About Us
Universal Kempo-Karate Schools is a mixed martial arts association focusing on self-defense. Traditionally, we train in Kempo-Karate, a Chinese form of Karate. We employ a traditional approach to training Mind, Body, and Spirit. We also train using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Kali styles of Martial Arts to make sure our students are well-rounded. Training in many different modern martial arts helps our students to feel confident in their ability to defend themselves, if needed.
Our Story
Grand Master Martin T. Buell started martial arts training in 1953 and established the Universal Kempo-Karate Schools Association in 1981. His students have spread the Universal Kempo Karate School Association to 11 branches on the two largest islands of Hawaii, 1 branch in California, 18 branches in Colorado (Colorado Springs and Denver), 1 in Nevada, 1 in South Dakota, 1 in Texas, 2 in Virginia, 2 in Tennessee, 4 in Washington, 6 in Barbados, and our 1 branch here in Wyoming.
Prairie Winds Branch was started in July of 2015 when Instructor Greg Colbaugh realized he needed to move back home to Tennessee to help his family and sold the martial arts school to Corey and Justine Jacobsen, two students of his for about 6 years. We continue to train with the same weapons, self-defense, and ground defense skills that Grand Master has taught everyone in his association over the years. New things are frequently added as Grand Master learns them and passes them on. Our martial art is fluid, designed to fit the student every bit as much as the student learns to fit in with it.
Meet The Team
Corey Jacobsen
Head Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt
Corey has been involved with martial arts training for over 30 years.
Deryk Jacobsen
Assistant Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt
Deryk has been involved in Universal Kempo since he was 5 years old with his parents. He continues to train and teach because he enjoys seeing others learn.
Justine Jacobsen
Assistant Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt
Justine started because it was something for the whole family to do, and she soon realized how much she just enjoys being a part of this and teaching.
Tim McDowell
Assistant Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt
Tim enjoys the family atmosphere and the ability to learn and grow, no matter what level we are at. We are all teachers and students from peewee to adult.