Friday, April 28, 2017

Learning Martial Arts With Your Family

By Craig Cardella, Green Belt

Who has seen their child on the basketball court or soccer field make a great play and then immediately, like iron is drawn to a magnet, look directly to the stands for their parent’s pride and approval? One of the greatest pleasures in life is watching your kids play sports, build confidence and create new friendships. What if you had the opportunity to join your kid’s high school soccer team? It might be a little scary to take the field on that first day but then, rather than sitting in the stands, you could actively participate with your son or daughter in the learning, growth and enjoyment of the sport. A chance like this doesn’t present itself very often, especially in the fast lane of a child’s youth, so consider this adventure wisely. Take the first bow and join your child in the dojang. You won’t regret the lifetime of memories you’ll carry with you from that first day forward, not to mention your own personal growth as the cherry on top.
Family martial arts school near me
My son and I joined the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. We weren't initially looking for family martial arts. My son was interested in classes and after some research, we picked the CTI. We couldn't have been happier. After a year of my son doing classes, I decided it was time to stop sitting and watching and jump in with him. As I said before, how many opportunities like that will we get?

One of the first things you’ll hear, presuming your child started before you donned your white belt, is “Dad, you know you’re going to have to call me 'sir' since I’ll get my black belt before you?” With those joyous words you hope you both will stick with it through all those belts, tests, happy board breaks and sparring wins. Determination and perseverance, among other benefits, are two characteristics you’ll both be crowned with as you continue down your path. When I’m in class with my son we both see one another, checking for proper stance or chamber hands and to make sure our energy output is high, with a happiness level to match. Even better are the tournaments; preparing at home with additional patterned movement practice, holding pillows for practice breaking and then performing the final act on tournament day.

My son is now two and a half years into his journey and I’m a year behind him. The strength, confidence and discipline we both learn in the workout room translates to our home, school and personal lives in general. We’re having fun, growing stronger together and when he looks to the stands for his parent’s approval, he doesn’t have to look far.

Next time you find yourself thinking or Googling, "what are some family activities near me?" consider checking in with the Colorado Taekwondo Institute to see what they have to offer for your family.

Monday, April 17, 2017

A Modest Person is one who Recognizes the Need to Grow

By Lynne Dean, red belt, CTI Black Belt Club Member

If you look at the definitions above for modesty vs. arrogance, the common theme is under-stating or over-stating your abilities.  So whether you are perceived as modest or arrogant depends on the observer’s perception of how you see yourself and your abilities vs. what they think.

Martial arts women in sparring pads getting ready to spar at a Taekwondo tournamentNo one really likes being called arrogant because that, by definition, means you proudly overstate your capabilities and assume an overbearing manner towards those around you.  Someone perceived as an arrogant person has turned off people around them.  And, if I am perceived as arrogant, then I must not think I have room to grow and might not make the most of the resources around me.

So, the conservative approach and one that is best set for overall growth is to err towards the side of modesty.  It doesn’t mean that I become self-deprivating. I have skills that I should be proud of. However, if I am modest, then I recognize that there is always room to grow and develop even more skills and abilities.  If I keep that approach to modesty, then I still set myself up for success and reduce the chance for frustration.  There is also a chance that my interactions with those around me might be less contentious because I am conscientious about how I present myself in an attempt to NOT be arrogant/over-bearing (a.k.a. obnoxious).

A modest person is one who recognizes the need to grow; to seek validation; and to seek feedback.  Therefore, I have the best chance to become a better person with greater skills by remaining modest and seeking out growth.

Friday, April 7, 2017

Let Me Grab Your Attention: a CTI Testimonial

By Brian Mapes, yellow belt

Let me grab your attention by saying in my first 100 days in my Taekwondo classes, I’ve lost 9 pounds and 1 5/8 inches in my waist.

