The 35th DMAC Results Are In!

The 35th Denver Martial Arts Champs tournament was held on September 12-13 at Alameda International School. Over 300 students of all belts and ages competed, learned, and had a memorial day. Photos will be available soon on our website's Photo page.

Special thanks to all family members and friends for their support to make this special day possible!

Congratulations to our Grand Champions, Collin Kreutz and Katie Minden!

DMAC Results

POOMSE

1st place

Kyle Feagans, Collin Kreutz, Katie Dahle, Nathaniel Keckler, Katie Minden, Thomas Burden, Lillian Eichelberger, Diego Quezada, Dale Sanders, Lily Strickland, Emma Burden, Zachary Cotner, Cooper Curry, Owen Eberhard, Emily Green, Mason Zerbib, Landon Adams, Jackson Foster, Amallia Chapman, Henry Chiabotti, Kensington Clark, Anna Copel, Torin Dimascio, Zane Farrier, Olivia Ivie, Hayden Jeffries, Dalila Lopez Martinez, Elijah Mack, Ellie Combs, Milo Conner, Jordan Kigundu, Dylan Kiser, Chris Ray, Gwen Spilling, Jack Wicken, Colin Williamson, Cory Balk, Jace Bauer, Taylor Crane, Aleina Evarts, Natalie Huntley, Shreeyan Khatri, Jordan Lawyer, Avery Liu, Arnav Narumanchi, Dawson Portera, Adeline Alayash, Easton Ellender, Cooper Goldcamp, Tommy Jacoby, Hazel Griswold, Adeline Karkula, Alexander Meyers, Eric Powell, Aliyah Shaffer, Cameron Williams

2nd place

Nick Slinkard, Eileen Lindner, Vivi Brown, Quynn Cotner, Tristyn Cvanciger, Dennis Mack, Ivy Strickland, Gavin Vahle, Ahas Weerapura, Rebekkah Copel, Jaxson Hipsher, Ivy Jensen, Josie Landis, Khristin Paisley, Carter Hoffman, Henry Andonov, Alice Burgin, Armando Gomez, Mary Groff, Haley Holley, River Manuelito, Stella Reyniers, Kendrick Toney, Lyra Bratz, Luna Bratz, Ron Deiotte, Gabriel Kahan, Wyatt Knorr, Siri Molnar, Leanh Nguyen, Rahi Rauniyar, Kira Rhyden, Asher Yushka, Hugh Dionne, Dominic Ditallo, Mckenzie Farmer, Stryder Martin, Mila Olivares Castro, Sophia Palfreyman, Erin Wolf, Bryce Yushka, Tyrion Bieker, Ben Buteyn, Grayden Craig, Moana Pauga, Yuvan Rauniyar, Liam Dedent, Andrea Deiotte, Veronika Lesyk, Luna Rivera, Olivia Madruga, Julia Giddons, Grayson Keck, Elianna Kimble

3rd place

Tyler Murphy, Marley Powers, Matthew Roberts, Darcy Stanton, Lydia Willis, Meredith Botnick, Logan Keckler, Elsie Mcdonald, Evan Mcewan, Ellie Stanton, Katie Harding, Ryan Marine, Logan Martin, Ellie Pechon, Sam Powers, Shiven Venkat, Zachary Kahan, Dan Copel, Landon Dulmage, Hilde Groff, Jase Hessler, Presley Hobler, Landon Sidley-Mercado, Noah Buteyn, Anastasia Contreras, Lorenzo Gomez, Kayla Kigundu, Rylan Lamkin, Joshua Stephenson, Carol Wilsey, Elijah Yushka, Ruth Berry, Aaron Botnick, Nirajit Dhakal, John Hicks, Anitej Narumanchi, Leuyen Nguyen, Cash Parker, Olivia Roberts, Asher Whalen, Leia Johnsen, Desmond Long, Avery Madison, Josephine Phillips, Terrance Sanders, Nicholas Johnson, Alden Pilcher, Oliver Rackl, Brie Rivera, Kamila Hernandez, Debra Lavezzari, Tucker Mercier, Sahithi Pappu, Zachary Wolf

4th place

Shekina Culberson, Kirun Agarwal, Abbey Salamera, Kayla Albrechtson, Ace Ashworth, Alexis Chavez, Keatyn Adams, Henry Lewis, Lucy Paisley, Paul Paisley, Nethika Suraweera, Oliver Garner, Jennifer Kautz, Vincent Andonov, Christopher Cochenour, Eddie Garner, Makenzie O'Connell, Eli Anceravicius, Jack Arland, Jj Defelice, Weston Evarts, Millie Hessler, Cyrus Khatri, Alec Rhyden, Jay Karkula, Peter Morehead, Eric Phillips, Lily Rosetta-Mcbryde, Quinn Hetzel, Austin Janacek, Andrew Kahan, Alina Madruga, Loxley Mcelhaney, Lehan Nguyen, Canyon Lutz

TIGER POOMSE

1st place
Atticus Albrechtson, Maverick Besaw, Leo Claveau, Leighton Evarts, Adrian Ibarra, Silas Corbett, Emilia Newberry, Lemai Nguyen, Enzo Santana, Carson Simmons, Jade Gamon, Miraank Gohil, Willow Griswold, Trey Herbst, Vince Kuhlman, Violet Lopez Martinez, Knox Randolph

