2016 Holiday Camp at the Green Mountain Campus

COME JOIN THE DYNAMIC HOLIDAY CAMP!

Don't forget Holiday Camp starts tomorrow, Tuesday, December 27th. It goes through Thursday, December 29th. Holiday camp is open to all students ages 5 to adult. (Adults, if you can only come one day, Thursday is a good option, but you are welcome anytime though.)

You can register online Holiday Camp Registration

at:

Or you can just drop in and pay at the door.

The morning sessions are from 8:30am - 11am and the afternoon sessions are from noon - 2:30pm. Please bring or send a lunch if staying for both sessions.

Please remember there are no regular CTI classes at any campuses this week and that there is a New Year's Eve lockin at the Grn Mtn Campus on Saturday with an hour later pickup (9am instead of 8am on Sunday). The lockin starts at 6pm on Saturday.

Happy Holidays!

Martial Arts Lessons at Lakewood Taekwondo Institute

Located right behind Starbucks sits an unassuming martial arts school in a shopping center on Alameda Parkway. If you watch, you’ll see a wide range of people come in and out of that front door. A mother with her 4 year old son dressed in a tiny white uniform, a family wearing different colored belts but all wearing the same uniform, or even just a man with a duffle bag of sparring gear holding the door open for a friend. Each and every one of them are there for a reason, to learn Taekwondo at the Lakewood Taekwondo Institute.

This is the site of headquarter campuses for Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo in the Denver area (part of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute). Founded in 1991, the outstanding staff of black belt instructors at this school are able and eager to teach people of all ages and abilities. Classes during the week are divided by age but all students are taught the same principles of respect, confidence, integrity, perseverance, focus and indomitable spirit.

Stepping inside you’ll be treated to the sight of world class teaching in effect as students and teachers sweat their way through a work out that trains every part of the body. The class will flow from a warm-up of jumping jacks, to a series of stretches, to our basics routine that covers strikes, blocks and kicks. The rest of the class ranges from poomse (patterned movement) to self-defense techniques. The classes are positive and fun, whether you’re looking for an focus the energy for your toddler or want to get in shape and be healthy yourself.

But if all Lakewood martial arts lessons give these benefits, why chose the Colorado Taekwondo Institute? As with anything else, the quality makes a huge difference. You want to find the best school possible for you or your children to attend in order to maximize your results and to get the most from the program. Here are four reasons why the CTI is the best school in the Lakewood area for children's and adult martial arts:

• Educated Instructors -  We don't hire any outside instructors; each instructor is "home-grown" from white belt and developed into one of our educated instructors. This allows us to provide the very-best in quality instruction. Each black belt instructor has years of martial arts instruction and also instructor development.
• Structured, Dynamic Classes - each class taught is set in a structured environment. Students are led by the instructor through a routine of exercise, basic and advanced Taekwondo techniques. With this structure, students are learning discipline and focus. They aren't running around being wild, they are developing themselves mentally.
• Safe Learning Environment - Each of our campuses is designed with the best quality of instruction in mind. We build our own custom suspension workout floors and have quiet workout areas so students can focus on their learning and not become distracted with outside influences.
• Staff that Cares - All of our teachers put students first, teaching to help our students foster their passion for martial arts in the same way that they learned. Our school isn't a "belt factory" designed to get as many students in the door as possible and promote them in a money-making scheme. Every instructor here cares about their students and wants to encourage and help them develop all of the wonderful things that martial arts have to offer.  Our students come first.  The instructors work to encourage and lead them into being the best student they can be.

So if you’re on the hunt for Lakewood karate, taekwondo, or other martial arts, come visit the Colorado Taekwondo Institute’s campus on Alameda Parkway and see what we have to offer for you and your family! Give us a call at 303-989-7542 or you can request more information from our website here.

The Benefits of Martial Arts for Adults

By Hope Morgan, 3rd dan

Most adults can identify the key components of a healthy lifestyle and can easily list various factors that contribute to personal health and wellness, yet many constantly struggle in applying that knowledge to their individual selves and are left wondering how they can rise to the challenge of leading a healthier life. Adult martial arts lessons provides the perfect solution for people looking to achieve those goals. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute offers programs specifically tailored for adult training and the benefits of participation are countless.

Taekwondo, unlike many other sports, truly is for all ages. Adults at all different fitness and skill levels join our school and quickly find it to be a great fit. Regardless the multitude of differences in individuals, everyone can find benefits in adult martial arts that extend far beyond learning traditional and effective self-defense techniques. Some of them are discussed below:

• Total body workout - The Colorado Taekwondo Institute features workouts that encompass all five components of health related fitness - cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. We target all areas of body fitness allowing adults to improve various aspects of their physical health.

