Cornerstone Martial Arts & Leadership Academy proudly serving Arlington since 2017
Cornerstone Martial Arts & Leadership Academy is a peak-performance, self-improvement, and leadership-development academy providing quality Martial Arts programs for Kids, Teens, Adults, and Families.
We use the time-honored practices of traditional Martial Arts and Self-Defense training, combined with state-of-the-art leadership training and life coaching to grow tomorrow’s community leaders.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members in . We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life..
Get To Know Our World Class Instructors
Master Instructor of Record
Paul Richard Dulaney
Master Dulaney has been involved in the Martial Arts since 1995, when he began his training with the study of Tae Kwon Do in Midland, Texas. Since that time Master Dulaney has cultivated an intense interest in every aspect of the Martial Arts, and his studies thereof have included the philosophies, histories, and practical applications of various Martial Arts forms including Hapkido and Tang Soo Do.
Master Dulaney is a full-time professional Martial Arts educator, and as an Internationally certified Senior Master Instructor (Sunim Sabom Nim) under the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation’s strict requirements, Master Dulaney has taught and developed students of all age groups, from children as young as 3 years old to as old as 81.
Master Dulaney has taught all over the country and the world, in a variety of settings and environments, both grandiose and subdued…from his personal home garage to the city park as a home-based teacher, to his local community center and small-town schools as a professional instructor, to elite college campuses and private schools as a staff educator & instructor…Master Dulaney’s mission has always been the same: to develop Blackbelt leadership potential in students young & old, regardless of where they come from in the journey of life.
Master Dulaney’s teaching philosophy is based upon the belief that a well-rounded study of the Martial Arts, including the guiding principles, histories, and philosophies of the Martial Arts, is critical to understanding the Martial Arts, and that without this deeper understanding one can never fully appreciate or excel in the Martial Arts.
Master Dulaney passionately believes that the Martial Arts is a way of life…not simply an “activity,” and should be approached with respect for its traditions, and an eye toward personal development with a long-term game-plan.
Sub-Director of Programming
Jeremy Westbrook
Mr. Westbrook formally began his journey in the Martial Arts as a student of Tae Kwon Do in 1993, and his education was supplemented by his own Father, who had roots and experience in traditional Okinawan Karate and Marine Corps Martial Arts.
While stationed in South Korea in 2001, Mr. Westbrook received yet further training in Tae Kwon Do via an Army Integration Program, and it was during this same time that Mr. Westbrook also received training in classical Chinese Kung Fu through instruction from one of his Army Instructors.
Continuing his military experience, Mr. Westbrook enrolled in a training program for the Army Combatives System (a mixture of many classical styles and modern techniques of self-defense), through which he became Level 1 Certified in 2005.
In 2018 Mr. Westbrook began his formal training in the classical Korean Martial Art of Tang Soo Do, under the guidance and expertise of his teacher, Master Dulaney, and he quickly distinguished himself to receive a nomination from Master Dulaney to the prestigious Certified Instructor Training program.
As an Instructor at Cornerstone Martial Arts & Leadership Academy, Mr. Westbrook prides himself on his natural ability to “break it down” for newer students, and his personal teaching philosophy of “Never Take Shortcuts” is embodied in every class he teaches.
As the Sub-Director of Programming, Mr. Westbrook takes great pride in ensuring that Cornerstone maintains a robust and healthy slate of class opportunities across all age groups and skill levels, and prides himself on the “family friendly” structure of offerings that allows many different family members to partake of classes simultaneously.
Cornerstone General Manager
Devyn Gaudet
Instructor Gaudet formally began her journey in Martial Arts training in 2017 when she began training in Boxing after developing a desire as a child in Tae Kwon Do.
This quickly led her down the path to American Kickboxing and then to Muay Thai in 2019 when she began her training at the Travis Lutter Gym in Fort Worth Texas.
Instructor Gaudet was drawn to the powerful techniques, rich history, and culture surrounding Muay Thai and since then has developed a passion and intense interest in all aspects of the Martial Arts.
In 2021 Instructor Gaudet began her formal training in the Korean Martial Art of Tang Soo Do at Cornerstone Martial Arts under the guidance and expertise of the principal instructor Mr. Jeremy Westbrook.
Having a background in teaching (high school art) and coaching (high school basketball and children’s soccer) Instructor Gaudet quickly became interested in becoming a conduit of the culture, history, and philosophy of Tang Soo Do.
In 2022 her passion and drive to help her fellow students earned her the nomination, and acceptance, to the prestigious Certified Instructor Training Program. In becoming an official Member of the C.I.T. program Instructor Gaudet began her physical and philosophical training under Cornerstone’s Master Instructor of Record, Paul Richard Dulaney, SSBN.
Instructor Gaudet not only a teacher, but a lifelong learner, and is devoted to encouraging the same drive in her students. She is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment through constant support, respect, feedback, and instilling confidence by stimulating success through invigorating lessons. She looks forward to becoming a part of her student’s strength, helping them to find their own physical and mental toughness, and grow their passion for the Martial Arts.
Instructor Gaudet’s entire family trains at Cornerstone as Students.
Healing Warrior Society Director
Brittney Matzkanin
Instructor Matzkanin has been a lifelong athlete with over 15 years of experience in health, fitness, and Martial Arts.
Her passion for movement and fitness naturally led her to Martial Arts, where she has developed extensive expertise across multiple disciplines.
