My Moo Sul Kwan Journey So Far

By Irene Kim, blue belt

My nerves began to manifest deeply as I stepped onto that light brown carpet at the Littleton school for the first time. A black belt took me aside and started to show me the footwork of the 4 directions that I would need to know. I tucked my hands behind my back and followed his every move, trying to ignore the uncertainty of this unknown.

I had given birth to my second child 5 weeks prior and sought to regain my physical strength in something new. I had practiced cardio-kickboxing for 6 years, though it was not considered a true Martial Art. I was intrigued and interested in the more formal taekwondo from a cultural as well as personal perspective.

As the weeks, months, and years have progressed, I am finding a strength of mind, body and spirit that I did not know existed within me. I was raised by a severely conservative father who escaped northern Korea (before it was formally North), then survived the Korean War. Ironically, he practiced the original taekwondo, without uniform, in the woods of Korea, though warns me not to go "too hard" practicing the art now. My mother was from Seoul and also survived the War. Both raised me to not be competitive, so I did not seek out sports growing up. Indeed, the apprehension of competition is a strong part of me even now.

Taekwondo supports students competing not with each other so much as within themselves. I value this. I recall Master Sautel telling us prior to a tournament, "Don't tell me you got first place; I don't want to know." This resonates with me; In any competition with which I have been involved, my biggest fear had always been to not let others down (e.g., teammates or coaches).

I value our taekwondo instructors support of each one of us. As our uniforms and lack of ornamentation due to etiquette indicate, we are all equals, regardless of age, gender, height, size, rank in society or profession.  Those initial nerves and uncertainty are still with me as I learn and practice, though to a far lesser degree in large part due to the CTI instructors and their respect of all individuals who practice the art.

Through the practice of taekwondo, I feel a sense of confidence growing in areas I did not know I possessed. I have confidence in my role as mother and professional in caring for others.  I am strong in sensing others' needs before they are even aware of them and making others smile in doing so, but I have never held a lot of confidence in my physical strength. I have always been relatively good at cardiovascular aerobic exercise (running races, tri-athalon, swimming), though have not considered myself to be an athlete or physically strong. Taekwondo pushes me to be strong in all ways (physical, mental spiritual, emotional) and while it is a struggle sometimes, I sense the benefits.

Though the demands on my life do not allow me to attend class more than a couple times per week, the feelings I have at the completion of the adult class every week stay with me: Pride, accomplishment, success, growth (in strength, power, confidence) and ultimate stress-relief. I learn every single class. While my strength grows, however, I am always extremely humbled by each and every student, instructor and Black Belt in the organization. As I was told early on in my training, 'Attaining Black Belt level is only halfway through.' There is so much to go.

But life is a journey, not a destination. My journey in taekwondo is a series of ascending steps that I climb each week. Sometimes it is a mental climb, as when I rehearse in my mind what I learned. I will sit with a snack or dinner after class and reflect on key points that I need to improve on. I will make notes and flashcards to instill in my mind as I physically take a step and attain higher and higher levels by practicing. The top of my taekwondo staircase is so far up that it is not visible to me; I do not know if I will attain Black Belt. This is not a concern to me. I am practicing taekwondo for very personal reasons, including being a role model for my daughter (a 6-year-old striped green belt who has earned a total of 7 belts since becoming a Tiger!)

Above all, the power of taekwondo has made me a better person. I am honored to know and practice with such outstanding individuals, such positive role models in a society so unfortunately filled with negativity and doubt.  I am surrounded by positivity, respect, and health each time I step in the door to the Littleton school of the CTI. To persevere is the goal for me and my daughter, despite numerous other responsibilities pulling us in different directions (as every CTI student has).  Through many different avenues and now including taekwondo, I know for certain that hard work pays off. Push through, I tell myself, and the power will only keep growing.

Balance and Taekwondo

By Allyse Nothstine, red belt, age 14

Many aspects of life require balance which can be taught through Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo. Balance is necessary for people of all ages, because it can help prevent falls and injuries.  Studies have done specific studies on the effects of balance from doing Taekwondo, specifically for the elderly and young children with physical disabilities.  Balance is also highly important for Taekwondo moves.

One study done was people from ages 40-71.  Once a week for an hour, for a one year, Taekwondo was done.  Data showed that Taekwondo training improved people’s overall balance, posture, showed improvement in which way their body sways, and more control on how they fell.  The basic stances and foot work was shown to help with balance.