• Teaches discipline and focus - We typically associate the learning of focus and discipline with younger children, but adults have much to learn as well. In our modern world of constant distractions and chaos, they are two of the most valued character traits. We teach concentration through our repetition of movement, positive reinforcement, structural classes and rules, and challenging goals. The techniques you learn to better improve your focus and discipline can easily be transferred into your everyday lives. 

• Increases self-confidence - Studies show a strong correlation between adults with a higher level of self-esteem and career advancement, success in relationships, and overall productivity. The adult martial arts program at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute continually encourages you throughout your training and teaches you various methods of facing your fear, limiting self-doubt, and building a positive self-assured attitude. 

• Relieves stress - All adults experience stress on some level at some point and science has proven that high stress levels are linked to heart attack, heart disease, and stroke. Taekwondo offers a physical outlet for built up stress. In addition, CTI’s program emphasizes the development of skills to help you calm your nerves and positively direct your focus both inside and outside of class. 

• Individualized training - We welcome students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Our instructors are dedicated to making your training a positive experience for you. They understand all students have a variety of strengths and weaknesses and are devoted to challenging you to your best. Students progress at their own pace and receive instruction designed to make them better as an individual martial artist. 

• Fit for the whole family - More often than not, parents sit on the sidelines while their children are at practice. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has an abundance of families currently enrolled. Not only do the martial arts reap many benefits for the children, but parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts can be there to experience it right along with them. They can provide support and understanding and serve as a fantastic motivation. Our taekwondo programs are ready with the ideal way of creating quality time between you and your family in a constructive and healthy way. 

The above bullet points only touch on the numerous benefits our adult martial arts program harbors. The training is incredibly accessible and we hope you consider classes as your next fitness undertaking. You’ll experience the rewards immediately!

Martial Arts Lessons at Golden Taekwondo Institute

By Michael Sandusky, 3rd dan

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute was founded in 1983, by Grandmaster James M. Sautel. In 2005, the Golden Taekwondo Institute was established. It is located in The Place shopping center and has participated in and sponsored many events in the local community. Events such as the Buffalo Bill Day parade in Golden, the Annual CTI Picnic, the Maple Grove Elementary fun run fundraiser, and donated to many other elementary school events in the surrounding Golden, Lakewood, and Wheat Ridge area.

The Golden Taekwondo Institute has four talented instructors who work with students of all ages. Third degree black belts Michael Sandusky and Brian Steward and First degree black belts Peyton Brauch and Justin Lautrup. Our instructors work with student preschool elementary, middle and high school age all the way to Adults, five nights a week. There are even classes on Fridays evenings. Our flexible schedule is sure to fit into your busy life.

The school has a clean and welcoming environment for both students and visitors.  Our Students and instructors practice in a spacious classroom with several viewing windows for parents and friends to watch and follow along with the class.  Parents are encouraged to stay and watch classes so they know how to best help their students.  The instructors strive to keep a fun and encouraging learning environment for all students to help them learn the curriculum and meet new friends.  The positive atmosphere gives students and friends a nice place to spend time.

And when they are done working out, there are also many places to grab a meal after class ranging from tacos and wings to burgers and soup in the Place shopping center. Tafolino's Mexican Restaurant, Jimmy's Wings and Pizzeria Forte are all within a few feet of our door.

But if all martial art schools have so many benefits for children and adults, why chose the Colorado Taekwondo Institute when looking for Golden martial arts lessons? As with anything else, the quality makes a huge difference. You want to find the best school possible for you or your children to attend in order to maximize your results and to get the most from the program. Here are four reasons why the CTI is the best school in the Golden area for children's and adult martial arts:

• Educated Instructors -  We don't hire any outside instructors; each instructor is "home-grown" from white belt and developed into one of our educated instructors. This allows us to provide the very-best in quality instruction. Each black belt instructor has years of martial arts instruction and also instructor development.
• Structured, Dynamic Classes - each class taught is set in a structured environment. Students are led by the instructor through a routine of exercise, basic and advanced Taekwondo techniques. With this structure, students are learning discipline and focus. They aren't running around being wild, they are developing themselves mentally.
• Safe Learning Environment - Each of our campuses is designed with the best quality of instruction in mind. We build our own custom suspension workout floors and have quiet workout areas so students can focus on their learning and not become distracted with outside influences.
• Staff that Cares - All of our teachers put students first, teaching to help our students foster their passion for martial arts in the same way that they learned. Our school isn't a "belt factory" designed to get as many students in the door as possible and promote them in a money-making scheme. Every instructor here cares about their students and wants to encourage and help them develop all of the wonderful things that martial arts have to offer.  Our students come first.  The instructors work to encourage and lead them into being the best student they can be.

