Your Local, Friendly Martial Arts School: Conifer Campus

The Conifer corridor, including Conifer, Aspen Park, Morrison, Pine, and Bailey, is a unique foothills location southwest of Denver. Residents here enjoy hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, four wheeling, camping, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, sledding, and of course, TAEKWONDO. We are fortunate to have the Conifer campus of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute located in the Staples shopping center on Highway 285 at Pleasant Park Rd teaching the best in Conifer karate. 

Mountain folk are family and community oriented, which is seen in the many families who study together at this campus. It is common to see tigers, juniors and adults all taking classes at all times of the day. There is a deep sense of community and pride seen as all students help each other to succeed in belt promotions, demonstrations, and competitions.

The Conifer martial arts location of CTI was founded in 2007 by Grandmaster James. Morning and evening classes are taught by CTI President James M. Sautel, 8th dan, Stephen Sautel, 3rd dan and Eileen Lindner, 2nd dan.

What makes the Conifer martial arts Campus unique? Is it the warm brown eyes of the elk, deer, bear, and fox who gaze longingly through the windows at our custom-built suspension floor with the cushiest carpet ever? Or is it the overwhelming sense of cooperation and unity among the students? Perhaps it is just the amazingly skilled, caring instructors we have. 

Martial Arts Classes for Beginners

By Natasha McKernan

Martial arts entail a great deal of fun and rewarding training.  To ensure the best martial arts for beginners, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute uses teaches a consistent curriculum between all six of their locations. This method allows students to maintain constant growth. Any student within this program can bring themselves up to their full potential. Instructors at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute workout every single class with their students. They aim to bring the students to peak condition and learning. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute is a wonderful martial arts program for any willing participant for beginning martial arts classes. 

As a general rule, basic techniques are always taught first. A gradual increase in difficulty is necessary for healthy growth. Within large classes of many martial arts schools, usually the difficulty of the class is not adjusted well enough to suit all students.  It is difficult to create routines necessary for both beginner and advanced students. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute solution is a routine that benefits everyone - consistency.

The Colorado Taekwondo institute pushes it’s students through the consistency of the training routine -- if the routine is not regularly repeated, even basic techniques will never reach their full potential.  As the student learns how to execute the technique perfectly, the technique become more taxing.  Repetition of the correct technique allows the body to get stronger.  As the technique continues to improve, so does the physical strength of the student.  This is an endless pattern that reaps constant improvement.  Martial arts also rely on consistency to not lose their distinct traits.

The beauty of it is that anyone can learn martial arts. When a martial art holds true to itself, it becomes a formula for people to follow.  Anyone who is dedicated to their fighting art will undoubtedly be rewarded with visible improvement.  When time and effort and put into a good curriculum there will be unrivaled success.

The martial arts instructors are always working with the students to bring them to their full potential.  The focus on improvement particularly intensifies before the school-wide tournaments.  In these tournaments students compete angainst others their same skill level and age.  Based on how they do, their instructor gives them a few things to improve on.  

Unlike some martial arts schools, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is a very family friendly school.  This has become an essential part of this school; an element that ties together many things.  Family encouragement and competitiveness are good motivators especially for young children.

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute is a wonderful martial arts program for any willing participant.  With its steady curriculum, the martial art is learned thoroughly. With consistent teaching and guidance from the Colorado Taekwondo Institute’s instructors, the student will become the best they can be. 

Teens and Taekwondo

By Scott & Alex Hancey, blue belts (father and son)

Taekwondo Lessons as a Teen

Being a teenager while doing Taekwondo is important now and later in life. Being a teenager, I have learned in class to use self control before self defense, we call this "Ho Shin". It means not to hurt anybody outside or inside of class unless you are being threatened. It means not to hurt them if they are being rude but always ask what the problem is first and don’t go straight to punching and kicking. If they were about to start hurting you a lot that is the time to start using what you learned in Taekwondo to protect yourself. Defending yourself is important. Parents want their kids to be safe and not be scared. Taekwondo is a way to defend yourself in dangerous situations. 

Taekwondo has helped me stretch my body to kick higher, punch harder, and to have a good stance which requires lots of practice. In Taekwondo, practice is important, both mentally and physically. If your goal is to become a better kicker practice at home, outside, or in class because practicing makes you better at doing it. 

A martial arts school for teens teaches student how to better deal with pain and struggle. In class pain and struggling is temporary but has a big impact on you later in life, and sometimes necessary in order to reach your life goals. 

Taekwondo Lessons with a Teen

Everyone has a problem that you know nothing about, this is especially true when you are a teen. Who are your friends, what crowd to fit in with, which grades are more important, why am I in trouble again? Issues that seem trivial as adults take center stage as a teen, yet chances are you had the same issues growing up. 