SPARRING

1st place

Nick Slinkard, Nathaniel Keckler, Quynn Cotner, Marley Powers, Diego Quezada, Tristyn Cvanciger, Meredith Botnick, Ellie Stanton, Zachary Cotner, Cooper Curry, Emily Green, Mason Zerbib, Ivy Jensen, Rue Weerapura, Oliver Garner, Amallia Chapman, Dalila Lopez Martinez, Armando Gomez, Landon Dulmage, Ellie Combs, Jordan Kigundu, Dylan Kiser, Chris Ray, Colin Williamson, Lyra Bratz, Wyatt Knorr, Rahi Rauniyar, Anastasia Contreras, Lorenzo Gomez, Rylan Lamkin, Joshua Stephenson, Carol Wilsey, Jack Arland, Robert Lyons, Shreeyan Khatri, Avery Liu, Stryder Martin, Olivia Roberts, Jay Karkula, Ben Buteyn, Moana Pauga, Terrance Sanders, Austin Janacek, Selam Dusharm, Tommy Jacoby, Andrea Deiotte, Skylynn Benefield, Matthew Decross, Hazel Griswold, Grayson Keck, Tucker Mercier, Sahithi Pappu

2nd place

Katie Dahle, Ed Stanton, Matthew Roberts, Abbey Salamera, Dennis Mack, Logan Keckler, Elsie Mcdonald, Alexis Chavez, Josie Landis, Shiven Venkat, Keatyn Adams, Henry Lewis, Nethika Suraweera, Carter Hoffman, Zane Farrier, Hayden Jeffries, Mary Groff, Kendrick Toney, Dan Copel, Jack Wicken, Luna Bratz, Ron Deiotte, Leanh Nguyen, Kira Rhyden, Asher Yushka, Noah Buteyn, Cyrus Khatri, Timofii Lesyk, Taylor Crane, Aleina Evarts, Jordan Lawyer, Mckenzie Farmer, Erin Wolf, John Hicks, Anitej Narumanchi, Cash Parker, Lily Rosetta-Mcbryde, Easton Ellender, Grayden Craig, Leia Johnsen, Desmond Long, Veronika Lesyk, Luna Rivera, Oliver Rackl, Alina Madruga, Olivia Madruga, Alexander Meyers, Eric Powell, Aliyah Shaffer, Cameron Williams, Julia Giddons, Canyon Lutz

3rd place

Kyle Feagans, Katie Minden, Vivi Brown, Thomas Burden, Lillian Eichelberger, Lily Strickland, Gavin Vahle, Evan Mcewan, Owen Eberhard, Rebekkah Copel, Khristin Paisley, Lucy Paisley, Bob Padget, Zachary Kahan, Henry Chiabotti, Henry Andonov, Jase Hessler, Presley Hobler, Christopher Cochenour, Eddie Garner, Makenzie O'Connell, Milo Conner, Gwen Spilling, Siri Molnar, Cory Balk, Jace Bauer, Arnav Narumanchi, Hugh Dionne, Dominic Ditallo, Mila Olivares Castro, Nirajit Dhakal, Jaydn Bauer, Leo Duffey, Tyrion Bieker, Yuvan Rauniyar, Avery Madison, Josephine Phillips, Quinn Hetzel, Andrew Kahan, Rory Duffy, Nicholas Johnson, Alden Pilcher, Lehan Nguyen, Adeline Karkula, Elianna Kimble, Kamila Hernandez, Khloe Burger

4th place

Peyton Brauch, Kirun Agarwal, Sarah Dahle, Dale Sanders, Ivy Strickland, Ahas Weerapura, Kaylyn Mcewan, Sam Powers, Paul Paisley, Jackson Foster, Elijah Mack, Alice Burgin, River Manuelito, Stella Reyniers, Hilde Groff, Landon Sidley-Mercado, Christina Sanders, Gabriel Kahan, Kayla Kigundu, Weston Evarts, Alec Rhyden, Dawson Portera, Sophia Palfreyman, Bryce Yushka, Leuyen Nguyen, Asher Whalen, Madison Dewoody, Adeline Alayash, Cooper Goldcamp, Liam Dedent, Loxley Mcelhaney, James Burger, Iris Kuklman

FIRST POINT WINS!

1st place

Nick Slinkard, Nathaniel Keckler, Quynn Cotner, Katie Minden, Vivi Brown, Logan Keckler, Alexis Chavez, Ace Ashworth, Ivy Jensen, Rue Weerapura, Rebekkah Copel, Bob Padget, Sam Powers, Logan Martin, Oliver Garner, Carter Hoffman, Armando Gomez, Landon Dulmage, Mary Groff, Elijah Mack, Christina Sanders, Ellie Combs, Dylan Kiser, Rahi Rauniyar, Leanh Nguyen, Kayla Kigundu, Eli Anceravicius, Stryder Martin, Aleina Evarts, Jordan Lawyer, Mckenzie Farmer, Hugh Dionne, Dominic Ditallo, Leo Duffey, Peter Morehead, Moana Pauga, Terrance Sanders, Selam Dusharm, Easton Ellender, Desmond Long, Yuvan Rauniyar, Tommy Jacoby, Skylynn Benefield, Alina Madruga, Olivia Madruga, Tucker Mercier, Sahithi Pappu, Alexander Meyers, Eric Powell, Julia Giddons

2nd place

Collin Kreutz, Katie Dahle, Marley Powers, Matthew Roberts, Abbey Salamera, Thomas Burden, Gavin Vahle, Kaylyn Mcewan, Cooper Curry, Khristin Paisley, Emma Burden, Ellie Pechon, Zachary Kahan, Amallia Chapman, Dalila Lopez Martinez, Hayden Jeffries, Dan Copel, Henry Andonov, River Manuelito, Kensington Clark, Colin Williamson, Anastasia Contreras, Carol Wilsey, Robert Lyons, Jack Wicken, Ron Deiotte, Timofii Lesyk, Milo Conner, Siri Molnar, Olivia Roberts, Erin Wolf, John Hicks, Anitej Narumanchi, Lily Rosetta-Mcbryde, Mila Olivares Castro, Nirajit Dhakal, Madison Dewoody, Natalie Huntley, Ben Buteyn, Austin Janacek, Tyrion Bieker, Avery Madison, Josephine Phillips, Andrea Deiotte, Matthew Decross, Luna Rivera, Alden Pilcher, Grayson Keck, Cameron Williams, Adeline Karkula, Iris Kuklman

