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International Black Belt Academy proudly serving Northern Colorado Since 1985
International Black Belt Academy offers Classes Perfect for Kids, Teens, and Adults.
Who we Are And why You Should Train With us
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. 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 student to achieve greatness and live their best life.
Get To Know Our World Class TEAM
Greeley TEAM
Professor James W. Denning
Chief Instructor
Kyoshi James Denning is an 8th Degree Black Belt in International Kenpo Karate Jujitsu under Professor Robert Austin. In addition, he is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Shorin ji Tetsuken do Kanda ha Kamishin Ryu Aiki JuJitsu under Soke Don Phillip. Kyoshi Denning is the Chief Instructor at the Greeley IBBA School. Mr. Denning is a 3rd generation Greeley native and has trained under Professor Austin since 1992.
He is committed to teaching a developmentally based curriculum which teaches not only useful self-defense skills, but also provides an uplifting and family-oriented environment with an emphasis on character traits, self-discipline, courtesy, respect, self-control, goal setting and personal safety. “After 30 plus years, it is still a pleasure to be a part of a wonderful team of encouraging staff members as well as this wonderful family of students! I am very glad to be the lead instructor at the Greeley school!”
Gerardo Aguilar
Instructor
Gerardo has been training at Mountain States IBBA for over 11 years, earning his Jr. Black Belt in February of 2019, 1st Degree Black Belt in August 2022, and 2nd Degree in August 2024. He has been an active member of our Leadership Team for years and joined IBBA as an instructor in January of 2021. “Eight years ago, I was given an opportunity to be a part of an incredible community that has changed me in so many ways that I never thought I needed. Practicing those eight years has shown me valuable life lessons that I use today and in the future, and amazing martial arts on top of that! Now I am giving back to my community in a way that I didn’t expect years ago, but absolutely love! I am happy to be able to teach something that I loved since a young age and learn lots more in the process.”
Leonidas Riley
Junior Instructor
I have been doing Karate for 7 years now. I am 15 years old and I’m on the performance team. I also am still learning through our IBBA teaching or STORM system. I was the first to be awarded the black tip of honor for my leadership skills in the Greeley school. Everyday I walk into the dojo I feel a new fire ignite within my heart. IBBA is great place for kids and parents alike to learn. My father and I will always walk in and feel an immediate glow of positive emotion when we get to train. As a new instructor I hope to be able to learn alongside the way of the students as well as the staff.
Debbie Smith
Office Administrator
Debbie is a long time Karate mom, having raised 4 kids at Mountain States International Black Belt Academy. She quickly became a part of our team when her kids were first students here by volunteering to help with belt tests and special events. Circumstances eventually found her behind the desk, greeting people and implementing new ideas and processes in our office. She is currently our Office Manager, working side by side with Sensei and Mrs. Jauch and Kyoshi Denning to provide the best possible dojo experience to our students and their families. Debbie handles all aspects of our office administration from new student enrollment, scheduling, marketing, testing coordination and much more. If you have any questions about any aspect of IBBA, Mrs. Debbie will always make the time to meet with you.
Sensei Philip and Shelly Jauch
Owners
Philip and Shelly Jauch have been married for 32 years and have four children. Their karate journey began when their second son turned 10 and they wanted to find something to help build his confidence and self-discipline and something Philip could do for exercise. A friend recommended karate as something they could do together and IBBA as a great place with friendly staff and focus on character education. “We loved the fact that the curriculum was not about fighting, but about doing your best to stop a fight and focusing on your character to always choose ‘right over might’.” Philip made great friendships and found a passion for martial arts while finding a healthy physical program, their son made connections with others and worked hard to earn his Jr. Black Belt, and eventually their daughter and third son joined as well! “My favorite moment as a karate mom was cheering on my daughter and husband working to earn their Jr. Black Belt and 2nd Degree Black Belt together.”
Fort Collins team
Shihan Philip Jauch
Owner / Chief Instructor
Philip Jauch holds the rank of Sensei and 5th degree Black Belt in International Kenpo Karate Jiu Jitsu under Professor Robert Austin, Sensei and a 3rd degree Black Belt in Shorinji Tetsuken Do Kanda Ha Kamishin Ryu under Soke Don Phillip, and 1st Degree Black Belt in Progressive Arnis and 1st Degree in Modern Arnis under Chad Bailey and ongoing studies in BJJ and Wu style Taiji.
He believes in supporting the journey of every student to improve themselves. He works diligently to provide a well-rounded education to his students as he trains to improve his own abilities to the same end. “I work with some of the best team in the industry within our school. It’s an honor to watch the students progress and grow.”
