Essential Combative Arts

It is with heavy hearts we at Essential Combative Arts give our deepest sympathies and most heartfelt condolences to the Family/Martial Arts International  for the loss of Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens.  The world lost not only an accomplish martial artist, Black Belt instructor of multiple disciplines but more importantly, a father, husband and truly good man. We pray, peace and grace cover you all during this hard time. Much love and respect.

Omaha area martial arts community vigil pays tribute to Sgt. 1st Class Tietjens The Omaha metro martial arts community paid special tribute to their fallen comrade Thursday night.

We are heartbroken to share the loss of our brother, Sergeant First Class Noah Lee Tietjens, who tragically lost his life while serving our country in Kuwait.

To us, he was Mr. Noah, a devoted husband and father, a respected Black Belt in Philippine Combatives and Taekwondo, and an instructor who gave his time, discipline, and leadership to others.

Noah lived the martial arts code and he carried that same character as a soldier.

He did not simply wear a Black Belt… he lived it.
He led with integrity.
He trained with purpose.
He taught with humility.

On the mat, he trained as a martial artist.
In uniform, he served as a soldier.

In both roles, he carried the same values: honor, discipline, service, and commitment to others.

His impact on our students, our instructors, our academy, and everyone he crossed paths with will endure far beyond this moment.

We will honor him the way disciplined people do - martial artists, soldiers, and leaders - by continuing to live the standard he carried.

Mr. Noah Lee Tietjens… your legacy remains on this mat and it lives on beyond these walls, in the world you served.

For those who have asked how they may support the family, a college fund has been established for his son Dylan in lieu of flowers.

Dylan Tietjens Education Fund
https://gofund.me/bbd5d9f07

Keep the Tietjens family in your prayers, and please share this post so our Bellevue, Omaha, and Sarpy County community can come together - military or civilian, parent or spouse, friend or neighbor, anyone who has ever carried loss. If you’re able, leave a few words in this thread - encouragement, comfort, or a lesson learned through grief - so the family has something to hold onto and return to again and again.

May they feel that he is remembered not only as a fallen warrior, but as ONE OF OURS. Thank you for standing with this family in unity. 💛🙏 🇺🇸