BREAKING

1st place

Clayton Garner, Collin Kreutz, Katie Dahle, Katie Minden, Lydia Willis, Logan Keckler, Gavin Vahle, Dennis Mack, Evan Mcewan, Ivy Jensen, Bob Padget, Cooper Curry, Mason Zerbib, Josie Landis, Ryan Marine, Landon Dulmage, Amallia Chapman, Dan Copel, River Manuelito, Kendrick Toney, Alice Burgin, Stella Reyniers, Hilde Groff, Chris Ray, Rylan Lamkin, Anitej Narumanchi, Aaron Botnick

MOST KICKS

1st place

Jj Defelice, Adrian Ibarra, Miraank Gohil, Atticus Albrechtson 

2nd place

Olivia Roberts, Lemai Nguyen, Willow Griswold, Knox Randolph

3rd Place
Jordan Lawyer, Maverick Besaw, Jade Gamon, Vince Kuhlman, 

STAFF POOMSE

1st place

Collin Kreutz, Ed Stanton, Katie Minden, Lydia Willis, Matthew Roberts, Evan Mcewan, Ace Ashworth, Diego Quezada

2nd place

Peyton Brauch, Katie Dahle, Quynn Cotner, Abbey Salamera, Darcy Stanton, Gavin Vahle, Meredith Botnick, Lillian Eichelberger

3rd place
Nick Slinkard, Kyle Feagans, Nathaniel Keckler, Kirun Agarwal, Dale Sanders, Ahas Weerapura, Kayla Albrechtson

Westminster Martial Arts

There are currently six Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) campuses, including the Westminster Campus, serving students in Arvada, Westminster, Leyden, Candelas, Broomfield, and more. Located on 88th Ave, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute Westminster martial arts school is nestled right on the border of Arvada and Westminster. You can find the campus in the southeast corner of the Lake Plaza Shopping Center. Some nearby amenities for students and their families to enjoy are I Heart Sushi, Applauze Salon, Sano’s Italian Kitchen, and Sideways Sports Lounge.  

The CTI Westminster martial arts school teaches Moo Sul Kwan taekwondo, a Korean martial art similar to karate or kung fu. Students at the CTI Westminster campus receive a martial arts education focused on self-defense and good exercise habits. They also receive consistent teachings around the tenets of taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. These tenets are at the core of our taekwondo curriculum, and students are encouraged to develop these characteristics in class and in their monthly homework and written tests for their next belt. 

Potential students of all ages can find a high-quality martial arts class at the CTI Westminster campus. Our preschool martial arts students focus primarily on energy release, motor skills, and listening skills in the Tigers class. At the end of every class, the Tigers talk with their instructor about self-control and how to treat others with respect. Tigers learn ‘self-control before self-defense,’ which teaches them when to use the kicks and punches they’ve learned in class. 

Students aged five to twelve can enjoy CTI Westminster’s fun kids’ martial arts classes. The Juniors focus on physical fitness, building self-confidence, and respecting themselves and others. The kids’ martial arts classes also teach students strong leadership skills as they work towards achieving each belt and, ultimately, their black belt. The CTI Westminster Juniors will also benefit from improved study skills as they take their written exams for their next belt. 

Teen martial arts classes at the CTI Westminster campus are a great opportunity for young adults to develop lifelong skills and healthy habits. Teen taekwondo students learn extremely valuable skills in discipline, goal setting, and leadership that they can take with them into adulthood. Teenagers also benefit from increasing physical fitness, building self-confidence, and improving focus. 

Adult martial arts students can benefit greatly from taking taekwondo classes at CTI Westminster. For the adult CTI Westminster student, a strong focus on goal-oriented action is used to help students learn how to stick with an exercise regime. Adult taekwondo students can learn new physical fitness skills, focus, and self-defense in a fun group exercise environment dedicated to supporting new students in reaching their fitness goals. 

The Westminster martial arts school hosts all of these classes in a 4,500 sq ft facility with three spacious workout areas. Each classroom has a custom-built suspension floor to reduce any stress on the body during each workout. The school also has two changing rooms, a water bottle filling station, and a spacious lobby. Each classroom has a viewing area for friends and family to watch their students. 

There are six highly qualified black belt instructors at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute Westminster campus. The head instructor is Grandmaster Erik Albrechtson, certified by the American Martial Arts Sports and Education Association as a 7th-degree black belt, who has 33 years of Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo experience. Grandmaster Albrechtson founded the CTI Westminster campus in 2004. 

Martial Arts Classes for Children

By Ivy Jensen, Teen Red Belt

Many people have noticed the slow change in children through the generations. While kids used to be hooked on the outdoors and physical activities, children now have shifted to digital options for entertainment. However, martial arts for children provides a solution to this ongoing problem. Martial arts such as Karate, Aikido, Taekwondo, Jujitsu, and Judo all teach children not only how to defend themselves in dangerous situations, but also many other talents. Martial arts help children's physical health, confidence, integrity, discipline, self control, and teamwork. Below are some reasons why the martial arts classes taught at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute are are great for children

Physical Benefits
Muscle growth is a key part of a developing child’s life. And many martial arts for children will make this one of their goals. Unlike team sports such as soccer and basketball, martial arts focus on individual growth. The dynamic movements found in many martial arts help children work specific muscle groups while consistent practicing will assist in increasing their endurance and strength. Furthermore, warm-ups will include stretches and agility exercises that will enhance a child's flexibility, balance and coordination.

Confidence and Self-esteem
A lack of confidence growing up is a huge roadblock in most kid’s childhood. It may make them insecure and slow down their social life. However, children in martial arts often experience a boost in self confidence as they progress. As they learn and grow alongside others, their self-esteem will increase day by day. As they progress through belt levels, they will feel more and more comfortable in their own body. This will encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and try new things they would never have done before.

