Instructors
ATA instructors must train in leadership skills as well as martial art ability and knowledge to certify under the ATA's leadership/instructor program. There are three levels of certification. Each level requires a minimum of one year of training and 100 hours of teaching experience.
Ms. Peggy Hegler, Chief Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt, Level 3 Certified Instructor, Weapons Certified, Level 3 Judge
Ms. Hegler continues educational training in taekwondo, weapons, extreme martial arts, and judging. She competes and judges at regional and national tournaments. Ms. Hegler is the 2011 World Champion of Forms! She is three times State Champion in Forms (2005, 2008, 2009), two times State Champion in Sparring (2005, 2008), and the 2005 State Weapons Champion. Ms. Hegler has two children (ages 18 and 21). She also gained experience working with children as a Girl Scout Leader, a Cub Scout Leader, and volunteering in the classrooms in the the Douglas County schools and the Littleton public schools.
"I believe each individual is important. I help them see their full potential and give them the guidance and encouragement to get there, in taekwondo and in life."
Ms. Sara Fitouri
3rd Degree Black Belt, Level 3 Certified Instructor, Weapons Certified, Level 3 Judge
Ms. Fitouri has been teaching classes since the age of 14 and became fully certified at the required age of 18. She continues her training and competes and judges in regional and national tournaments. She is the 2005 State Champion in Forms.
Ms. Fitouri attends Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, studying government, law, and politics. She instructs during her winter and summer breaks.
Mr. Tyler Phillips2nd Degree Black Belt, Level 2 Certified Instructor
Mr. Phillips is a freshman in college and has taught martial arts since the age of 13. His goal is to have his own ATA school once he graduates from college. He competes in regional tournaments and loves weapons training! He competes on our Demo Team, and was a recent member of the Regional Demo Team who performed for our Grandmaster April 2009.
Mr. Will Thole
2nd Degree Black Belt, Level 2 Certified Instructor
Mr. Thole has a great passion for the martial arts and enjoys sharing it with others. He assists with all school functions and
competes individually and on the Demo Team in regional tournaments. Mr. Thole took 1st place in 2009 in the state in both Sparring and Forms., and 2nd place in 2011 in both.
Mr. Alex Dinkel
2nd Degree Black Belt, Level 2 Certified Instructor
After trying out several sports, Mr. Dinkel has found the one for him: taekwondo. He competes individually and on the Demo Team in regional tournaments and placed 2nd in Forms, 2nd in Weapons, and 3rd in Sparring in the 2009 tournament year.
Ms. Shane Koch
1st Degree Black Belt, Level 2 Certified Instructor
Ms. Koch trains vicorously. She competes in tournaments and is currently the State Champ in forms, weapons, and sparring! Way to go, Ma'am!!
Ms. Collette Howland
2nd Degree Black Belt, Level 1 Instructor
Ms. Howland has been assisting in classes for years. She leads team training exercises and her whole family is very active in all school functions. Ms. Howland competes in regional tournaments and is a great asset to our leadership team.
Mr. Bennett Howland
2nd Degree Black Belt, Level 1 Instructor
Mr. Howland brings a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to our school. Sparring is his favorite! He competes in regional tournaments individually and on the Demo Team.
Ms. Emily Mildrexler
2nd Degree Black Belt, Trainee Instructor
Ms. Mildrexler returns after a 3 year absence!! She's already back in the game with all her material! Welcome back!!!
Ms. Kaity Lewis
2nd Degree Black Belt, Trainee Instructor
Ms. Lewis, a high school student, demonstrates great teaching and mentoring abilities! She recently assisted in taking Brownie Girl Scouts on a weekend camping trip. She leads by example and is a great role model for other students. She competes in regional tournaments individually and on the school Demo Team.
Ms. Shelby Lewis
2nd Degree Black Belt, Trainee Instructor
Ms. Lewis is our newest Trainee Instructor. Welcome, Ms. Lewis!
Junior Instructors
The Junior Instructors at our school are amazing! They continue to develop their leadership skills and are able to successfully lead small groups or the whole class! They take an active role in their community and strive to make a difference!
Our Junior Instructors are:
- Mr. Owen Kyte, 2nd Degree Black Belt
- Mr. Jackson Petrauskas, 1st Degree Black Belt
- Mr. Ben Hughes, 1st Degree Black Belt
- Ms. Gracelyn Petrauskas, 1st Degree Black Belt
- Mr. Nicolas Guillen, Red Belt
- Ms. Alex Jaqua, Brown Belt