Coach Taren Kelley
Tier 1 Instructor and Program Director
Taren Kelley started training at Kaizen IBBA in Fall 2020, seeking a hobby to improve mental health and self-esteem. They immediately fell in love with the supportive ohana at Kaizen, and it has become so much more than just a hobby! Early on in their time with us, Taren decided to pursue teaching martial arts as a full-time career in order to help others reap the same benefits that they have found. Taren’s first step toward this dream was being hired as a First-Impression Specialist in September 2022, and began teaching in early 2023. They love being part of our team, believing that every interaction with our students can make a difference.
Because of the life-changing journey that Taren has found in martial arts, they are a firm believer that anyone of any age can benefit from giving it a try. “If you’re an adult who wishes they had started karate at a young age, know that it’s never too late! You never know what you might find in yourself if you give it a chance.” Taren is a certified Program Director and Certified Satori Intructor.
Sensei Darcy Thor
Tier 1 Instructor
Darcy Thor has been training at IBBA Fort Collins for over 10 years. “I’m just going to try this out for a little bit with the kids” she thought. This very quickly turned into an obsession (in a good way) with no end in sight. Darcy earned her 1st degree in August 2015 in a group of nine students. In August 2017, four of those earned their 2nd degree, and by February 2021, it was just Darcy and one other student earning their 3rd degree rank. Ms. Thor was awarded her Red Coat instructor certification at Extravaganza August 2021 and her Sensei license shortly afterward.
Darcy has a passion for teaching teenagers and adults. She is known to work hard and wants her partner to feel out a technique to make it truly effective. She values the friendships she has formed on and off the mat and strives to foster these opportunities for her students. Off the mat, Darcy has a passion for camping, hiking, skiing, and traveling in general. “One of my favorite memories was taking the Jr. Black Belts up Horsetooth rock and listening to the chatter and camaraderie as they sweated up the hillside. Then we came back and had cake.”
Brandon Middleton
Tier 1 Instructor
Brandon grew up in the Mountain States Greeley IBBA, trained from Panthers through 2nd Degree Black Belt, and became a certified instructor. In 2024, Brandon moved to the Kaizen Fort Collins IBBA location to work toward Head Instructor and Sensei.
“I have wanted to be an instructor since I started training almost 9 years ago. Before I became an instructor, I was on the performance team and leadership team for over 5 years. I am very happy to be a part of such a great community, and I can’t wait to see you on the mats!”
Dennis Ross
Tier 1 Instructor
Dennis Ross is a Colorado native, born & raised in Longmont and residing in Fort Collins since 1997. Dennis is an Army and Colorado National Guard Veteran, serving 4 years in each, stationed in South Korea and Fort Carson (Colorado). Dennis and his wife Erin have 3 teenage sons, and prior to martial arts, he was a trained leader in the Boy Scouts of America, helping all 3 sons in local scouting units (and as an Eagle Scout himself). Dennis started training at Kaizen about a year after his youngest son started in the program. Dennis earned his First Degree Black Belt in August 2022, and is continuing to train for his Second Degree. A CSU alum, Dennis is an Electrical Engineer by profession, and when not working or training and teaching at Kaizen, he also enjoys recreational competitive ice hockey. In their free time, the Ross’ enjoy traveling, attending concerts and performances, and are avid Broncos and Avalanche fans.
Erin Ross
Tier 1 Instructor
Erin Ross is a Colorado native, born & raised in Longmont and residing in Fort Collins since 1998. Erin (and her husband Dennis) have 3 sons, and prior to martial arts, spent 10+ years in active leadership with many different roles in local Boy Scouts of America scouting units. Erin started training at Kaizen after enrolling her youngest son in the program. Erin earned her First Degree Black Belt in February 2022, and is continuing to train for her Second Degree. During the day Erin is a CPA/Accountant, but after work transitions into training and teaching roles at Kaizen. Erin enjoys interacting with students of all age levels and loves watching students and fellow training partners succeed and grow in their martial arts practice. In their free time, the Ross’ enjoy traveling, attending concerts and performances, and are avid Broncos and Avalanche fans.
Kierra Jewell
Tier 1 Instructor
Kierra Jewell has been training at Kaizen IBBA since November 2012. She began her journey after enrolling her son in the program and seeing how much fun he had while he learned new life skills. Kierra earned her 1st degree Black Belt with her husband in February 2017 and she just earned her 3rd Degree! She enjoys teaching with the level 2 & 3 Panther classes and hopes to move to teaching adults as well and most recently is co-leading the Demo Team with Mr. Strauss. She believes that martial arts have something for everyone and the most important things she has gained from her training are self-confidence and her “Ohana.”