MEET THE BLACK BELTS

MEET THE BLACK BELTS!

They say that only 1 out of every 1,000 students will achieve their Black Belts in the martial arts.  These Martial Artists are those 1 out of 1,000 in many ways.  Their commitment to the martial arts is to be admired.  All of them have begun passing on their knowledge to other students.  They are all currently training and expanding their knowledge.  These Black Belts did not make it this far by practicing 1 hour a week, nor did they make it by themselves.  They all had the support of family, friends, or peers. 

Five Star Martial Arts invites you to become our next Black Belt.  The hardest part is showing up for your first class.  If you need help, motivation, or support of any kind, ask one of the Black Belts.  You can be assured that they will help in any way they can.

Remember that it’s not the color of the belt that makes you a Martial Artist, but what’s inside.

Wishing you good luck and many successes in your journey and hope that your training in the martial arts gives you exactly what you’re looking for.

Best Wishes –

Sensei Jean and Sensei Jeff

JEAN PASCHKE

Owner/Instructor.  I began martial arts as a parent helper with Young Olympians when my son was 4 years old.  I began training with the American Sport Karate Association where my son and I earned our Black Belts in 1998.  I am a competitor in the CKA tournaments and have been State Champion in Traditional Kata, Weapons, and Sparring.  I’ve met incredible people, trained wonderful students, and have had some unforgettable experiences.  Currently a Third Dan Black Belt, I serve on the CKA board as Vice President and Membership Director.  I am waiting to see what the future brings.  I’m thankful that I’ve been able to share the experience with my son, which includes the beginning of Five Star Martial Arts in 2003. 

JEFFREY STENSON         

Owner/Instructor  I began martial arts with Young Olympians when I was 4 years old.  When I was 7, I started training with the American Sport Karate Association where I earned my Black Belt in June of 1998.  I am a competitor in the CKA tournaments and have been State Champion in Traditional Kata, Creative Kata, Musical Kata, and Sparring.  I’ve trained with some of the best instructors such as Grand Master Wu Bin, Mr. Kenny Perez, “Superfoot” Bill Wallace, Mike ‘Chat’, and the list goes on.  I am currently a Second Degree Black Belt, which I earned in December of 1999.

KEVIN FEELEY

Assistant Instructor - I began my martial arts career in the Spring of 1995 as a parent helper in the Young Olympians program.  I received my Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do in December of 1999 and my 2^nd degree in December 2001.  I began teaching for Young Olympians in the Fall of 2001.  I’ve also trained in Wu Shyu Kung Fu.  I’m married to Sherri whom I met while teaching with Young Champions, and we have 4 children.  My hobbies include watching and participating in sports and collecting Hot Wheels. My job in the real world is Chief of Analytical Services for an environmental lab at a large wastewater treatment facility.

ERIC FIGUEROA

Assistant Instructor - I have been in martial arts for 14 years and my style is Tae Kwon Do.  I was the Colorado State Sparring Champion in 1997.  I have been teaching children for 7 years for Young Champions.  My hobbies include: golf, fishing, mountain biking, water sports such as water skiing and wake boarding.  I believe that Martial Arts for kids and adults is very important for self confidence, self esteem, discipline, respect for others, and good health.

CAROL THOMPSON

Instructor - I began Tae Kwon Do in 2002 because my daughter was 6 and had begun taking classes, where I stayed as a parent helper.  I thought it would be a great way to build a common interest, a mother-daughter bond.  Little did I know that I would be the one to grow to love karate.  So my journey began… I earned my Black Belt in 2005 and am a member of ASKA and the CKA.  During 2005 I earned my “Championship Gi” from ASKA for winning at least 2 first places during the year.  I am also a certified referee for CKA.  We often wonder if we have chosen the right path, I say look at the joy, peace, and contentment from the decision and you will know.

MARCIA CONNON

I started karate 4 years ago.  I became involved in karate when my daughter was 14 and on her way to receiving her Black Belt.  I thought it would be a good form of exercise but I soon discovered that karate was a passion and I wanted to achieve my Black Belt.  I earned my Black Belt in December 2004, and during this process I realized I had grown in confidence, physical strength, and endurance.  I have been an instructor for a Little Ninja program which guided and trained preschoolers in movement and reflexes for a beginning basis in karate.  I have shown it’s never too late to start and my Little Ninja’s have shown it’s never too early.

BRENDA TUCKER

SHERRI FEELEY ( FIVE STAR'S FIRST BLACK BELT!)

PHILLIP WILLETT, JR.

BILL FELISS

I will take this opportunity to share a praxis that I feel is befitting anyone who pursues and achieves the rank of Black Belt, for it is much more than a physical endeavor only.  The following praxis is presented by Kyriacos Lazarides, and can be found posted inside the U.S. Olympic training center in Colorado Springs, CO.

"Praxis, means not only to try, but also to penetrate, to fight, to give in, to win, to lose, to kneel down, to get up, to accept the struggle and fight until the last breath."

Have fun and enjoy the journey, it is a heck of a ride!

COLE WORTH

This isn't normally the way we see Cole, but check out that smile!!!

WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO RECOGNIZE OUR JUNIOR BLACK BELTS

These students tested for their Black Belts through the former Young Champions of America Program, and we look forward to them becoming Five Star Black Belts as well:

MARCELLINO ORTIZ, JR.

 ELIAS HEARD

ALYSSA KEIL

I began practicing Tae Kwon Do through Young Champions in 2001.  Originally is was my Dad's idea to enroll me in the classes, but I fell in love with it!  After several years of training, I received my Black Belt in 2007.  A couple highlights of my martial arts experience have been getting to test, and receiving, my Brown Belt on my 16th Birthday (it was a great present) and having the opportunity to go to China to practice Wushu for two weeks.  Right now I am studying at University of Denver, working on a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management, but no matter where life takes me, I know Tae kwon Do will always be a passion of mine!