Master Steve Pruden started his training when he was ten years old and earned the rank of Black Belt at age 13. Steve has competed at over 50 tournaments, both as a junior and as an adult, with excellent success. Steve has also trained local and national top ranking competitors in weapons, traditional form, open form, musical form and sparring. Master Pruden has dedicated his life to the study, training and advancements of the Martial Arts. He has choreographed, performed and designed countless martial arts demonstrations and events. He achieved his 5th degree Black Belt at 25 years old, making him one of the youngest Master Instructors with specialties in Sparring, Forms (both creative and traditional), Self-Defense, Teaching and Weapons. Master Pruden also cross trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts and UFC/WEC trainers Klint Klaas, Damian Hirtz and Dave Camarillo. As Head Instructor at our Woodbury location he oversees one of the largest martial arts schools in the nation. Master Pruden has been instructing for almost 15 years. He has changed the lives of hundreds of his students and is a role model to many. He regards his position as “The best job in the world. Where else can you have such a positive impact on peoples’ lives doing something you love?” Ultimate Martial Arts is fortunate to have such a tremendous talent as both a competitor and instructor.

In 1995 Master Jonathan Ranch started training in karate at the age of 11, under Master Klint Klaas. He competed often as a red and brown belt in forms and quickly became a top competitor at tournaments. Because of his training he gained a lot of self confidence, discipline and became physically fit. At the age of 15, Mr. Ranch earned his Black Belt and shortly after started teaching as an assistant instructor under Master Klaas. After becoming a head instructor at the age of 18, Mr. Ranch started training in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai Kickboxing training under BJJ Black Belt Greg Nelson and Multiple Muay Thia champion Nat McIntyre. Competing as a white belt at the Midwest Submission Hunt Tournament Mr. Ranch placed 2nd and 3rd in multiple events. At the age of 20 Mr. Ranch earned his Blue Belt in Jiu-Jitsu from 6th Degree Black Belt and world renowned instructor Professor Pedro Sauer, and has competed as a Blue Belt in the light-heavy and heavy weight divisions winning at various Submission Hunt Tournaments.

Mr. Ranch has instructed numerous self-defense seminars for both children and adults. He also worked with the Stillwater and Bayport police department to help teach self-defense to Minnesota State employees and safety camps for local children. Continuing his passion of helping students reach their maximum potential and receiving Black Belts, Mr. Ranch became the head instructor of the Stillwater USA Karate/ UMA School in 2005. Currently a 5th Degree Black Belt with specializations in Sparring, Teaching and Self-Defense Mr. Ranch is still teaching out of the Stillwater location, Mr. Ranch is pursuing his dream of passing on the knowledge of the the Martial Arts to hundreds of students. He still enjoys sparring as a Black Belt in multiple tournaments he is also continuing his training under BJJ Black Belts Klint Klaas and Damian Hirtz at Revolution Jiu-Jitsu. Mr. Ranch trains with the best Karate, Jiu-Jitsu and MMA fighters out of Minnesota.

“Becoming a Black Belt is just the first step to becoming an elite Martial Artist.” -Jonathon Ranch

Master Rob Nelson has been training in the Martial Arts for 28 years and continues to have a passion for learning and teaching like no other.

Mr. Travis McCoy has been training in the Martial Arts since the age of 5. At the young age of 9 years old he received his 1st degree black belt becoming one of the youngest and most talented black belts around. Being a fierce competitor, Travis immediately became both locally and nationally ranked as a top competitor. Travis has awed students, instructors and spectators with his remarkable martial arts skills at events, tournaments, demonstrations, birthday parties and seminars all over the state. Travis has specializations in weapons, creative form, musical form, traditional form, teaching, self-defense and was the first with a specialty in Xtreme Martial Arts. Mr. McCoy continues to train intensely in the Martial Arts and also cross trains weekly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts and UFC/WEC trainers Klint Klaas, Damian Hirtz and Dave Camarillo. Mr. McCoy has been instructing with Ultimate Martial Arts since the age of 14 and is now the head instructor at the Hugo location and also instructs all Xtreme Martial Arts camps and seminars. Currently a fourth degree black belt Travis is working to become a Master instructor by the time he is 24 years old. Mr. McCoy always has a vibrant and fun class while also giving each student the personalized work out and instruction they want and need to become the best martial artist of their ability.