Character Building
One of the other benefits of martial arts for children is the character building. Many martial arts stress the importance of integrity, perseverance, humility, and respect in their students. Each trait being reinforced in every class. Martial arts teach children traits that will drastically help them in their lifetime. Such as respect. Teaching children at a young age to respect themselves and others will benefit them in the long run. When making friends, getting a job, or even just ordering food, respect will help them make it a good experience for everyone. Respect, along with many other traits that are taught in martials arts, will help a child mature and grow into a better person.

Discipline and Focus
While other sports are quick moving with split second decisions, martials arts are often slower paced. Many martial arts want each move to be perfect before you learn the next. This encourages children to follow instructions and stay focused and patient as they work towards their next goal. These skills will translate into other areas of their life such as school or home. Students in martial arts will be more focused in school and get better grades than their classmates. While at home they may listen more and follow directions quicker. Additionally, martials arts will help children learn to set goals and reach them. Teaching them perseverance and patience.

Self-Control
Self-control is a crucial skill for children to learn as they grow. As they learn martial arts, they are taught to have self-discipline and understand their actions. They learn how to have a calm and respectful attitude towards everyone. This also means that although they are learning how to defend themselves physically, they know when to use it and when not to use it. Martial arts is also a great way for children to control stress, and other intense emotions. Instead of acting impulsive, children will learn to express their emotions in a calm, respectful way. Children in martial arts are often more composed in stressful situations.

Teamwork
Even though martial arts is often an individual activity, it still supports social interaction and teamwork. People of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels make each community welcoming. Children will be able to make many new friends and connections by helping  and supporting each other reach common goals. Many competitions also involve teamwork. These competitions will let children learn how to work with others towards goals. It will also allow kids to grow deeper connections and understandings of their peers. All together, martial arts environments teach children the importance of sharing knowledge, cooperation, respect, and understanding.

Overall, martial arts for children is a well-rounded way for a child to be active. Promoting physical health, confidence, integrity, discipline, self control, and teamwork martials arts will help a child over many parts of their life. Joining a martial art will not only teach a child self-defense, but many other life skills and values. This will grow each child into a compassionate, strong, disciplined individual. Martial arts is not just about fighting and defending themselves, it is also about becoming stronger physically, and mentally.

Kids Martial Arts Classes at the CTI

By Kayla Albrechtson, 1st dan

Martial arts classes offer numerous advantages for kids. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute offers taekwondo and martial arts classes for kids to give them the greatest advantage in self-defense, physical fitness, leadership, and other advantages they can use throughout their lives. Classes are dynamic, structured, and positive, giving kids the ideal environment to learn martial arts effectively. Kids’ martial arts classes at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute are available for everyone, from preschoolers to adults. 

Kids at the preschool age will have great success in martial arts and taekwondo classes at the CTI. The Tigers classes are structured to provide a comprehensive martial arts education focusing on young children and toddlers’ unique needs. The Tigers martial arts students will work on energy release, listening skills, motor skills, and confidence. Not only are Tigers encouraged to attend regular classes to build these important skills, but they will also attend tests, tournaments, and other events. Tournaments are a fun and safe environment for young students to develop confidence because they perform their taekwondo skills in front of a panel of CTI Black Belts. At the end of every Tigers class, students talk with their instructor about ‘self-control before self-defense,’ which helps them understand when to use the kicks and punches they have learned. 

Juniors classes are kids martial arts classes catering to children aged five to twelve years. Kids will focus on self-confidence, improved study skills, respect, leadership, and physical fitness in these classes. The Taekwondo classes at CTI are great for improving physical and mental skills. Students are expected to prepare for a physical and written test when they test for their next belt. Preparation for these tests begins in the classroom and continues on their own time at home. For the youngest Juniors, the CTI written test is their first real test, and the study skills they develop preparing for it can help them throughout their entire academic career. 

For teens, martial arts classes at CTI offer the same advantages as juniors, with the additional benefits of muscle gain, anger management, structure, and discipline. The teen years are a time of great change, and teenagers must learn essential life skills to prepare for adulthood. In the CTI taekwondo classes, teens are exposed to and expected to understand many important concepts, the most important being the tenets of taekwondo: courtesy, self-control, integrity, indomitable spirit, and perseverance. These tenets are constant throughout martial arts classrooms’ physical and mental teachings. Developing these characteristics within themselves can set teens up for great success in academics, careers, and even their social lives. 

Kids’ martial arts classes offer great benefits for children of all ages. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute’s kids’ taekwondo classes are fun, safe, and structured environments for kids to learn and grow. In addition to classroom instruction, kids can experience and benefit from tournaments and special events that provide extra fun and skills. Families can learn taekwondo together and give their kids a great start to lifelong learning and success. 

Littleton Martial Arts

By Zoe Economou, Teen 1st dan

If you're looking for a close martial arts school in Littleton, CO where you or your kid can learn self defense and discipline, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute in Littleton will be what you are looking for! Located at 5500 S Simms St in Littleton, CO, right next to Iwayama Sushi. It is easily accessible on Colorado state highway 470. 

The work out area where the classes are held are clean and the floors are self made suspension floors. This helps the students have better technique and learn new things while there's no worry of injury. The classrooms have all the equipment needed for a successful class. 

Our Littleton martial arts program location offers classes for a variety of ages. Each age group is separated into different classes, specifically created to insure each age group is having their needs met. The instructors have gone through years of training and have learned different techniques through many different teaching programs in the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. The instructors provide a safe environment where they teach body, mind, and spirit aspects that are structured from Korean martial arts.

Colorado Taekwondo Institute's mission statement is “ To encourage world class leadership through educational excellence and Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts Traditions” Our main focus is to create a safe and positive environment for students to learn taekwondo. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute provides multiple training opportunities such as tournaments, expos, camp, and day camps. Each of these events help teach and motivate students. 