How easy it is to forget the challenges of adolescence, I certainly have either forgotten or suppressed most of mine. Often while watching my teenage son struggle I find myself poking around in the dusty corners of my brain looking for remnants of my young feelings. All parents do this at some time, wanting and hoping to give their child some kernel of information that they did not have. One piece that I had as a teen was Taekwondo, I am hoping to pass along some of my my growth and experiences through this training to my son. 

School and the pressures that go along with it can be hard, especially in the middle school years, nothing seems to make sense. Friends change, teachers can be good or bad depending on the day and don't get me started on parents. There is no consistency at a time when a sane and simple, predictable routine should exist. CTI provides our family this stable platform. 

Everyone is equal, at least in the teens martial arts school. It doesn't matter the color of your hair, eyes or your belt. Your uniform is the same, your basic training is the same and so is your sweat. The most difficult challenger you will encounter is the one you see in the mirror, this reflection will also become your biggest critic and your most steadfast ally. There are no subgroups based on fashion, looks or intelligence, we are all working to better ourselves. 

Advancement in rank is set by your instructor, it is up to you to set your own individual goals. You may choose advancement to the next belt, breaking more boards, learning to protect yourself or becoming fit. It doesn't matter what you choose as your assignment so long as you are true to yourself. 

What you learn in addition to your training may not be initially seem important. It is the side lessons that when planted require time to take root. Listening, timing, self confidence, spacial awareness are some of these skills. You and your teen may not see the benefits of this alternate training initially but they do show up in your attitude, which ultimately enhances your personal and family skills. The Colroado Taekwondo Institute is an awesome martial arts school for teens.

Your Local, Friendly Martial Arts School: Golden Campus

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute, Golden location, is a Martial Arts school that instructs the art of Taekwondo to students of all ages and levels. The Golden martial arts school is located on the northwest corner of Youngfield and 20th, next to Tafolino's Mexican restaurant. This campus was founded in 2005, by Grandmaster James M. Sautel, 8th degree black belt. This is one of six locations that are a part of Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI). 

 

The Golden Taekwondo school is very spacious, and consists of a spacious workout area where students can participate in class. As described below, the classes are separated by age and also belt level in order for the instructor to teach according to each class and fulfill the students specific needs. There are also one-on-one lessons available with any of the instructors of this campus, to instill more practice and direction. There’s watching areas for each classroom, and family and friends are always welcome to watch their loved ones do class and see the curriculum that they are being taught.

 

The Golden karate location teaches a numerous number of lessons to each and every one student. Taekwondo is a great way to get into shape and learn how to defend yourself. A few key factors this martial art teaches include: self-confidence, self-directed learning, and respect. On top of these, there is so much more that this Martial Arts school has to offer. Some of the big ideas taught to every one of our students are self-control, integrity, and perseverance. All of these qualities are also taught how to be transferred over to everyday life and school.

 

This Golden martial arts school teaches students as young as two years old. It is great for students of any age and is also a great activity to do with your whole family, and even your friends. There are classes available Monday through Thursday for all ages. Families are able to work out together in most of these classes and it is an art that can bring the family closer together. 

 

Not only does CTI hold a variety of class times for all ages, they also hold tournaments, expos, symposiums, camps, and many other events. At these events students from each of our campuses, within our organization, get together to learn and grow with one another and become a family. At each of these, the students get to put all the work they have put in at class into these events. 

At the Golden Taekwondo Institute campus, we see each and every one of our students as our family, and make sure to always put them first for martial arts in Golden. 

MSK Summer Expo XXXIV

"CHARGING INTO THE FUTURE!"

Students, instructors, family members and friends from all over met at the Keystone Ski Resort in Colorado, for the  34th Moo Sul Kwan Summer Expo.

Taking place from June 1-3, the theme of Expo XXXIV was "Charging into the Future!"  Each  CTI / MSK / AMASEA event during the past year was bigger and stronger than ever because of the constant charge of our students and instructors.  This year's dynamic Expo Teaching Staff wanted to ride this dynamic wave and help Expo participants experience the idea of what charging into the future is all about.

There were classes in sparring, poomse, one-step sparring, self-defense, judo, MSK Hapkido, target kicking and more.  Featured master instructors at this year's Summer Expo were:  Great Grandmaster Bong Yul Shin, 9th dan, Grandmaster Charles Hildebrand, 8th dan, Grandmaster Jim Sautel, 8th dan, Grandmaster Merinda Sautel, 7th dan, Grandmaster John Sautel, 7th dan, Master Erik Albrechtson, 6th dan, Master Fred Sautel, 5th dan, Master Clayton Garner, 5th dan, Master Alice Meyung, 5th dan and Master Tom Hunter, 5th dan.

Classes began on Friday evening and continued the next morning.  Special classes for black and red belts began at 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM respectively.  All other belts had their first class at 8:00 AM and worked hard to lunch time.  There were also special classes for our parents and friends of Moo Sul Kwan.

