Heather Jo Fritsche
Mrs. Fritsche is a co-owner of Challenge Martial Arts. She has a Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of California, where she specialized in Behavior. She has studied Martial Arts since 2008. She holds a 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and first Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do.
Mrs. Fritsche conceptualized and ran a Martial Arts and character development program at a women’s rehabilitation facility in San Antonio, Texas from the fall of 2015 to the summer of 2016, when she moved to Nikiski, Alaska. The women in that class had a great time, encouraging each other and working hard as well as enjoying the joking and camaraderie common to most Martial Arts classes. They improved their strength and confidence and engaged in many heartfelt discussions during and after classes.
Mrs. Fritsche has become renoun on the Peninsula for her proven training methods, and continues to grow her studio. She enjoys getting to know and train her Martial Arts students, several, of whom, are state champions.
Steven R. Fritsche
Mr. Fritsche, co-owner and second degree Black Belt of Challenge Martial Arts. As a teenager, Steve practiced Isshen-Ryu Karate, earning a Blue Belt before life pressures interrupted his journey and sent him in a different direction. Since then, Steve has supported his wife and daughter in their Martial Arts efforts, while still not having time to engage in classes himself. In 2015 and 2016, Steve assisted Heather in teaching Tae Kwon Do twice a week at a women’s rehabilitation facility. In August 2020, after years of intense study, he was promoted to first degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and promoted to second degree in May 2023. He continues studying.
Mr. Fritsche works in the studio office and assists with classes as an Instructor. This photo is Mr Fritsche executing a flying side kick as part of his Brown Belt High test in February 2019. He was 55 years old at this test.