The Colorado Taekwondo Institute: Conifer School

Looking for karate or taekwondo classes for yourself or your child in the Denver/Foothills area?  The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has 5 campuses located in Westminster, Golden, Lakewood, Littleton, and Conifer.  The Conifer location of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is located in the Conifer Marketplace, next to Liks Ice Cream.  This location, just off of Highway 285, by the turnoff for Highway 73 toward Evergreen, allows us beautiful views of Conifer, and easy access with plenty of parking.

The Conifer campus of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute opened in 2007, and now has over 80 students.  Students come from Bailey, Evergreen, Morrison, Pine, and Conifer to train with the most experienced and hardest working black belts in the 285 Corridor. Our dynamic classes provide the best in Conifer martial arts lessons for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults.The Conifer Campus of the CTI has 9 fully accredited black belts, who all began at this campus as white belts.  These well trained black belts now assist or instruct classes, as well as continue their own training, at the Conifer location.  The head instructor at Conifer CTI is Grandmaster James M. Sautel, 7th degree black belt in Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo, the highest ranking and most experienced black belt in the area.  With over 30 years’ experience as a martial arts instructor, Grandmaster Sautel could teach at any campus – his choice to teach in Conifer has ensured that this campus in the mountains has the best of everything.

Morning, afternoon and evening taekwondo classes are offered for all ages at this location. Our students range in age from 2 to 57.  We have students who train together as a family in our family classes.  Many of our young students have encouraged their parents and siblings to join classes suited for their ages.Two to three martial arts classes are offered every day, Monday through Friday.  With so many classes offered, you are sure to find a class that fits your schedule.

The adult classes are taught by Grandmaster James Sautel, 7th dan black belt, and President of Colorado Taekwondo Institute.  We offer morning and afternoon sessions for our youngest students, the 2-5 year old tigers, taught by 2nd dan, Mrs. Eileen Lindner.  Our junior classes are offered in the afternoons, for the 5-12 year old students.  Also instructing and training at our Conifer location are 5th dan Miss Alice Meyung, 2nd dan, Mr. Caleb Feagans, and 1st dan, Miss Casey Feagans.

The carpeted custom suspension floors in our workout room provide support and cushion for your joints.  Some of the large windows in the workout room look out into the lobby, with a spacious viewing area where supportive parents watch their children learning new and increasingly difficult moves.  The other full length windows are open to the sidewalk, and seating area for our neighbor, Liks Ice Cream.  Summer evenings find many prospective students enjoying a treat while watching our students work out.

The mission of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is, "To encourage world-class leadership through educational excellence and Moo Sul Kwan martial arts traditions”.  Our passion has always been to develop black belts with leadership and teaching skills who make meaningful contributions at the family, school, and community levels.  More than ever, after thirty years of excellence, we believe that we can be the best at providing an education-based martial arts program that develops students into champions.

For more information about karate in Conifer at the Conifer Campus of the CTI, go to www.ColoradoTaekwondo.com or give us a call at 303-838-2783.

CTI Turkey Drive!

For the holidays, the CTI collected over 70 turkeys to help those in the community who need help!

Colorado Taekwondo Institute students and instructors brought the 70+ tasty turkeys to CTI Headquarters, Green Mountain Campus on Saturday, November 14.

The turkeys were then donated to the Kings Cupboard Food Bank to help them feed the less fortunate in Jefferson County.

One of the Aims and Goals of Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts taught at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, is to support the local communities we live in.  Along with the annual food drives, clothing drives, school and community demonstrations and other events, the CTI tries its best to help make the world a better place.

Special thanks to everyone who helped!

A CTI Testimonial: Part 5

Jennifer P.

WOW. We have been part of the CTI family for 5 1/2 years. We have 2 boys that each started at age 4. First, we have been blown away by the incredible, caring teachers. Each student truly matters as an individual to them. They are invested in the kids' success. Secondly, this has improved our sons' abilities to focus and take direction in other areas like school, music, and different team sports. Taekwondo isn't just about going to classes. It is about teaching individuals to live a positive life of excellence in all areas: school, work, home, and on the mat at class! We would like to give a special shout out to our first instructor, Master Albrechtson, and our current instructors, Mrs. Morgan and Mr. Greaves. They are outstanding role models and we are grateful to be part of this great organization. Thank you to everyone for your dedication to our family.


Andy M.

I enjoy training at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute and believe that it is the best martial arts program in the region. The instructors are constantly training to improve their teaching abilities. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute offers physically demanding classes but also has a strong emphasis on the educational aspects of martial arts. Respect and proper attitude are very important aspects of our students’ training. Not only will the body be trained but the mind and spirit will be trained as well. There is always something fun and exciting going on at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. I get to participate in four tournaments per year that involve the students at all five Denver area martial arts schools plus the Craig, Colorado campus. We have two national events per year including one that happens in Colorado over the summer. I have had the honor of training with world renowned Martial Artists at these national events. We host several seminars during the year that are led by the founder of Colorado Taekwondo Institute, Grandmaster James M. Sautel, 7th degree Black Belt. We also offer two week-long day camps for our younger students. One happens over the summer and one over the Christmas holiday. At the Black Belt level, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute offers opportunities to travel internationally to train and compete as a group. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has something for anyone who wishes to train their body, mind and spirit. I highly recommend it!


Krysta G.

At the age of eight my daughter started showing an interest in "trying out" martial arts. She was quite shy and afraid of everything so my husband and I agreed that martial arts could be great for her. I researched a lot of local places but was sold with my first impression of the Westminster Colorado Taekwondo Institute. Kelsey, a fellow student, told me about the school with such passion and she was so sweet and genuine. I knew I wanted my daughter to be around such positive role models who felt so passionately for the art. Now eight and a half months later I couldn't be happier with the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. My daughter is so proud of her accomplishments and has really come out of her shell. She looks so forward to class and the tournaments have boosted so much self esteem and confidence in her. I owe a lot of this growth to Mrs Sally Morgan who has been fabulous as a teacher and role model. I can't say enough good about this place! THANK YOU for helping my daughter grow in such a positive way!!!

