Personal Achievement Martial Arts has Classes in Wheat Ridge, Perfect for Kids, Teens, and Adults Martial Arts Lessons.
Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life.
Get To Know Our World Class Instructors
Owner/Program Director
5th Degree Black Belt (Master Instructor)
Mrs. Sara Stites has an extensive educational background, and was a teacher Jeffco School District for 11 years until having her own family. Sara is the Program Director and instructor here at Personal Achievement Martial Arts in Wheat Ridge. With almost 23 years teaching and training in the Martial Arts Sara has earned her 5th Degree Black Belt in American Free Style Tae Kwon Do, and has trained in several other styles of Martial Arts. She applies her educational training to her Martial Arts teaching and is a phenomenal instructor.
Sara also facilitates and runs Personal Achievement’s Karate Summer Camps which is a State Licensed Facility.. With over 20 years of teaching camps, she has created an exciting program for all students attending.
Instructor at Personal Achievement Martial Arts
2nd Degree Black Belt
Also known as Mr. Ruelas, but Mr. AARON is just easier. I’m a father of two boys that I trained with here at P.A.M.A for 5 years now when we were introduced to martial arts through the after school program with Stott Elem. where we worked hard to earn our Black Belts and continue our training. I enjoy Snowboarding, Fly Fishing, Fly tying, Hiking, Camping, and anything that keeps me moving. Originally from the VA area, I moved to CO in 2001 to escape the busy DC Area, to teach snowboarding at Copper Mtn. for a season that turned into 3 years teaching. So I decided to stay here in this beautiful state for a little more laid back life. But since I have started working here at P.A.M.A. I couldn’t be happier to work with such an Amazing Team and to see all of the children progress from beginners to confident leaders while having fun doing it. I know that my boys and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
Instructor at Personal Achievement Martial Arts
3rd Degree Black Belt
Hi, I’m Christi Graham or known better as Mrs. Graham. I’m a third degree black belt, I could be higher but I quit for a brief time (about 20 years lol!) I originally started martial arts a little over 30 years ago when I was about 12 years after seeing a movie called Side Kicks and signing up for a free trial. I loved it so much I stayed for about 5 years and quit just shy of my 2nd degree black belt when I was about 17. I also trained with Master Stites at that time! However, I knew him even before that because he was best friends with my brother for quite awhile and I’d see him all the time. Fast forward 20 years and I saw that Master Stites now owned his own school and I knew what martial arts did for me when I was young and I wanted that for my son as well. So, I decided to have my son enroll and then Master Stites told me I should start again, and I did!! That was about 10 years ago and I have loved every moment since! After starting back up, I’ve led our Demo Team now for about 8.5 years. I always wanted to teach the regular classes too and finally I got the opportunity to be a full time instructor in September of 2023. It has been great to pour into children’s lives and teach them one of my passions which is martial arts! I also always wanted to be a teacher growing up so this really fulfills my childhood dream!
Program Director at Personal Achievement Martial Arts
Hey, I’m Sean Welch (AKA Mr. Sean) the only non-Black Belt member of the team. My background is in fitness and youth education management. I’m a proud Colorado Native & over the last 7 plus years I have loved working with youths, helping them grow and have fun. I’m a father of 3 kids (2 boys & one girl) so life is always pretty busy.
My Martial Arts background is in traditional Boxing and I love sharing tips and tricks. I’m a lifelong weight lifter spending plenty of time in the gym each and every week. Let’s all have some fun while making ourselves better!
Instructor at Personal Achievement Martial Arts
1st Degree Black Belt