Ms. Matzkanin is certified in CrossFit L1 and L2, ISSA as a Certified Personal Trainer, and The Ready State Mobility and Flexibility, equipping her to work with a diverse range of clients, from youth athletes to seniors. She is also a Certified Masters (Senior) Athlete Coach and Healing Warrior Society Instructor, focusing on holistic health, movement efficiency, and injury prevention.
Brittney holds additional certifications from the Healing Warrior Society in Nutrition, Movement and Mobility, and Healing and Longevity (Fitness), allowing her to offer well-rounded support in physical wellness and recovery.
Her Martial Arts philosophy blends mindfulness, discipline, and functional strength, underscoring the connection between body and mind. Brittney is dedicated to creating an empowering and supportive environment for her students, helping them realize their full physical and mental potential through discipline, respect, and perseverance.
Ms. Matzkanin’s entire family trains at Cornerstone as Students.
Sub-Director of Charity & Community Involvement
David Schroeder
Instructor Schroeder Comes to Cornerstone Martial Arts & Leadership Academy with some prior experience from his youth. He spent some time studying Kung Fu, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Chin Na, and eventually spent four years studying a sport fighting style known as American Free Style Karate under Bob Chaney.
Simultaneously, David was attending a full-time performance school, which greatly hindered his ability to pursue his love of Martial Arts fully, as the majority of his time was spent on the road performing.
After five years in music school, David moved from Las Vegas back to Los Angeles to spend another year at the Musicians Institute. Soon after, he found an American Tang Soo Do School and worked his way up to green belt before pausing his Martial Arts journey.
David has now come to the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation to pursue his lifetime dream of becoming a Blackbelt. Cornerstone reignited his passion for continuing in the Martial Way, and it has become David’s life ambition to pursue self-development, self-betterment, and physical growth, with Tang Soo Do as the catalyst.
Unna Rodriguez-Lyness
Instructor Lyness was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.
The only daughter of Ramon and Emely, she had three brothers. Growing up she loved to read as much as she loved to rough house with all the boys in the neighborhood.
In high school she participated in sports as an athletic trainer for football, track, and soccer. After college she married her husband Bryan, who not only is a twin but also has 5 brothers and one sister.
Ms. Lyness had many jobs in her lifetime, but chose to become a bilingual teacher as a career. She taught for 15 years in grades 4th through 8th grade. When her father passed, she became her youngest brother, William’s guardian. Her own family grew with her first son Bryer, then it would be complete with the arrival of Evan.
When Bryer and Evan were 4 and 7, Unna enrolled them in Cornerstone, but the boys were nervous and wanted their mom to join them on the floor. And so, she did, with full intention to bow out as soon as they felt comfortable. Seven years later, as Jo Kyo Lyness, she still loves to read, keeping up with the boys, and teaching girls that they can do anything the boys can do.
Both of Instructor Lyness’ children still train with her as Students at Cornerstone.
Tiffany Vargas
Instructor Vargas joined the Cornerstone family in the Summer of 2020, when she enrolled her son as a student, and for nearly a year, Mrs. Vargas sat in the gallery observing and absorbing the rich teaching Tang Soo Do offers.
After joining her son on the floor during a “Buddy Day” in December of 2020, she knew it was time to take the leap. In March of 2021, Mrs. Vargas officially enrolled as student and began her own journey with Cornerstone.
Under the direction and guidance of Cornerstone’s principal instructor, Mr. Jeremy Westbrook, Mrs. Vargas showed an aptitude for the Martial Arts and quickly realized she had a desire to teach.
With a background in dance, she was able to incorporate her love for movement into the traditional style and
structure of Tang Soo Do. This, along with her education in psychology, allowed her to connect with
students at any age level.
Mrs. Vargas believes that any person who is willing to work hard and live the lifestyle of a Martial Artist
can excel at Tang Soo Do. She whole-heartily supports the balance between mind, body and soul that Cornerstone instills in its students, and is honored to be part of the leadership team who teaches this.
Instructor Vargas’ entire family trains at Cornerstone as Students.
Kenneth Wright
Instructor Wright began his Martial Arts journey when he was 10 years old with the study of Tae Kwon Do in Seagoville, Texas. In 2022, he started the study of Tang Soo Do under Master Dulaney and Mr. Westbrook.
His positive attitude, high energy, and willingness to always help others quickly opened the opportunity to join the Certified Instructor Training Program of the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation to hone his skills in teaching students who attend Cornerstone Martial Arts & Leadership Academy.
Mr. Wright enjoys defying expectations and proving that anyone can do anything that they put their mind to, and helping others on their Martial Arts journeys.
As a larger individual, Mr. Wright revels in helping students learn how to put their self-doubt aside and develop practical skills in defiance of their own physical challenges and takes great joy in helping students conquer their fears and misconceptions about what they can do when they put in the hard work.
Both of his children attend Cornerstone as students, and he enjoys bonding as a family in pursuit of self-improvement.
Lucio Perez
Instructor Perez is truly a home-grown success story!
He joined Cornerstone as a child in 2017, and has been a valued member of the Cornerstone Family ever since.
Having been present for many of Cornerstone’s most pivotal moments, Mr. Perez brings a unique perspective to his teaching, having been a child-student, here, himself, and recognizing the hidden value of Cornerstone’s systems as they have impacted his own life in innumerable positive ways.
He definitively credits his time with Cornerstone for helping him consistently make good choices as a teenager and young adult, and hopes to inspire and develop the same powerful life skills that have become second-nature to him (discipline, focus, perseverance, and integrity) in the next generation of Cornerstone students.
He is proud to be a living example of the power of the Cornerstone Program to instill positive character traits in children and teenagers.