Our Littleton martial arts school has a rich history. Great Grandmaster Lee H. Park brought Moo Sul Kwan to the United States in 1969. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has been around for over 50 years. Moo Sul Kwan was brought to Lakewood by Great Grandmaster James Sautel in 1983.

Come down to our Littleton martial arts school and try it for yourself. The helpful and friendly instructors can assist you in finding a class that meets your needs. Call 303-979-2621 or come talk in person to one of the instructors!

Mark Your Calendars - 35th Denver Martial Arts Champs!

Mark your calendars for the 35th Denver Martial Arts Champs to be held at Alameda International on September 12 & 13, 2025. 

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 Denver Martial Arts Champs is a wonderful event and a chance to begin our school year with success!

Schedule

• Friday: 6:00pm - Black Belts
• Saturday: 
• 6:30am - Black Belts
• 8:00am - Red, Brown & Purple (all ages)
• 10:30am - White-Blue (ages 8 and under)
• 12:30pm - White-Blue (ages 9 and up)

Registration is online only at www.ColoradoTaekwondo.com and needs to be completed before September 3rd. Talk to your instructor for more information!

Day Camp Starts Today!

We are hosting one week of Summer Day Camp at the Green Mountain Campus starting today Monday, July 21st!  Day Camp is a super fun event and will keep your student motivated.  It's a great way to add excitement and to make strides towards your or your student's next belt. There is no cap or limit to participants for this event.  

All students ages 5 and up are invited to attend Summer Day Camp at the Green Mountain Campus the week of July 21st. This fun and exciting event is packed full of all types of Taekwondo activities.

• WHO - All Students Ages 5 and Up
• WHAT - CTI Summer Camp
• WHEN - July 21st - 25th
• WHERE - Green Mountain Campus
• COST - Please note that each full day of Day Camp consists of two sessions, one in the
• morning, and one in the afternoon.
• $275 all sessions, 1 week (10 sessions total / 2 per day)
• $160 for 5 sessions 
• $70 for 2 sessions 
• $40 per single session (half day)
• TIMES - 
• MORNING SESSION: 8:30am  - 11:00am
• AFTERNOON SESSION: 12pm- 2:30pm

        (Students planning to stay all day need to bring a lunch.)

What to bring:  Uniform, belt, sparring gear, tennis shoes, snack, water bottle, board(s), notebook & pen/pencil, lunch (if staying all day)

Payment information: The easiest way to register and pay for this event is to head over to our online event registration and to click the gray box that reads "Summer Day Camp." If you are finding that you cannot piece together the correct amount of sessions there, please email us, and I can help you by either charging the card/account you have on file with us, sending you a link to pay, or we can square up the week of the event.

Please reach out to your instructor with any further questions.

Thank you and see you all there!  

Karate & Martial Arts Classes Benefit Everyone

By Katie Dahle, 3rd dan

All martial arts, including karate classes, have benefits for all kinds of people and situations, and the Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) satisfies many needs. Parents looking for a program for their child to burn some energy might chose karate or taekwondo. Adults wanting to learn self-defense skills would consider martial arts for training. The benefits of self-control, developing confidence, learning focus and building leadership skills are also a part of the martial arts training with the CTI. 

Parents on the lookout for an after-school activity should consider karate training with the CTI. Classes are designed to burn energy through disciplined practice of karate skills and taekwondo martial arts traditions. Being active in childhood helps develop life-long healthy habits. Some children might not need to burn energy but do need lessons in self-control and focus. The CTI classes use karate training and other martial-arts skills to teach students of all ages how to control themselves. The classes require students to focus while practicing, and instructors create safe and supportive environments for children to grow into more thoughtful individuals. The focus, control and confidence skills developed in the karate training taught by the CTI will influence other parts of a child’s life. Behavior at school and home can be improved with consistent training with the CTI program.  

Kids aren’t the only ones who can find multiple benefits to the karate classes taught by the CTI. Adults looking for a long-term training program to get in shape should chose the CTI for the job. Classes are available for everyone to train in a healthy and safe environment with other people who have the same goals. Whether you’re old, small, big, wear glasses or even blind, you’re welcome at the CTI. It’s always the right time to get started with a program that develops healthy habits and exercises the body in a time-tested curriculum of taekwondo traditions. The karate classes at CTI also teach valuable self-defense skills which build confidence and teaches a respect for the power of those skills. 

Martial art training also provides a life-long learning experience. Karate at the CTI is a great environment to grow and train the body, mind and spirit. There are constant goals to reach for which provides motivation and support to the karate student. Even reach black-belt just means more opportunities to learn and grow. Leadership skills are developed too with the training at the CTI because of all the benefits the karate classes provide. Students learn how to lead through example as they advance in their training, which becomes leading through action as the student becomes a teacher of the skills they have learned over the years. 

The karate classes at the CTI also allows students to participate in fair competition and learn good sportsman ship skills at sponsored tournaments through the year. The CTI teaches martial arts classes at five different campuses in the Denver metro area which creates a unique sense of community. So, whatever your needs and goals, the program at the CTI is the program you need. 

Benefits of Martial Arts for Families

By Hope Morgan, 4th dan

Sharing physical activities with your kids, parents, and siblings isn’t just a fun way to get your heart pumping. It’s also a great way to build family bonds and a great taekwondo program provides the perfect opportunity to share the many benefits martial arts offers for families. It’s quite rare to find sport that involves the entire family, and more often than not, someone is left just sitting on the sidelines observing. Taekwondo, however, allows the entire family to join in. The Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo taught at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute offers classes tailored for all age groups, so whether you’re a younger sister or a grandfather, our taekwondo school will suit you, making it simple to participate in a family activity.

