Master Leonard Yordan, a 7th Dan Black Belt, has been studying and teaching Tae kwon do in Vermont for 41 years.
He is the founder of YBBA and still runs the academy. His journey in the martial arts started in 1982 in Randolph, VT. He has been involved in the Vermont Taekwondo community ever since. He has competed regionally, nationally and internationally. After recovering from a severely life threatening automobile accident he won the AAU United States Heavyweight National Fighting Championship and is also a National Patterns Champion. After helping establish a successful credited program at Johnson State College he opened Yordan's Black Belt Academy in the Underhill/Jericho area of VT. His goal was simple; pass on the knowledge that he had gained and help strengthen the martial arts community. Master Yordan has volunteered his time to teach P.E. programs in 22 different schools in Chittenden County as well as Artist in Residency programs for Underhill I.D. School, Underhill Central School, Colchester Middle School, Christ the King School in Burlington, Orchard Elementary in South Burlington, Chamberlin School in South Burlington, Porters Point School in Colchester, and several after school programs. He has instructed numerous women's self defense programs. He has provided training for members of VT National Guard, VT Air National Guard, Chittenden and Franklin County Sheriffs, and members of the VT State Police. He has also provided many Corporate Wellness Programs for local businesses and schools such as RiseVT, Burton Snowboards, Dealer.com, Biotek, Vertek, C.V.O.E.O., and Charlotte Central School. Master Yordan is Vice President of United Black Belt Academies and Executive Member of United Martial Arts Certification Council. He also hosts one of Vermont's premier open martial arts tournaments every May, "Yordan's Invitational Championships" in Jericho, VT.