Kyle Herme started martial arts in November 1996 at UMA Karate Woodbury. On May 1998 he earned his 1st Degree Black Belt under the instruction of Master Klint Klaas. He is currently a 4th Degree Black Belt and a specialist in weapons and competitive form. He was a Top Black Belt Competitor in the NCKA from 1998-2009 in weapons form. He is a 3-Time Forms Grand Champion in the NCKA. He has also been judging for the NCKA circuit for 7 years. It is his way of giving back to the sport that helped him become a great martial artist. Mr. Herme has been teaching karate for 9 years for UMA Karate. He enjoys helping students achieve their goals from getting there black belt to becoming a top competitor.

Now Mr. Herme enjoys doing seminars and demonstrations for businesses, schools, summer programs and anyway for people to have a chance to see how martial arts can benefit them in self-defense, self-esteem, respecting others, and discipline it gives them in their lives. Mr. Herme is working hard to achieve his 5th Degree Black Belt, which would make him a Master in martial arts. It is something he has trying hard to achieve since getting his black belt.

In the future; Mr. Herme would like to start his own Ultimate Martial Arts School and do what he has come to love for the rest of his life. It is his lifelong goal and he will not stop until he finally achieves it.

Kelsey Lewis started her training in the martial arts at age 6 and has been training for eleven years. Kelsey received her black belt at the age of nine and is now a 3rd degree black belt specializing in Teaching, Self-Defense, Forms and Preschool Instruction. Kelsey has performed safety seminars for numerous community organizations including local school events, preschool organizations and Girl Scout badge seminars. Kelsey has competed both locally and nationally and was ranked top in her divisions. With her gymnastics background, Kelsey has choreographed, competed and instructed Xtreme martial arts forms, musical forms, creative forms and weapons forms. She has traveled all over the country and competed with some of the best in the world. Kelsey continues teaching and directing at the Hugo location and is the head Preschool 2’s 3’s and 4’s instructor. Kelsey plans to continue teaching and someday become a master instructor.

Katie Anderson started her martial arts training at the age of 10 with Ultimate Martial Arts & Fitness. Katie’s talent in the martial arts was immediately recognized as she received her first degree black belt in 2004, less than two years after she began taking classes. Katie is now currently a third degree black belt with specializations in Teaching, Self-Defense, Musical and Traditional Forms and Weapons. She has competed in countless Local and National tournaments receiving the 2nd seat in the NCKA girl’s traditional forms division. Katie began instructing classes shortly after receiving her black belt in 2004 and has been instructing ever since. Katie has participated in numerous community events, demonstrations, seminars, school programs and Girl Scout badge workshops. Katie instructs at the Woodbury, Hugo and Stillwater locations, she instructs students from ages preschool to adult. She loves teaching and strives to make her students the best they can possibly be.

Jesse Lewis started his training in the martial arts at age 4 and has been training for eleven years. Jesse received his black belt at the age of eight and is now a 3rd degree black belt specializing in Teaching, Weapons, Self-Defense, Musical and Creative Forms and Preschool Instruction. Jesse has performed in countless martial arts demonstrations showing his impressive abilities to handle weapons including the Bo staff, the Sword, the 3 Section Staff and Kamas. Jesse also instructs safety seminars for numerous community organizations including local school events, local parades and festivals, preschool organizations and Boy Scout seminars. Jesse has competed both locally and nationally and was ranked top in his divisions. He has traveled all over the country while competing and training with some of the best in the world. Jesse continues teaching and training at the Woodbury location and has expanded his martial art skills to include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as he trains with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts and UFC/WEC trainers Klint Klaas, Damian Hirtz and Dave Camarillo. Jesse plans to continue teaching and training to someday become a UMA Karate Master Instructor and Dave Camarillo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt.

