International Black Belt Academy proudly serving Northern Colorado For over 40 Years!
International Black Belt Academy offers Classes Perfect for Kids, Teens, and Adults.
Who we Are And why You Should Train With us
Get To Know Our World Class TEAM
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.
Shihan Philip and Shelly Jauch
Owners
Philip and Shelly Jauch have been married for 33 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.”
Greeley TEAM
Professor James W. Denning
IKKJ Advisor and 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!”
Senior Sensei Carl Bachenberg
Chief Instructor
Luisa Harris
Lead Instructor
Luisa has been training at Mountain States IBBA for a total of 11 years, earning her Jr. Black Belt in August of 2015, 1st Degree Black Belt in February 2019 and 2nd Degree in August 2025. During her martial arts journey she took a hiatus to earn her Teaching Certificate from Gonzaga University. In June 2024 she also received her Satori Tier 1 Instructor certification. “I am blessed to be able to do what I learned I loved in the very same dojo-teach. Being a part of this school allows me to help others learn invaluable life skills and continue to be a part of the community that made such an impact on my life. I look forward to continuing helping others grow as I challenge myself to do the same.”
Logan Burghart
Junior Instructor
I have been training at Mountain States IBBA since I was 11, and I have been an Instructor since 2024. I also do a lot of work outside (Lawn Mowing, Shoveling, etc). I earned my Jr. Black Belt in February 2025 and I am also an Eagle Scout with 9 years of Scouting Experience. My main passion in life is to work with children and to be a physical and well-rounded person.
Elia Baird
Junior Instructor
I started training at IBBA in 2020 and began on the STORM leadership training team a few years later. I earned my junior black belt in August 2025. Teaching is a passion of mine and I find great joy in seeing students learn new material. It is fun to work with the kids and have a good time while learning how to conduct ourselves inside and outside the dojo. I’ve learned a lot about how to be a good citizen and be a good example to others from my experiences learning and teaching at IBBA. I am also learning to teach Violin and lead in my school’s bands.
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 and Program Director
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.
Fort Collins team
Lexi Stults
Program Director
When I was young, I always wanted to learn a martial art, but I was never given the opportunity. Years later, when my son wanted to learn Kung Fu so he could be like Kung Fu Panda, we attended our first class on his fourth birthday. It wasn’t long before the dojo became our home away from home—a place that shaped our resilience, discipline, and belief in steady growth.
Today, I have the privilege of serving as the Program Director at the dojo, helping cultivate an environment that encourages growth both on and off the mat. The lessons we practice here—consistency, patience, and small incremental progress—are the same principles that guide my work in nutrition.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and am a certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (NTP). My goal is to help you take your health back into your own hands and discover what truly supports your body. Just like training, meaningful change happens step by step—changing a little, forgiving a lot, and building strength from the inside out.
Together, we’ll explore how you feel, what your goals are, and how to best support you through sustainable nutrition, supportive habits, and realistic routines. My purpose is to help you feel empowered, confident in your body, and equipped to create lasting change.
Coach Taren Kelley
Tier 2 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 and earned their 1st Degree Black Belt in February 2025.
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.”
Sensei 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, 2nd Degree in 2019, 3rd Degree in August of 2022 and earned her Sensei license in 2025! She enjoys teaching Panthers to Adults and Sensei Jewell believes that martial arts have something for everyone. The most important things she has gained from her training are self-confidence and her “Ohana.”
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.
Oriana Ellinger
Tier 1 Instructor
Hello! My name is Oriana Ellinger, aka “Coach O”, I am an instructor at Kaizen IBBA. I have been training since I was 5 years old and joined Kaizen as a Lil’ Dragon. I earned my Junior Black Belt in August 2019 and my First Degree Black Belt in February 2024. I enjoy working with all ages from Dragons to Vipers. I am so grateful for the character traits, life lessons, and self-defense techniques I have been taught over the years.
I am a Colorado born and raised girl and grew up in the mountains hiking, skiing, and learning about nature through many documentaries and real life experiences. I am currently in my Senior year of High School and I am on track to graduate with a Business Associates degree.
Jonah Baughman
Tier 1 Instructor
Jonah Baughman has been training in Kenpo Karate Jiu-Jitsu since 2012. He began his journey in Windsor, training under Ms. Schleiger from 2012 to 2016. While transitioning from Windsor to Fort Collins, he explored various dojos. Kaizen IBBA showcased several traits that stood out, most important was an uplifting community. “The community at Kaizen has gifted me so much not only as a martial artist but also as a human being. This is why I strive to give back to this amazing community.”
Jonah earned his Junior Black Belt in 2020 and his First Degree Black Belt in 2025. He has trained under many instructors over the years who have poured their love of martial arts into his own style. Jonah aspires to continue learning and teaching the vast knowledge of martial arts for the rest of his life. No matter where life takes him, Kaizen will always feel like home. Now as a part-time instructor at the dojo, he teaches the juniors’ classes of Dragons, Tigers, and Panthers, admiring the vibrant life, curiosity, and laughter that children bring to this world.
Anthony Grey
Tier 1 Instructor
Brandon Middleton
Tier 1 Instructor
Shihan Philip Jauch
Owner / Chief Instructor
Philip Jauch holds the rank of Shihan and 5th degree Black Belt in International Kenpo Karate Jiu Jitsu under Professor Robert Austin, Sensei and a 4th degree Black Belt in Shorinji Tetsuken Do Kanda Ha Kamishin Ryu under Soke Don Phillip, and Lakan in Progressive Arnis and Lakan Isa in Modern Arnis under Chad Bailey, 1st degree Black Belt in Lua under Professor James Muro and Dr. Carlos Deleon, as well as 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.”