Currently, our family martial arts program is home to several families, and all of them agree that working out together makes things not only more interesting, but overall more engaging. Even when you’re not working out in the same class as your loved one, you are still experiencing all of the same fun, and that doesn’t even include all of the exciting events held every year ranging from tournaments to expos and camps.

Furthermore, It’s the specialization of this taekwondo school that really makes it unique. As an adult or parent, it’s most likely that you’re not looking for the exact same benefits in a sport as your child is. That’s what is so amazing about this martial arts school – your whole family can participate while still meeting all of your individual needs. In their class, your younger family members will learn the importance of education, good decision-making, and teamwork while developing their confidence, focus, responsibility, and respect. While practicing all of the same material, adults are able to expand their physical fitness abilities, learn positive and healthy actions, and broaden their concentration capabilities. Taekwondo is also a great stress-reliever for all ages. 

One thing our family martial arts program really tends to focus on is the significance of setting goals, something we believe is important for both younger and older students. Not only does martial arts permit the whole family to work-out together, but it’s a long-term commitment rather than just a seasonal activity. Family helps encourage students to set goals for themselves, and when your family is also involved, it makes it easier to push each other towards success. You constantly have someone to help you by practicing at home, providing you an extra layer of encouragement and a feeling that you are engaged in their learning experience. A new level of understanding comes with mutual participation in a sport and makes sharing each other’s successes that much more special.

Lakewood Martial Arts

By Dale Sanders, 1st dan

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute, CTI, has been bringing martial arts to the Denver metro area for 41 years. In that time the Institute has opened six schools including Westminster, Lakewood, Littleton, Conifer, Golden, and Craig Colorado. 

The Lakewood martial arts school, also referred to as our Green Mountain Campus acts as a Hub for many of our activities ranging from promotion rank tests, Black Belt Master’s Class, Lead Team, and other extra avenues where we can enhance and extend our abilities in taekwondo. 

I have been a member of the CTI for five years and have enjoyed being part of a large community of people from all walks of life. We all have taekwondo in common and through that bond we have made many friendships inside and out of school. I assist in the Youth class and then attend the adult class Monday and Wednesday nights at the Westminster Campus. We also have black belt club on Monday after the adult class where we learn some additional forms and techniques that help us on our journey towards being masters of the basics, a 1st dan black belt in taekwondo. 

Our Lakewood martial arts school also offers leadership programs for our students. LeAD Team is available for purple belts and above to learn more about not just honing individual skills but also how to be leaders in the CTI that can one day have the opportunity to teach taekwondo to future students. It’s one thing to learn the moves yourself. It’s another thing to learn how to teach another student what you have learned. In so doing your taekwondo skills increase even more. 

This is a tradition that has been handed down within taekwondo that dates back to the 6th century in which a social, educational, and military organization practiced the precursors of taekwondo, became well educated and thoughtful individuals, learned the fine arts, including music, and served their king and country. We continue on the tradition of the Hwa Rang Do in pursuit of becoming leaders in an out of the martial arts school. Who knows, maybe someday I might learn how to play with them. 

When I went to college, I had another opportunity to join a taekwondo school, the Moo Sul Kwon Martial Arts Institute. They held a class on the Southeast Missouri State University campus. Here I really enjoyed learning taekwondo in the Moo Sul Kwon style. I trained with Grandmaster Doug Johnson for about three semesters as well as took his college martial arts course for credit. I transferred from SEMO to attend Louisiana State University to get my degree in Architecture. I looked for another taekwondo school to attend, but never found one that was as well rounded and fulfilling as what I had experienced in Missouri. 

Flash forward to 2018, now living in Colorado with my wife and kids and I stumbled across the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, founded by Grandmaster James M Sautel, who was trained by Great Grandmaster Lee H. Park while he attended SEMO. I was shocked to learn that I may be able to join a taekwondo school that grew up out of the same style that I had enjoyed so much.

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has been a wonderful place to learn and grow as a martial artist. My oldest daughter now practices with me, and I couldn’t be prouder of her. Although I am a little jealous of her high kicks, but that doesn't stop me from pushing hard and trying kick just as high!

If you are looking for Lakewood martial arts school, I highly encourage you to check out the Moo Sul Kwon style of taekwondo at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. I promise you will not be disappointed. 

The Benefits of Martial Arts for Every Age

Martial arts classes are more than learning how to kick, punch, or block, they are about building skills that last a lifetime. At the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, we believe in developing not just strong bodies, but strong minds and confident leaders. Our programs are tailored for every age group, from preschoolers to adults, with classes that are structured, engaging, and full of energy. No matter your age or experience level, you’ll find a supportive community here that challenges you to grow and celebrates your progress.

Preschoolers: Building Focus and Confidence from the Start

For our youngest students, martial arts classes are the perfect way to channel energy and curiosity into positive habits. Preschoolers are naturally active, but they’re also learning important skills like listening, following instructions, and working with others.

In our preschool program, we use age-appropriate drills and games to help children develop coordination, balance, and motor skills. Through consistent routines, they also practice patience, respect, and focus, qualities that will help them in school and everyday life. Every success, from mastering a basic stance to earning their first belt stripe, builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Parents love that our classes combine discipline with fun, so preschoolers are learning without even realizing it. These early lessons in respect, perseverance, and teamwork create a strong foundation for future learning, both inside and outside the martial arts school.

Kids: Turning Discipline into a Superpower

Elementary-age kids are full of potential and sometimes a little too much energy! Martial arts helps them channel that energy into structured, positive activity. Our kids’ classes emphasize goal-setting, responsibility, and respect for others. Students learn that progress comes from consistent effort and that challenges are opportunities to grow.

We weave leadership training into every class, encouraging students to help their peers, lead warm-ups, and set a positive example. These moments build self-esteem and communication skills while teaching them to be role models in their families, schools, and communities.