The Broken Knuckle Challenge III started after lunch.  Divisions of students performed many different tasks and took on hard challenges that pushed their limits at the over 9,000 ft. elevation of Keystone!   On Saturday evening, everyone got together for the annual Expo Banquet and Party!  Music was provided by the black belt band, Moo Sul Rock, with some special guest performers including MSK and AMASEA President Hildebrand.  During the evening, each CTI Campus presented a video of an original television commercial for a TV show.  Some of the video-shorts were Gilligan's Taekwondo Island, Kicking with the Stars, Family Feud, The Intense and the Powerful and The Black Belt Apprentice.

Sunday began early for the upper belts with some advanced training, followed by classes for everyone until the closing ceremonies.

Broken Knuckle Challenge III results:

Parents      1st-Debbie Eichelberger   2nd-Miha Vieru   3rd-Amy Chavez

Black Belt Men I    1st-Mark Scott   2nd-Andy McDaniel and Rick Orton   3rd-Kyle Feagans

Black Belt Men II    1st-Brian Steward   2nd-Peyton Brauch   3rd-Caleb Feagans

Advanced Women    1st- Jennifer McKernan   2nd-Irene Kim   3rd-Eileen Lindner

Adult Women    1st-Kaddie Willians   2nd-Kirun Agarwal   3rd-Lauren Smith

Adult Men    1st-Brian Jense   2nd-Brian O'Reilly   3rd-Diego Quezada

Intermediate Women    1st-Kayla Roberts   2nd-Annie Jensen and Vi Vu   3rd-Courtney Moen

Teen 1    1st-Chase Wyngarden   2nd-Jameson Healy   3rd-Josh Miller

Teen 2    1st-India Ross   2nd-Mateo Piza   3rd-Robbie Crandell and Sean Huntley

Teen 3     1st-Jacob Bloom   2nd-Zoie Anglin   3rd-Hannah Meadows

Junior Adv 1     1st-Julian Marine   2nd-Bella Lasater   3rd-Turner Jensen

Junior Int 1    1st- Katelyn Minden   2nd- Colton Anglin   3rd- Lorainna Shultz

Junior Adv 2     1st-Caiden Murphy   2nd-Nathaniel McKernan   3rd-Ryann Beaver

Junior Int 2    1st-Lily Strickland   2nd-Marley Powers   3rd- Kylee Odom and Ali Wolfe

Taekwondo Classes at the CTI

By Makayla Trapp, 2nd dan

Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo is a great activity for kids of all ages.  The Colorado Taekwondo Institute offers Taekwondo classes that provide physical activity and teach discipline in a fun and safe way to kids of all ages.  At the Colorado Taekwondo Institute kids learn martial arts techniques that can help them defend themselves in certain emergency situations.  Kids also learn how to respect the people around them (parents, instructors, adults, peers, and themselves) and are taught to always try their best and pay attention inside and out of class. 

At the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, all of the instructors aim to teach each and every student in in an effective, fun, and safe way.  Instructors get to know each child individually and know when each child is trying their very best.  Students and instructors learn to gain each other’s trust and each kid really feels that their instructor cares about their progress.  Every instructor’s goal is to teach each child in such a way that they leave feeling great about their abilities.  While instructors correct kids if they are doing something wrong, they also strive to build the child’s self-esteem.  The instructors at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute understand that each kid has different skill levels, and work with each student to bring out the best martial artist in each student. 

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute also offers many different activities outside of classes that students are encouraged to take part in.  These activities and events include tournaments, expos, summer camp, day camps, and many others.  Tournaments provide kids the opportunity to compete against each other in a friendly and safe environment.  All students are encouraged to congratulate their fellow competitors regardless of what place they get in competitions.  Tournaments are a great way to teach kids to be humble if they win and to still keep their head up even if they do not win.  This is because the main focus of the tournaments is not to win, but rather to try your best and participate in the CTI community.  The expo is an event that usually occurs at the beginning of summer and takes place in the mountains.  This event provides kids with the opportunity to learn in an environment outside of class and learn with students who they might have never met.  Along with that, kids take many different classes at expo that are taught by different instructors and cover many different topics and techniques.  Summer camp is a camp where kids stay in the mountains without their parents and provides a fun opportunity for kids to learn taekwondo and do many more fun camps activities.  Day camp is provided in summer, winter, and fall and usually runs for a week.  Students can attend for half days or full days and are given the chance to practice and perfect their techniques.  The CTI also provides other activities and events, such as demonstrations, special workouts and symposiums for upper belts, tests, and family events such as the annual picnic. 

By doing taekwondo classes through the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, both kids and parents meet new people and families.  Kids are exposed to an atmosphere where getting to know their fellow peers is encouraged and most students make many new friends through taekwondo.  By participating in events, the families of students also meet other parents and families, strengthening the bond between their child and taekwondo.  Overall, Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo is a wonderful activity for kids and can help them in many different areas of their life.