Fulda Free Press staff writer
Jen Tiesler recently earned first place at the 43rd Minnesota State Karate Championships in Black Belt Sparring in the Women’s ages 30 to 39 category. The tournament was held Sunday, September 11th, at the Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center.
Tiesler began learning Kenpo Karate at the young age of 4. Her father, Brian Koopman, was the owner of Koopman School of Self-defense located in Fulda. She competed in tournaments until the age of 16. “I received my Black Belt at the age of 11. Usually, it takes people about four to six years to get their Black Belts. I took a bit longer, but then again, I started learning the art at the age of four years,” Tiesler shared. “Growing up, we were in the Twin Cities a lot, competing at tournaments.”