Another study was done with people in their 70’s.  It was to find out if it improves their balance and walking ability.  Taekwondo exercise was effective for improving balance and walking.  They attribute that to the specific movements required to do taekwondo.  Taekwondo training can decrease the likelihood of falls in the elderly.

In another study about children with developmental coordination disorder. The 44 children did three months of basic Taekwondo training.  Three months of training improved their visual coordination and improved their standing balance control.  People working with these children can suggest Taekwondo be a therapeutic fun activity.

In Taekwondo there are spins, jumps, and more complex moves.  But in order to hold the moves and do them correctly one needs to develop balance.  In order to stabilize the body the core has to be strong.  Studies have shown Taekwondo helps improve balance for children and elders, which can be used in many aspects of life. At the same time, balance is incredibly important in the art of Taekwondo itself.

Taekwondo and a Shy Personality

Taekwondo is a sport that is healthy for your body and mind. The sport itself has an abundance of positive aspects for who ever wants to make martial arts a part of their life.

Being shy is an example of one of the many things that Taekwondo can help improve. Shyness can make some activities more difficult than others. I can relate because I have a shy disposition. For example, say you're taking a group test at school. After seeing the next problem, the majority of the group decides on an answer that you don't agree with. But you realize that you are the only one in  the group that thinks differently. You disregard your opinion out of the fear of being made fun of. Shyness just took a point off your test score! Learning Taekwondo can be a positive tool to help yourself to be a little more outgoing and to have more confidence in your actions and personal growth.

Joining Taekwondo can make a positive step in overcoming your shyness. When working in teams at a Moo Sul Kwan tournament, you can't remain on the side lines and not participate. Even if you are to fail your team still receives more points than if you didn't do anything. Your Taekwondo peers will respect your opinion during group discussions as well. There are no stupid questions.
     
The higher you rise up in the rankings there will come a time when you are asked to share your knowledge on a subject to a lower belt. Whether it be a poomse, one steps, or self defense you need to be the teacher. I know personally the very first time I was asked to help a yellow belt on their Chongi poomse I was terrified. But like practicing your self defense or riding a bike, the more you do it the more confident you will be.  Remember to the lower belt you are the teacher right now. You have been doing Taekwondo for a longer period of time and have already passed the point where they are now. They have no reason to doubt someone who has experience with what they are teaching. After all respecting your teachers is one of the MSK rules of etiquette. Your MSK training will help you set goals, reach goals, and advance in rank.

The Taekwondo environment is an interesting one. Of course the first time someone ever steps foot inside one of the different school locations they might notice the bulletin board where all the upcoming events are posted. The walls are decorated with all of the belts white to black. You might be thinking “Wow, I wonder how long it will take ME to become a black belt? But how is a shy person like me going to fit in?”

Sure that first time inside the school can be a little intimidating but after your first lesson you can start to notice something different. MSK Taekwondo has a very friendly atmosphere. Even if you are just stopping by our Lakewood school to check out who we are a black belt will greet you with a smile and talk to you about what we do here.

Shy personality or not it would be quite difficult for one not to make friends at MSK Taekwondo. Whether it be from a social event like the yearly trip to water world or a lock in at the campus. Also special events like MSK summer camp or one of the many tournaments you participate in during the year. Its certain that you will find someone to talk to. Plus having a friend you can look forward to support while you are learning new things. For me, this makes going to classes at our Lakewood Taekwondo school that much more enjoyable.

Each new thing I learn at Taekwondo makes Tournaments more enjoyable. We get to show what we have learned and with my friends it turns into a friendly competition. Since we are in the same age and belt group we usually compete against each other. One Friend beats be in regular sparring, I beat him in first point wins. Another wins the staff poomse division for their better form, but I place higher in regular poomse for my superior power.  It can go back and forth. But it makes practicing my moves at home and in class more interesting with the motivation to place better than my peers. You learn as a white belt about good sportsman ship. Even if you don't do well in an event no one is going to brag or make fell bad for not doing better.

In conclusion, the positive aspects of Taekwondo can help improve social skills, confidence, and encourage higher self esteem. Being shy will no longer hold you back. You can face the world with your head held high!

Champion

By Emily Artman, purple belt, age 11

Suddenly, golden beams of sunlight peeked through the glass door and momentarily blinded me.
Our voices echoed off the walls as one hundred eyes pierced my skin.

The cold air at Snow Mountain Ranch came rushing into my lungs as though it wanted me more than I wanted it. I looked out over the grassy field, a single picnic bench dotting the horizon. The snow-capped mountains sparkling in the distance. I could feel every crack and splinter of the aged, wooden deck beneath my feet. Anticipation hung heavy in the air as each group prepared to showcase the Martial Arts demo they had been working and practicing on all week.  As we took our places I was the second in line. I walked into the small room of the Leget building, falling into step with the others in my group.  When I lined up in formation I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding in.  I tried to look confident, but my insides were doing back-flips.