The Impact of a Dynamic Martial Art

By Shekina DeTienne, 1st dan

While I was in the testing process for black belt, I was talking with my mom about my training, the process and what was to be expected.  As the conversation was coming to a close, my mom said, "I am so glad that you have found the Colorado Taekwondo Institute and you are pushing for your goals."  Training with the students and instructors at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute has been an impactful experience in my life and one that I encourage everyone to try.

People join different martial arts styles for varied reasons.  Whether karate, judo or taekwondo, everyone has different initial expectations and reasons.  When most people think of training in a martial art, they often think of a Karate Kid or Bruce Lee type of situation.  What they often find is a very different experience.  Each person goes through the same basic education, starting with the foundation and then building and advancing.  However, ensuring the training is custom fit to the student is essential to their success through the belts.

Starting with the basics and moving up, we are able to help students of all ages accomplish their goals.  From the parents who want their child to learn respect and structure to the adult looking for physical fitness and self defense, the instructors at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute help their students train to the best of their abilities.  Using positive structured curriculum, students gain physical fitness, learn effective self defense and respect for themselves and those around them.  While establishing these basics, students learn various self defense techniques for different situations as well as learn how to put their basics into motion with poomse, our prearranged forms.  Using the basic striking, blocking and kicking techniques as a foundation, we build on them to more advanced moves.  Our instructors move at a pace which is best suited for the individual student.  The ultimate goal is to train a well rounded, educated and self controlled black belt.  This is not an easy task, however the prize is well worth the prize.

Training in Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo started out as a fun past time that I intended to help with physical fitness and learn some self defense.  After falling in love with the art and making a commitment to fight for black belt and beyond, I realized that it has become so much more to me. The training involved has taught me self control, the importance of continuing education and having respect for myself and everyone around me.  Lessons of perseverance, integrity and how to be a true leader have not just had an impact on my training but also life outside the school.  Working alongside the students and instructors at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute has been a great journey, and is one that I intend to continue for years to come.

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute: Littleton School

By Andy McDaniel, 4th dan

Are you looking for a locally based Taekwondo, Karate, or general martial arts school in the Denver area?  Look no further than the Colorado Taekwondo Institute!  Based on the traditions and       philosophy of Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo as set forth by our founder Great Grandmaster Lee H. Park in 1969, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute offers a full set of innovative curriculum in Taekwondo.  We have campuses in Lakewood, Littleton, Golden, Westminster, and Conifer.

The Littleton martial art school of CTI is one of the longest continuously operating Martial Arts schools in the front range area.  Conveniently located on Simms Street in the Foothill Green shopping area between Bowles and Belleview, we the offer a complete martial arts and self-defense curriculum. We proudly serve the southwest Denver suburbs.

The Littleton campus was founded in 1994 by Grandmaster James M. Sautel, 7th degree black belt.  The Littleton CTI currently has two master instructors actively teaching classes along with several instructors ranked 1st to 4th degree. Upper belts in every class assist the instructor to give students one-on-one time with an upper belt to focus on new techniques and areas in need of improvement.  Master John Sautel (6th Dan) and Master Clayton Garner (5th Dan) ensure that the school is teaching using the time tested teaching methodology that all of the campuses in the CTI use. Master Sautel is currently a Jefferson County middle school teacher with a master’s degree in education.  He brings that educational training and experience to the Colorado Taekwondo Institute to provide superior classes to all of our students.

The Littleton campus has over 3800 square feet of workout area that is split between two large rooms.  Both have custom built suspension floors that are carpeted and padded.  Students have space for their workout bags on shelves in the workout area.  The workout areas, private dressing areas, and restrooms are kept clean and well lit.  Our pro shop carries all of the equipment needed for our programs including student manuals, uniforms, sparring gear, and belt racks.  We also carry fun items like key rings, t-shirts, and stickers.  Parents and loved ones can watch the classes from the viewing areas we have in both workout areas.  We have a large TV in the main lobby that shows videos of past events like expos, tournaments, and symposiums.

Here at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, we make the educational aspect of martial arts an important part of our program.  We offer three adult manuals ranging from white belt through black beltplus a manual specifically for the junior students.  A written and physical test are required at each belt level.  Above and beyond the regular classes, we offer four interschool tournaments every year as well as our yearly Expo.  The Expo is an entire weekend dedicated to martial arts learning and is open to all students.  Additionally, we offer a Symposium every year for the upper belts to study advanced topics like how to teach and judge as well as advanced physical aspects of our martial art.

The curriculum includes three sets of Poomse (pattered movements) including the Taegeuk, Chang-Hon, and Palgwe sets of poomse.  We also have four sets of self-defense that incorporate Taekwondo, Hapkido and Judo.  We offer classes for studentsaged two years old and up.  We offer classes focused on the youngest (Little Tigers), junior students, and adults.  Classes are scheduled in the evenings every day of the week.  We also offer a Friday morning class for adults and a class on Saturday for all ages.  Please see the calendar for the karate classes in Littleton at: http://www.coloradotaekwondo.com/littleton-taekwondo-martial-arts

We at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute strive to produce high quality black belts that can contribute to society on many levels including family, school and community.  We have over thirty years of experience and success in accomplishing that goal.  We believe that we can provide the highest quality education based martial arts in Littleton experience to you and your family.

For more information about the Littleton campus and the Colorado Taekwondo Institute in general, please visit our website at www.ColoradoTaekwondo.com or give us a call at 303-979-2621.