Adults doing martial arts patterns near a pondAs an adult, I was attracted to adult martial arts.  And like many of us, I’ve put off having an exercise program due to my lack of free time and always chasing an income. Things have changed in my life this past year by attaining some financial goals so now I can focus on MY physical needs with Taekwondo. I’ve seen many people over age 40 that are 50 pounds overweight and they can’t even stand up straight. What a terrible way to spend your later-years. We’ve all worked so hard to create a great future and it’s a shame when we get there, some of us won’t be able to enjoy it.  DON’T be that person!

Taekwondo has been the answer for many of us.  The classes are structured for maximum strength and flexibility from the time you walk into the classroom until you leave 90 minutes later.  I attend two classes a week – Monday and Wednesday starting at 7pm.  Our main instructor is Master Albrechtson.  He has been in Taekwondo for over 25 years! When you meet him, or any of the instructors at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, you will find them passionate & knowledgeable for your success.

Another gentleman in this organization is Grandmaster James Sautel.  He was the founder of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute.  I heard him say that most any student who commits to this art can achieve the “black belt level” in about three to five years.  Since this is the ninth belt color you will be in, I know it’s possible.

The instructors warm us up with some exercises and then we move on to some adult martial art moves called the basics.  These are the “backbone” for our training and success in class. Each student has multiple objectives that are met with this program.  Here are just a few I’ve seen myself and others achieve:

  • Quality use of our leisure time
  • Develop self-defense skills
  • Becoming more self-confident, self-esteem and self-disciplined 
  • Success at goal setting with your self-directed learning at home

Students develop and improve on some behaviors: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and an indomitable spirit even while working out real hard.  After the basics are completed, we all begin practicing defined patterns of defense and attack moves called Poomse, or patterned movements. These techniques are without an opponent and are designed to increase the student’s proficiency and techniques.  Some of the benefits in doing these are improved:

  • Breathing
  • Control
  • Balance
  • Strength
  • Flexibility
  • Agility of your body, feet and hands
  • Development of muscles 

In order to test ourselves to see how we are progressing with our fitness and skills, we spar with one another in padded gear and practice escapes from someone attaching us at different angles.  By doing this we learn timing, speed, judgement of distance and precision for a counter-attack.  A few times a year we will get together with five other Taekwondo campuses in town and have a tournament. This is a great time to make some new friends who have similar interests as you. Friendships have been lifelong with many students.

So consider checking out the Colorade Taekwondo Institute if your looking for a fitness program or martial arts for adults. If you try it, you’ll love it. I’ll see you in class!


Monday, April 3, 2017

Start of Summer: the 2017 All-City Champs!

GET READY TO START THE SUMMER OFF STRONG!

Karate kid sparring at Denver metro area Martial Arts Taekwondo Tournament

April 28 & 29, 2017
Alameda International High School

Dear Students and Instructors:

Moo Sul Kwan martial arts were brought to the United States in 1969, by Lee H. Park.  For over four decades, Moo Sul Kwan has hosted championship tournaments and events for the positive educational experiences of its students and instructors.  Our 2017 All-City Champs is a wonderful event and a chance to begin the Summer of ‘17 with success!

Prepare well!

James M. Sautel, 7th dan

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The All-City Championships has grown over the many years and celebrates the start of our CTI-year with exciting competitions and demonstrations. There will be divisions involving all ages and belt levels where competitors will test their skills with fellow students and instructors from all the CTI programs. There are CTI Campus locations in Green Mountain, Littleton, Westminster, Golden, Conifer and Craig, CO. The CTI also provides educational excellence at Montessori Peaks Academy, Red Rocks Elementary, Our Lady of Fatima School, Grant Ranch K-8, West Woods Elementary and Westridge Elementary.

All-City Champs Schedule

FRIDAY
6:00pm—Black Belts

SATURDAY
6:30am—Black Belts
8:00am—Red, Brown, Purple (all ages)
10:00am—White-Blue (8 and under)
12:00noon—White-Blue (9 and up)
Line up of all belts, group picture and group demonstration occurs at noon

Registration is Online!