I heard my uniform snap, my voice echo, and could feel the rapid beads of cool sweat rolling down my neck, back, and forearms.  Time slowed each punch crisper and more precise than the one before.

It seemed like hours before we transitioned into our next formation.  My body was working on autopilot and executed each move perfectly, without thought.  As hard as I tried to suppress it, I could not ignore the hundreds of eyes staring at me. Suddenly, golden beams of sunlight peeked through the glass door and momentarily blinded me.  My heart skipped several beats. My brain seemed to have stopped working.  That moment of warmth from the sun had cost me dearly.  I panicked; my heart was beating out of my chest, had I forgotten everything?  No, after that moment of utter terror the sun disappeared behind it’s cloud and I was able to fall back into step.  Could everyone tell?

We finished on final kihap, the sound full of perseverance, indomitable spirit, and integrity.  I stood there not daring to move an inch, my face lined with sweat.  Breaths were coming fifty at a time.  Then... Applause filled the room like thunder.  I could feel a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth while my spirit soared. I kept my face emotionless as we accepted our applause and left the floor.

MSK Taekwondo: My Own Experience

By Emily Brophy, 1st dan

Taekwondo is a very beneficial sport for many reasons, and it helps with other activities such as school, singing, and acting. Because of the self-control and self respect that Taekwondo teaches, it is easier to be more involved in acting, or other forms of public performance. Public speaking is a very important part of everyday life, whether it is presenting in front of a class or acting in a musical or play. It can be very difficult for some people to present in front of people, participating in Taekwondo can provide the courage, and self confidence needed to be comfortable and good at public speaking, and acting. Because of the basics, poomse, and tournaments that go on at Taekwondo the self-confidence of the students is boosted. The boost of self-confidence helps in presenting in front of people, and acting, this can be an important skill for everyday life, and in jobs.

When I first started at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute when I was 5, I was a very shy and not a very outgoing and personable person. I was also a piano player, which made it extremely for me to perform in recitals in front of people. I was unable to even introduce myself to the audience, and I was unable to perform. As I grew older, when I turned 7, I began to sing as well as play the piano, it was very nerve racking for me to play and sing in front of people. But as I became more into Taekwondo it was much easier for me to be able to sing in front of people. Taekwondo also helped me with acting as well, being in theater and having to act and sing in front of people as a different person, is a skill that takes time to perfect, and needs lots of self confidence. As well as performing a play or musical in front of an audience there are actor building games that are played. Some of these games can require a person to make a bold choice in character and then not break character, while performing a scene.  This can be  extremely hard for a shy person to find, and then trying to perform in front of people, can make it impossible for anything to be accomplished.

The way that the classes are taught, it requires class participating and practicing poomse in front of people. At first this can be a very difficult thing to accomplish, but as time goes on it becomes easier to be able to be self-confident.  During these classes also the students are taught about self-control and this also relates to acting, singing, and playing an instrument. Playing an instrument or acting in a show, requires a huge amount of practicing, and commitment. First learning how to play and instrument or keeping up playing on, can be a difficult and time consuming thing. One thing that is difficult for most people is wanting to practice on a regular basis. It takes a huge amount of self control to maintain a regular practice pattern. Playing a part in a musical or play whether it is a lead or a member of ensemble it a huge responsibility and requires a huge amount of rehearsal and practice time.  Being in a musical and being a member of ensemble is huge, depending on the amount of company music that there is and how much the ensemble is participating in, there can be a huge amount of dance steps to learn. The ensemble is the most important part of the play and it requires a huge amount of practice time to keep up with all of the new choreography.

Because of the self-control that is taught at Taekwondo, it makes it easier for me to be able to find the practice time to be part of a musical, or to be able to be a good performer when I sing and play the piano. During my recitals now I have found that I own the stage and I can do it if I put my mind to it. Taekwondo has been such a huge part of my life and it has helped me immensely to get me to stage I am now in performing and in life. I found it so much easier to  be who I am and talk to people without becoming nervous. During my last year in middle school, I was required to do a speech stating why I was ready to move on to high school. This speech was held at a dinner with the rest of the people from my class, and their families. About 100 people showed up to this dinner, and I knew that if I had not participated in Taekwondo I would have not been able to speak in front of all those people.

