THE TEAM

Meet the Instructors at 5280 Karate Academy Foundation

At 5280 Karate Academy Foundation, our strength lies in the people behind the programs. Our team is composed of highly experienced, certified instructors who are passionate about martial arts and personal development. We pride ourselves on being more than just a training facility — we are a community built on mentorship, discipline, and transformation. Our team leads by example and provides students with the encouragement and support they need to thrive in and out of class.


Our academy is led by Grand Master Lewis and supported by a diverse group of master instructors and assistant teachers who each bring their unique skills and teaching styles. With a shared commitment to individualized instruction, our staff helps students of all ages and skill levels develop confidence, resilience, and character through martial arts. Every instructor at 5280 Karate Academy embodies the values we strive to instill in our students — respect, perseverance, leadership, and excellence.

Grand Master Lewis

Grand Master Lewis is the founder and visionary behind 5280 Karate Academy Foundation. With decades of training and teaching experience, he holds a high-ranking black belt and has earned a reputation for excellence in both technique and mentorship. His commitment to empowering others through martial arts is evident in his daily leadership and hands-on teaching style. Grand Master Lewis believes that every student has the potential to succeed and that personalized instruction is the most effective way to foster growth. He oversees the development of every program, ensuring that each class reflects the academy’s core values of discipline, integrity, and perseverance.



Beyond his technical knowledge, Grand Master Lewis has played a pivotal role in shaping the academy’s mission as a nonprofit. His passion for serving the community is reflected in the countless lives he has touched — from first-time students to seasoned black belts — and his ongoing work to make martial arts education accessible to all. He actively supports the growth of the academy through partnerships, fundraising, and curriculum development, demonstrating leadership both on and off the mat.

A man in a black karate uniform with a yellow collar

Grand Master Lewis

Grand Master Robert Lewis is the owner and founder of 5280 Karate Academy with branches in Lakewood and Westminster, Colorado. He was introduced to the martial arts in 1985, when one of his daughters was being bullied in the first grade. After about 18 months of watching class he decided to join with his two girls. In 1998, he began to seriously adhere to training and studying the martial arts, and was particularly drawn to the mental and spiritual aspects of the training. However, like most people with a passion of owning their own business, he found himself embracing the idea of owning his own martial art school. He approached Stephen Oliver about opening his own martial arts school; he opened the door to make that happen. He is both proud and deeply honored to have been given the opportunity to open his own martial arts school in the affiliation with Mile High Karate. The goal was to bring the beauty of the martial arts to his community and those who choose to step on the path of his instruction. “We grew very quickly and were very successful,” he says. He teaches martial arts to students in after-school programs in Lakewood, Littleton, Denver, and Englewood, Colorado. This caused a huge influx of young children and adults to join the martial arts. Robert “Master” Lewis is a 10th Degree Black Belt, he has trained with such notable martial artists including: Joe Lewis, Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, Grand Master Stephen Oliver, Grand Master Jeff Smith, Grand Master John Chung, and Superfoot Wallace. In addition to Roberts’s achievements in the martial arts world, he served two years in the Military; he also received his B.A. in Business Management from Wiley College, B.B.A. in Personnel Management from the University of Texas, and his M.B.A. from Regis University. Master Lewis teaches today out of the pure love he has for the martial arts, as well as the joy and satisfaction he receives from the students he works with.

Grand Master French

Grand Master Ron French is a 9th Degree Master Instructor. He received his 1st Degree Black Belt on November 4, 1995 where he was training with Stephen Oliver’s Mile High Karate. His training included: NASKA judge, Prepcycle Coordinator, and a CDT Master Instructor. He also trained with David Cox in Jujitsu and Knife Defense and stick fighting. Grand Master French served on the board Westwood College in the Criminal Justice Program. Since 1970 he has been working in the Civilian Law Enforcement. His duties include: Police officer for the City of Chicago, Sheriff Department for Jefferson County, and is currently working for the Department of Corrections for the last 23 years.

Grand Master Wren

Grand Master Lonnie Wren is an 8th degree black belt instructor at both the Lakewood and Westminster schools. He is also a second-degree black belt in Okinawan karate. His weapon of choice is nunchucks. He has assisted with many prepcycles as well.

Master Instructors

Our team of master instructors brings advanced technical skills, extensive experience, and a deep commitment to the art of teaching. Each has spent years training under the guidance of senior martial artists and has earned their rank through discipline, perseverance, and dedication to the martial arts lifestyle.