Our instructors make learning fun by combining structured drills with exciting activities that keep kids engaged. While the students are having fun, they’re also sharpening focus, improving physical fitness, and learning how to persevere through challenges — skills that carry over into their schoolwork, sports, and friendships.

Teens: Building Leaders and Role Models

The teenage years are a time of growth, change, and big decisions. Martial arts classes offer teens a positive outlet where they can challenge themselves physically and mentally while developing strong character.

Our teen program blends advanced martial arts training with life skills education. Students learn discipline, self-control, and respect — not because they’re told to, but because they experience firsthand the value these qualities bring to their progress and relationships. We encourage teens to take on leadership roles, such as mentoring younger students or assisting in class. These opportunities give them real-world experience in responsibility, teaching, and public speaking.

For many teens, martial arts becomes more than an activity — it’s a supportive community where they feel valued, encouraged, and motivated. This sense of belonging helps them build resilience, confidence, and the courage to set high goals in all areas of life.

Adults: Fitness, Stress Relief, and Personal Growth

Martial arts isn’t just for kids, it’s a lifelong journey that offers tremendous benefits for adults, too! Our adult classes provide a challenging yet supportive environment where students can improve fitness, reduce stress, and sharpen mental focus.

Every class is designed to be engaging and purposeful. You’ll work on strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health while learning practical self-defense skills. More importantly, you’ll discover that martial arts training is as much about the mind as it is about the body.

Adults often find that the structure of martial arts helps them build discipline and consistency, qualities that can be applied to career goals, personal relationships, and everyday challenges. The camaraderie among classmates also creates a motivating and encouraging atmosphere, making every class something to look forward to.

Our Approach: Leadership, Education, and Fun

No matter the age group, our school’s mission is the same: to build world-class leaders and inspire growth through martial arts. We don’t just teach techniques; we teach values. Leadership is built into everything we do.

Education is also at the heart of our program. We help students understand the “why” behind the movements, the traditions, and the values of martial arts. This deeper knowledge not only enhances their training but also fosters respect for themselves, their peers, and their community.

Most importantly, our classes are structured yet fun. We believe students learn best when they are fully engaged and enjoying the process. Every class blends skill-building with high-energy activities that keep students motivated and excited to return.

A Lifetime of Benefits

Martial arts classes offer something for everyone! Whether you’re a preschooler learning respect through your first bow, a teen stepping into a leadership role, or an adult looking to improve fitness and focus. The lessons learned here go far beyond the school. They shape confident leaders, respectful citizens, and determined individuals who know how to set goals and achieve them.

At our school, we’re proud to guide students of all ages on their martial arts journey. If you’re ready to experience the benefits for yourself or your family, we invite you to join us for a class. Come see how martial arts can change your life, one lesson at a time.

Why Martial Arts and CTI Are Great for Preschoolers

By India Ross, 1st dan black belt

When people think of martial arts, they often picture kicking and punching. But for preschoolers, martial arts offer so much more. Martial arts help young kids grow in every way: physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally. And with the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, they get to do it in a fun, safe, and positive environment.

While teaching martial arts to toddlers and preschoolers, I see how much it helped them. I watch shy kids come out of their shell, kids with excess energy learn to focus it in a calmer way, and all kinds of kids feel proud of themselves as they learned and progressed. It’s more than just exercise it’s a powerful way to help kids become their best selves.

Preschoolers are still learning how to control their bodies mentally and physically. At Colorado Taekwondo Institute, kids can learn to kick, punch, stretch, and moving in ways that build balance, coordination, and flexibility. These basic moves help kids become more aware of how their bodies move and grow stronger every day. Martial arts also builds strength and energy. Even simple movements help kids learn ways to get the energy out. The more they practice, the more endurance they gain, which means they can play, learn, and move with more ease and confidence. Martial arts also helps with brain development. When preschoolers learn new moves, forms, or patterns, they’re using their memory and building focus. These skills help them do better in school and other activities. Each class gives kids the chance to focus their attention on one thing at a time. Whether it's standing still, remembering a move, or copying a pattern, they’re training their brain as much as their body. Over time, this helps them pay attention better in other areas of life too.

Preschooler martial arts also helps preschoolers grow emotionally . Every time a child learns something like new moves or earns their next  belt, their confidence gets a boost. Reaching goals and progressing  makes them feel proud, and that feeling helps them believe in themselves not only in class but everywhere outside of class. Discipline is another important part of martial arts. In this case, discipline means being able to listen, follow directions, and stay focused. It also means showing up and trying your best even when something is hard. These lessons help kids in school, at home, and anywhere else they go.

Preschooler martial arts may seem like a individual sport, but they actually learn a lot about working with others. At Colorado Taekwondo Institute, kids are encouraged to cheer for each other at tournaments, learn to take turns, and practice learning with others. As well as learning good sportsmanship students learn all about respect. Preschoolers learn to respect their instructors, teachers, classmates, and themselves. They learn how to listen quietly, raise their hand and wait their turn, and treat others kindly. Martial arts can also help preschoolers learn how to cope with big feelings. Instead of getting angry or upset and throwing a tantrum, they learn to stay calm and use their words. They practice patience and learn that it's okay to feel frustrated, but that there are better ways to chanell that energy.

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute isn’t just about teaching kicks and punches, it’s about helping preschoolers grow to be the best possible version of themselves. The teachers understand how get down at their level to help kids learn and to make every class fun, supportive, and full of learning. Whether you want your child to build confidence, stay active, or learn how to focus, martial arts is a great place to start. And at Colorado Taekwondo Institute, your child will be supported every step of the way.

Recapping the Amazing Weekend: 2025 All City Champs

The 2025 All-City Championships, hosted by the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, took place this past weekend at Alameda International Jr/Sr High School in Lakewood, Colorado. This annual event brought together students of all ages and belt levels for two days of spirited competition, camaraderie, and personal growth.