MSK Black Belt Symposium Stays on the Crest

The 19th MSK Black Belt Symposium was a tremendous weekend of education for our Moo Sul Kwan upper belts!  A Symposium record number of  instructors and assistant instructors converged at the Inn at SilverCreek in Granby, Colorado, October 10 - 12, for three days of seminars and classes.

The theme of the 19th Symposium was "Tsunami Time," referring to the continued wave of success that has been enjoyed by the instructors and students so far this year.  The CTI Black Belt Team, recently back from South Korea, the fantastic MSK Summer Expo, the exciting Camp MSK '14, the record breaking 40th CTI Superbowl and the other fantastic events preceding this year's symposium has had everyone operating at a high level.  The symposium participants took the theme and pushed hard throughout the weekend, continuing to ride this huge have of success.

The 19th MSK Symposium began on Friday evening with a special CTI Power Taekwondo workout that got everyone well warmed up!  Symposium participants got a taste of how the black belts train for sparring and enjoyed the lengthy, focused session.  Friday evening finished with lots of good work on self-defense techniques.

Saturday began at 6:00 AM for black belts who worked on poomse and staff poomse.  After a red belt workout, everyone participated in Sparring, Taegeuk and Chang-Hon poomse, and breaking with a concentration in judging technique.  After lunch, special evaluations were given to the participants lasting several hours which included; exercise, basics, poomse, one-step sparring, self-defense and board breaking.  To finish off the afternoon, each Campus practiced their Saturday evening demonstrations with the black belt band.  Then, it was time for rest.

Black Belt Nine played music for the Saturday Symposium Party as the tasty dinner was winding down.  The band, made up of nine MSK black belts, entertained everyone, including playing for each of the Campus Demonstrations.  Each Campus did an excellent job with their demos!  Also during the night, Dustin Wheeler, 4th dan, was recognized for his dedication to the CTI mission of education and MSK martial arts.

Sunday morning began with some black belt training in poomse and basic MSK Hapkido.  Instructor, Assistant Instructor and Campus Coordinator training classes followed taught by Masters Mindy Sautel, John Sautel and Erik Albrechtson.

Symposium Leaders:  Jim Sautel, 7th, Mindy Sautel, 6th, John Sautel, 6th, Erik Albrechtson, 5th, Freddy Sautel, 4th, Alice Meyung, 4th, Clayton Garner, 4th, Dustin Wheeler, 4th, Andy McDaniel, 3rd, Bridget Sautel, 3rd, Abdu Kikhia, 3rd and Michael Sandusky, 3rd.

To find out what a wonderful time it was, speak to someone who attended!

Adults! One Easy Way to Save Yourself Money

By Erik Albrechtson, 5th dan

Since the end of 2007 when the beginning of the “Great Recession” many families have been faced with making changes to accommodate new situations with their family income, living, etc. Families have needed to find ways to become frugal and save on items wherever possible. But we’ve got a great way to save yourself a lot of money- join the Colorado Taekwondo Institute!

You’re probably wondering how that’s going to save you money. Yes it’s going to cost money for classes (though we do offer a 30% or more multiple-family-member discount). But the money you will save will more than pay for the classes. And how can we save you money? Your health.

The number one preventable disease in the United States last year was heart disease.1 Heart disease can lead to a heart attack or stroke. According to a study done by CBS Money Watch, “the average total cost of a severe heart attack--including direct and indirect costs--is about $1 million. Direct costs include charges for hospitals, doctors and prescription drugs, while the indirect costs include lost productivity and time away from work.” The article goes on to say, “amortized over 20 years, that's $50,000 per year for a severe heart attack.”2

Fortunately, most of us have health insurance that will cover most of the costs. However the American Cancer Society estimates the “out-of-pocket costs for a patient who suffers a heart attack are $5,000 to more than $8,000 over the expected year of treatment.”3 Five thousand dollars over a year for the treatment! Classes for an entire year (or nearly 10,000 hours of instruction) at the CTI cost less than a third of that.

According to the University of Chicago, exercise can prevent heart disease. And they emphasize that the sooner you makes changes to your lifestyle the better.4 It seems like we can be so overwhelmed with everything we need to do in our daily lives we don’t have the time and/or money, but we need to put our own health as a top priority.

Classes at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute are great exercise, and they incorporate cardio, muscle toning and flexibility. Each of the 90-minute adult classes will give you a total encompassing workout, in a structured, positive and goal setting environment.