Mrs. Jen Lewis is a Second Degree Black Belt with over 7 years teaching experience. Mrs. Lewis is the Director of Preschool Programs and the Head Instructor of the SuperKids (preschool) program at our Woodbury location. Mrs. Lewis (or Ms. Jen, as her students like to call her) loves the joy and wonder her students bring with them into the Karate Classroom. She enjoys watching her students grow in their mastery of skills and abilities both in the classroom and out. Ms. Jen takes great pride in helping to prepare the preschool student for a positive and seamless transition to the traditional Junior level classes.

Stan Riser is a 2nd degree black belt with Ultimate Martial Arts. He has been training in Martial arts for 9 years. Some of his favorite activities are sparring, weapons and being on the competition team “Team Rampage.” In October of 2005, Stan began instructing with Ultimate Martial Arts. While working at Ultimate Martial Arts as an instructor, Stan was introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Master Klaas. In September of 2007, Stan earned his 2nd degree Black Belt and began instructing at the Woodbury Ultimate Martial Arts location as a head instructor. While training at Revolution Defense and fitness, Stan was promoted to the rank of blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Mr. Damien Hirtz in fall of 2009.

Mr. Riser is known locally as a top outstanding competitor, competing in weapons, forms and sparring becoming a Grand Champion. Mr. Riser coached and instructed Team Rampage making them a 1st place competition team. Stan has also competed in several Jiu Jitsu tournaments winning and placing at the Greater Mid West Submission Hunt. Weapons are another one of Stan’s interests. He has competed with traditional weapons such as the bo staff and non-traditional weapons like the 3 section staff. Stan has performed in many demonstrations and at events such as Woodbury Days, Lumberjack Days and Pepper Fest. He has also worked hard to better his community by promoting the benefits of martial arts at Birthday parties, boy and girl scouts meeting, high schools, elementary school, after school programs and neighborhood events.

Kevin Harreld has been training in the Martial Arts since he was 10 years old. Kevin is currently a 2nd Degree Black Belt and continues to train and instruct at the Woodbury Location. Kevin enjoys teaching and training in sparring and weapons and Kevin assist with our preschool SuperKids program. Kevin has competed all over the Twin Cities becoming a top local competitor, competing in weapons, form and sparring. Martial Arts has taught Kevin many things. But, the 2 most important things are to be confident with yourself, and to respect others.

Jaynell Feider started training in the Martial Arts when she was 10 years old. She is currently a first degree black belt. She has been teaching Martial Arts since 2006. Ms. Feider is also a gymnast. She began gymnastics when she was 8 and continued through high school. She competed on Woodbury High Schools Varsity Gymnastics team as a seventh grader through high school. She was also on the varsity diving team. She competed at state throughout highs school. She was All Conference 3 years in a row, and an All American her senior year, she was also the captain of her team. Jaynell also dove her first two years of college on the University of Wisconsin River Falls Swimming and Diving team. Ms. Feider was a varsity cheerleader and has performed in numerous Martial Arts demonstrations and safety seminars for community organizations including local school events, preschool organizations and Girl Scout badge seminars.

Mr. Feider is the preschool SuperKids instructor at our Stillwater location, and loves working with children! She is also the head instructor of our Flips gymnastics program and our gymnastics for dancers program. She enjoys helping students learn flips to incorporate into their Martial Arts training. She teaches both a beginner and an advanced Flips class.

Lisa Pruden has been a school director at USA Karate since 2005 and is currently a Red Belt at Ultimate Martial Arts & Fitness working toward achieving her Black Belt. Lisa has a passion for martial arts and enjoys working with children, making her an excellent new instructor for the SuperKids Preschool Karate program. Lisa’s favorite part of her career with USA Karate is the positive impact that martial arts have on the lives of the students.