Master Arkfeld

Master Devin Arkfeld started training in Taekwondo in 2002 at eight years old, when he saw a flyer on his elementary school’s news bulletin. With 18 years of experience, most of which he has been instructing, Master Arkfeld is a 5th Degree Black Belt. Alongside his training in Taekwondo, Master Arkfeld has explored other martial arts for several years, concentrating on Matayoshi Kobudo and Capoeira. Accustomed to the goal-setting and hard work required to attain the rank of Black Belt, he has also achieved the highest rank Boy Scouting has to offer – Eagle Scout. Master Arkfeld recently graduated college with a 4.0 GPA in environmental engineering. Master Arkfeld is also a nunchuku ninja.

Master Wiegand

Master Kat Wiegand is a 5th degree black belt master instructor.



Master Fitterer

Master Scott Fitterer is a 5th degree black belt and the Prep Cycle Director. He and his daughter have done martial arts together and received each rank together.



Master Tay

Master Taylor Fitterer is a 5th Degree Black Belt and started martial arts when she was 9 years old through an after-school program. About 6 months later, her father joined and they trained together side by side ever since. After receiving her 1st Degree Black Belt in April 2010, she took 2 years off due to an injury. Her and her father have continued to train together ever since. Outside of martial arts, she loves to spend her time with family, friends, doing anything outdoors, and listening to music.



These master instructors serve as mentors to both students and junior staff, offering insight, inspiration, and a commitment to excellence in every class they lead. They are instrumental in developing program curriculum, evaluating student progress, and upholding the academy’s teaching standards. Their mentorship continues beyond the classroom, helping students apply martial arts values to everyday life.

Instructor Team

Our dedicated instructor team is essential to the day-to-day operation of our academy. Each instructor is trained not only in martial arts but also in teaching methodology, child development, and leadership. They play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and effective learning environment for students of all ages.

Ms. Dempsey

Ms. Helena Dempsey is a 4th degree black belt instructor. She has been in Martial Arts for 14 years, and started when she was 7. She says karate has helped her become more confident in herself, and that she would not be who she is today without it. She likes hanging out with her friends and family. She watches movies and tv shows in her free time.

Mr. Dempsey

Master Kat Wiegand is a 5th degree black belt master instructor.



Ms. Perez

Ms. Nadia Perez is 3rd degree black belt instructor.




Mr.Waller

Mr. Preston Waller is a 3rd degree black belt instructor. He started training at 5 years old. He enjoys being outside, and he likes to mountain bike and snowboard.





Mr.Rosene

Mr. Seth Rosene is a 3rd degree black belt. He is the head instructor at the Lakewood studio and Martial Arts has been his passion for the last ten years. He was 10 years old when he first started and plans on continuing until his body doesn’t allow it. He loves teaching everyone and hopes to run a studio of his own some day!



Ms. Grosh

Mr. Steve Warburton is a 3rd degree black belt instructor.




Mr. Warburton

Mr. Steve Warburton is a 3rd degree black belt instructor.



Mrs. Warburton

Mrs. Jamie Warburton is an instructor at 5280 karate academy.



Ms. Cannady

Ms. Catherine Cannady is a 3rd degree black belt instructor.



Mr. Perez

Mr. Luis Perez is a 2nd degree black belt instructor.



Ms. Cordova

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Mr. Silva

Mr. Silva is a 2nd degree black belt instructor. He started training in 2014 at 6 years old. When he was going up in the ranks he was very hyperactive. Now he is a very calm instructor. He enjoys running and cooking in his free time.



Ms. O'Rourke

Ms. Erin O’Rourke is a 2nd degree black belt instructor. She started when she was 7 in 2015. She was introduced to Martial Arts by an after school program. She loves to spar and always works to get better. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with her family and her best friend Danielle!



Instructors at 5280 Karate Academy are not only skilled practitioners but also compassionate role models. They strive to empower each student through consistent guidance and genuine care. They are involved in mentoring, grading, community events, and even administrative responsibilities to ensure every student has a well-rounded experience.

A group of martial arts fighters pose for a photo

Why Our Team Stands Out

What truly distinguishes our team is the shared belief that martial arts is about more than physical technique. It’s about fostering a growth mindset, encouraging accountability, and building community. Our instructors work collaboratively to ensure that each student receives personalized support and a pathway toward their individual goals. We emphasize structure, respect, and progression in every class, making sure no student is left behind.


The team is deeply invested in each student's journey, taking time to understand personal goals, offer constructive feedback, and recognize achievements. Our staff regularly participates in continued education and instructor training to stay current with teaching strategies, martial arts trends, and best practices in safety and student development.

From white belt to black belt, our team supports each student at every stage of their journey. We adapt our approach to meet students where they are, whether they're building confidence, overcoming challenges, or preparing for leadership roles within the academy. The unity and dedication of our team are at the core of our success.

Contact Our Team

Are you ready to train with a team that values discipline, mentorship, and personal growth? Our instructors are here to help you take the next step in your martial arts journey. Contact us to schedule a tour, sign up for a class, or speak directly with an instructor.


Call us today at (303) 986-5468 or use our contact form to reach out.