Another great benefit of classes at the CTI are the personal instruction you get in each class. The adult classes taught at each of the CTI campuses are taught by black belts with years of instructor training, so they are looking out for you to make sure not only you aren’t injured, but that you are getting the type of workout that you need. Any person has the ability to be successful in our program; even students with no previous martial arts training, are overweight, or have pre-existing injuries (bad knees, backs, etc.).

Do yourself a favor and call the CTI today. They have martial arts classes for adults, as well as kids and toddlers, that will be a huge benefit to your life. There are schools in Lakewood, Littleton, Westminster, Golden and Conifer. You won't regret it and your heart will thank you for it!


---------------------------------------------------
1- http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/11/15-top-killers-of-americans/
2- http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-much-would-a-heart-attack-cost-you/
3- http://action.acscan.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=11253&news_iv_ctrl=1321
4- http://www.uchospitals.edu/specialties/heart/services/prevention/prevent-CVD.html

Get Ready For Symposium!

The 19th MSK Black Belt Symposium starts this Friday evening! The event is being hosted at the Inn at SilverCreek, just outside of Granby, Colorado. Click here for a map to the hotel. 

Check-in will be between 5:00 and 6:00pm this Friday, with classes and advanced training to follow. 

Everyone is "riding the wave of success" that has been created from these incredible events in each and every class. attended  With the amazing amount of experiences gained so far this year, it's not just a wave but a Tsunami of success that we are negotiating!

Talk to your instructor if you have any questions. See you up there!

Confidence for Children - Get Involved with Martial Arts

By Emily Brophy, 1st dan

Taekwondo is a very beneficial sport for many reasons, and it helps with other activities such as school, singing, and acting. Because of the self-control and self respect that Taekwondo teaches, it is easier to be more involved in acting, or other forms of public performance. Public speaking is a very important part of everyday life, whether it is presenting in front of a class or acting in a musical or play. It can be very difficult for some people to present in front of people, participating in Taekwondo can provide the courage, and self confidence needed to be comfortable and good at public speaking, and acting. Because of the basics, poomse, and tournaments that go on at Taekwondo the self-confidence of the students is boosted. The boost of self-confidence helps in presenting in front of people, and acting, this can be an important skill for everyday life, and in jobs.

When I first started Taekwondo when I was 5, I was a very shy and not a very outgoing and personable person. I was also a piano player, which made it extremely for me to perform in recitals in front of people. I was unable to even introduce myself to the audience, and I was unable to perform. As I grew older, when I turned 7, I began to sing as well as play the piano, it was very nerve racking for me to play and sing in front of people. But as I became more into Taekwondo it was much easier for me to be able to sing in front of people. Taekwondo also helped me with acting as well, being in theater and having to act and sing in front of people as a different person, is a skill that takes time to perfect, and needs lots of self confidence. As well as performing a play or musical in front of an audience there are actor building games that are played. Some of these games can require a person to make a bold choice in character and then not break character, while performing a scene.  This can be  extremely hard for a shy person to find, and then trying to perform in front of people, can make it impossible for anything to be accomplished.

The way that the classes are taught, it requires class participating and practicing poomse in front of people. At first this can be a very difficult thing to accomplish, but as time goes on it becomes easier to be able to be self-confident.  During these classes also the students are taught about self-control and this also relates to acting, singing, and playing an instrument. Playing an instrument or acting in a show, requires a huge amount of practicing, and commitment. First learning how to play and instrument or keeping up playing on, can be a difficult and time consuming thing. One thing that is difficult for most people is wanting to practice on a regular basis. It takes a huge amount of self control to maintain a regular practice pattern. Playing a part in a musical or play whether it is a lead or a member of ensemble it a huge responsibility and requires a huge amount of rehearsal and practice time.  Being in a musical and being a member of ensemble is huge, depending on the amount of company music that there is and how much the ensemble is participating in, there can be a huge amount of dance steps to learn. The ensemble is the most important part of the play and it requires a huge amount of practice time to keep up with all of the new choreography.

Because of the self-control that is taught at Taekwondo, it makes it easier for me to be able to find the practice time to be part of a musical, or to be able to be a good performer when I sing and play the piano. During my recitals now I have found that I own the stage and I can do it if I put my mind to it. Taekwondo has been such a huge part of my life and it has helped me immensely to get me to stage I am now in performing and in life. I found it so much easier to  be who I am and talk to people without becoming nervous. During my last year in middle school, I was required to do a speech stating why I was ready to move on to high school. This speech was held at a dinner with the rest of the people from my class, and their families. About 100 people showed up to this dinner, and I knew that if I had not participated in Taekwondo I would have not been able to speak in front of all those people.