is only ever temporary. As in most Martial Arts, the belt system helps children learn how to set short-term goals by striving to achieving the next belt, kick or new technique. In the same vein, it allows them to look to the future with the ultimate long-term goal of becoming a black belt, not only in the Academy but in life as a whole.
When you enroll your child into a program at AKF Martial Arts, you can look forward to the following results:
A child who no longer doubts themselves and applies a ‘yes I can’ attitude to challenging situations
A child who is has a strong moral backbone and is able to stand up for what they believe in
A child with high self-esteem who exudes confidence and isn’t afraid to make eye contact when communicating
A child who verbalizes their expectations, needs and beliefs clearly
A child who puts their best effort into everything they do and knows that failure isn’t forever
An open and giving child who helps others for genuine reasons, not for what they might receive in return
You can connect with us by calling (262)740-9011 to talk with our friendly staff who will walk you through our offering and advise you on any questions you might have.
You can also Click Here to see if AKF Martial Arts is going to be a good fit for you and your family.
If you’ve been looking for a way to help your child learn how to stand tall as they face life’s challenges, build their physical and mental strength to look their fears in the eye without hesitation and develop a respectful and strong voice when sharing their beliefs and convictions then AKF Martial Arts is the perfect place for your family!
Call us at (262)740-9011 to begin your journey today.
Grand Master Lloyd Holden - Owner
Master Lloyd O. Holden is currently a 8th Dan in Kyuki-Do earned in 2018. 4th Dan in Judo and a 2nd Dan in Hapki-do. Grand Master Holden started training in the art of Kyuki-Do when he was 19 years old. In 1980, he achieved his 1st dan in Kyuki-Do, in 1995 he achieved his 5th Dan Masters Level in Kyuki-Do, and 2010 marks the year he achieved his 7th Dan Head Masters level in Kyuki-Do.