Please feel free to come in for a visit or to try out a class.  Our instructors will be happy to answer your questions about the school. Or you can give us a call at 303-233-0039 or request more information from our website here.

MSK Travel and Camp MSK!

By Hunter Gray, brown belt

Due to the generosity of very kind people I was able to go on the trip of a life time.  I got the opportunity to meet new friends and had a great time doing what I love to do.  This trip made me realize that I want to do this for a long time.  This trip was one of the best experiences in my life and helped me become more responsible, gain better social skills, and helped me with my Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo skills.

Master Bill Jones and Kimberly Jones were kind enough to allow me to go with them to Camp Moo Sul Kwan and on their vacation this past summer.  Not only did they do this for me, but it taught me more responsibility in my own life because this was the first time I had been far away from home without my parents.  I learned how to take care of myself and I gained more politeness skills and I felt better naturally and healthier too.  Learning these responsibilities not only helped me personally, but helped me with my Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo.  These experiences allowed me to realize that my responsibilities as an upper belt are not slim and I must not take it lightly.  I realized that the younger belts look up to me and I must show them how to be respectful and help them with any questions they ask me.  So from my Camp Moo Sul Kwan experience I realized I have some new responsibilities for myself and also to help others.

Another thing I gained at the Camp Moo Sul Kwan which helped me with my Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo was gaining better social skills.  I have always been a quiet person and kept to myself, but going someplace far from home without my family really helped me gain better skills at opening up and become more outgoing.  Along with the camp, the wonderful hospitality of Grandmaster Jim Sautel and Master Mindy Sautel helped me with my social skills and with my manners.  Both of these things helped me gain new friends and helped me be less timid with new students in my class.  I learned how to help them and even older class members too.  Now with my improved skills I seem more approachable.  I’m getting more questions asked before class starts and I feel more confident answering them.  I’ve learned to ask Master Jones or Master Freddy Sautel for help answering their questions as well.  Also, this helps me ask my own questions and that has help me extremely in my Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo experience by learning new things.  This experience has not only helped with my everyday life social skills but also my Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo life social skills.

Most importantly, on this trip I gained a lot of skills new in Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo.  I learned new ways to do techniques and I learned most of one of my poomse from Grandmaster Jim Sautel which was fun and he helped me learn it quickly, compared to how I fast normally learn a new poomse.  I learned easier and faster ways to block, and also the demo really helped me with making my Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo not a single experience, but a team effort, and not only that, but a Moo Sul Kwan family experience for myself.  To reach out to that family that works in Colorado, helps me while I’m in Missouri.  The demo was fun, but also difficult to get it all flowing together.  My team did it and it was the most fun demo I’ve ever done and it helped me learn a lot about everything I did in the demo.  The Demo and the learning stations themselves really helped me grow in my Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo life and I enjoyed all of the hard work I put in to it.

In conclusion, I had a great and mind opening experience at Camp Moo Sul Kwan.  I learned more responsibilities, social skills, and learned more about Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo itself.  All of the great time I had was an experience of a life time.  But none of it could have happened without the kind people that took me there and housed me, and for that, I am truly grateful.  Thanks to them I realized that Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo is my one true passion that I love doing.

Why I'm glad I found the CTI on my hunt for Karate Schools

By Irene Kim, Brown Belt

If you are searching for a karate school in the west Denver Metro Area, you may not realize what you have found. Experiencing the intense and rewarding practice of Taekwondo at any of the campuses of The Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) is likely to change you and your family's life.

One frequently arrives at their campus of the CTI tired, stressed out from the work or school day, struggling to find the energy to even open the door. But after class, that same individual is guaranteed to leave refreshed, energized, happy and completely de-stressed.  Don't we all want to feel like this? Check out this martial art if you seeking a karate school in Lakewood, Littleton, Arvada, Westminster, Golden, Conifer or Bailey.

Kids and adults in martial arts learn valuable life lessons practicing Taekwondo at the CTI. Taekwondo ('the art of smashing with the bare feet and hands' in Korean) is different from karate ('empty hand' in Japanese), yet in many aspects they are similar. Anyone seeking to improve their lives and strengthen their mind, body and spirit should experience Taekwondo with the CTI. Each campus strives to provide a solid educational foundation to instructing Taekwondo techniques and forms.

In addition to awesome physical training, students complete written homework monthly, instilling such concepts as integrity, courage, courtesy, respect, perseverance, and having indomitable spirit. Indeed these are the tenets of Taekwondo with CTI and all students are required to represent them in society.

If you are seeking to practice a highly respectable martial art, such as taekwondo, kung fu or karate lessons, and meet some of the society's most admirable individuals, try a class at any of the five locations of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. Life will become more meaningful as you gain strength that will carry over into every aspect of your days. End your search for martial arts in Denver here.