UMAAI Featured Instructors

Kyoshi James Denning is a 7th Degree Black Belt in International Kenpo Karate Jujitsu under Professor Robert Austin. In addition, he is a 5th 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 Mountain States 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 20 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!”

Sensei Carissa Morris began her Martial Arts training in International Kenpo Karate Jujitsu and Kamishin Ryu Jujitsu in 2008 and holds the rank of 3rd Degree in each art. Sensei Morris started teaching as an instructor in Fort Collins, Colorado in 2011. In her capacity as an instructor, Sensei Morris was instrumental to the Black Belt preparatory classes. She also concentrated on building active Women’s classes while still managing her duties teaching both youth and adult classes. Prior to teaching Martial Arts professionally, Sensei Morris studied early childhood development and worked for Little Lambs preschool in Fort Collins. Sensei Morris is Founder and Chief Instructor at Ohana Martial Arts Academy.

“Sensei B” has been training at International Black Belt Academy for 18 years. He has earned a 3rd degree Black Belt under Professor Robert Austin and is now the Operations Manager for Kaizen International Black Belt Academy. He is committed to teaching health and wellness as well as moral values and personal growth and development through martial arts training. “Being able to change lives and help people is what this program is all about,” he says. “I am proud to be a part of a place with such wonderful staff and students.”

Sensei Lee Urton is a lifelong Martial Artist, father of three, and veteran of the Iraq war who has been teaching at Kaizen IBBA for nearly a decade. He spent his childhood training in traditional Karate schools, and in his teenage years transitioned into western boxing before joining the Marine Corps in 2000. While a Marine, Sensei Urton served as an infantry team leader and received numerous awards and commendations for his service in combat during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Since his military service, Sensei Urton has attended CSU’s Health and Exercise Science program, as well as devoted his life to teaching and empowering people of all ages (particularly children) to live healthier, happier, and more active lives through Martial Arts, inspiring all his students to live up to their potential. As a father of three, Sensei Urton understands the value of Martial Arts in young people’s lives and the enormous positive impact it has on both physical and emotional health and he has made it his mission to share the Martial Arts with as many people as possible.

I have been very blessed and have had the opportunity to study many different martial art styles. As such, I hold black belt ranking in multiple systems with different foundational emphasis.

In 2003, members of the Board for the United Martial Arts Alliance International, under the direct guidance of Kyoshi Robert Austin, and amongst witnesses present at the time, examined my combining of martial arts styles. After physical examination, presentation of katas/kuens, kickboxing, and self-defense concepts, and after intellectual questioning and review, the Board recognized my system as unique, and awarded me the honor of founding a new system of study. Sho Biyn Jiu (translated as “First Understand Peace”) was formally recognized. This was the first time in the Board’s history that such an honor was bestowed, and I do not take that responsibility lightly.

I continue to train with instructors from around the country and advance the system, which at its heart, is one of peace. Additionally, the system has been recognized by multiple organizations, and I was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2006 and Action Magazine’s Hall of Honors as a Master Instructor in 2008.

I started my training with Kyoshi Robert Koch in Alden, NY in August of 2001. Over the years I’ve been very lucky to have trained with many exceptional martial artists. I currently hold the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt in International Kenpo Karate, and hope to be able to test for my 5th Degree in 2021. In May of 2019 I made the leap to owning my own studio when I took ownership of Kyoshi Koch’s dojo. It has been an incredible honor to continue the legacy that he has created. An important goal in my life is to help people, and I feel the best way that I can do that is through martial arts. I aim to be able to run my studio full time to better serve my students and continue to foster an environment where people can come to better themselves.