Participants showcased their skills across various disciplines, including Poomse, sparring, self-defense, and board breaking. The tournament emphasized not only technical excellence but also the core values of Taekwondo: respect, perseverance, and sportsmanship. 

The All-City Championships served as a platform for students to challenge themselves, learn from their experiences, and celebrate their achievements with peers and instructors alike. The success of the tournament reflects the commitment of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute to nurturing both the physical and personal development of its students. 

For more information about upcoming events and programs, including the upcoming MSK Summer Expo and Camp MSK, visit the Colorado Taekwondo Institute's official website. 

Below are the official results from the big day. A very special congratulations to our two black belt grand champions, Diego Quezada and Ahas Weerapura!

POOMSE

1st Place
Kyle Feagans, Collin Kreutz, Katie Dahle, Quynn Cotner, Meredith Botnick, Lauren Dahlberg, Marley Powers, Diego Quezada, Jordan Rutz, Rebekkah Copel, Zachary Cotner, Carina Dulong, Zoe Economou, Emily Green, Warren Mcdonald, Mason Zerbib, Keatyn Adams, Cooper Curry, Tara Cady, Amallia Chapman, Armando Gomez, Daniel Gray, Christina Sanders, Kendrick Toney, Elias Amann, Ellie Combs, Torin Dimascio, Zane Farrier, Anthony Garcia, Wyatt Knorr, Ron Meyer, Nolan Smedes, Jack Wicken, Colin Williamson, Noah Buteyn, Nirajit Dhakal, Mia Garcia, Austin Gross, James Klausner, Kara Koster, Avery Liu, Leuyen Nguyen, Mila Olivares Castro, Ecton Scherer, Adeline Alayash, Mckenzie Farmer, Jaxon Foster, Natalie Huntley, Arnav Narumanchi, Anitej Narumanchi, Natalie Teska, Asher Whalen, Cory Balk, Holden Bassett, Selam Dusharm, Dashiel James, Nicholas Johnson, Desmond Long, Zyler Martin, Nicolas Rivera Mesa, Matthew Decross, Louisa Duncan, Tucker Mercier, Alexander Meyers

2nd Place
Nick Slinkard, Eileen Lindner, Ethan Price, Lillian Eichelberger, Lily Laird, Matthew Roberts, Henry Rumph, Dale Sanders, Gavin Vahle, Tristyn Cvanciger, Nethika Suraweera, Shiven Venkat, Aarush Venkat, Owen Eberhard, Joel Hall, Ellie Pechon, Sam Powers, Landon Adams, Rose Basnet, Anna Copel, Landon Dulmage, Mary Groff, Stella Reyniers, Lyra Bratz, Alice Burgin, Anastasia Contreras, Lorenzo Gomez, Bill Graves, Hayden Jeffries, Dylan Kiser, Issay Mendoza Cruz, Siri Molnar, Leanh Nguyen, Joshua Stephenson, Jameson Bloor, Aaron Botnick, Eoin Daly, James Daly, Jj Defelice, Dominic Ditallo, Jay Karkula, Dawson Portera, Lily Rosetta-Mcbryde, Mireyah Santiago, Keira Teska, Marty Bolt, Ben Buteyn, Grayden Craig, Vesper Gaczol, Tallen Garramone, Angel Hernandez, Avery Madison, Robert Poe, Adrian Sundseth, Kailea Alarcon, Hannah Bonnot, Valentina Catano-Iberico, Whesly Goenaga Her, Tommy Jacoby, Rowan Meyer, Brie Rivera, Elijah Sykes-Maxey, Delta Warner, Paul Burmester, Michael Doherty, Alice Duncan, Dylan Quirke

3rd Place
Kathleen Sautel, Mark Scott, Kirun Agarwal, Darcy Stanton, Ace Ashworth, Alexis Chavez, Jasmine Salamera, Ellie Stanton, Lily Strickland, Ahas Weerapura, Jaxson Hipsher, Ivy Jensen, Paul Paisley, Khristin Paisley, Keira Sherman, Oliver Garner, Carter Hoffman, Zachary Kahan, Franco Ramirez, Henry Chiabotti, Dan Copel, Ada Lekan, Mia Martinez, Landon Sidley-Mercado, Alexander Aguilar-Glaub, Jack Arland, Weston Evarts, Presley Hobler, Gabriel Kahan, Naomi Kaup, Gwen Spilling, Garrett Thomson, Connor Thomson, Kim Williamson, Violet Wondel, Oliver Scears, Evan Clough, Taylor Crane, Ansel David, Stryder Martin, Peter Morehead, Eric Phillips, Quintyn Upshaw, Junior Alarcon, Tyrion Bieker, Axel Garcia Arand, Colin Gilbert, Andrew Kahan, Hendrix Lacey, Teagan Locken, Josephine Phillips, Angel Rivera, Mohamad Aldous, Andra Deiotte, Laz Logan, Watson Macneill, Sofia Malave Regnau, Saoirse Meyer, Maryn Meyer, Luna Rivera, Kaitlyn Doherty, Brandon Gough

4th Place
Peyton Brauch, Vivi Brown, Averie Chavez, Kayla Albrechtson, Susan Burgstiner, Evan Mcewan, Ivy Strickland, Josie Landis, Kaylyn Mcewan, Zuri Cady, Katie Harding, Ryan Marine, Zach Trujillo, Keegan Christenson, Eddie Garner, Ron Deiotte, Finn Deiotte, Olivia Ivie, Timofii Lesyk, Ruth Berry, Aleina Evarts, John Hicks, Sophia Palfreyman, Chris Ray, Easton Ellender, Felix Kelson, Luisianny Quero Zerpa, Erin Wolf, Skylynn Benefield, Jane Buonanno, Mila Nelson, Terrance Sanders, Bobby Sorensen, Sam Sykes-Maxey, Jasper Walsh, Tempest Bieker, Lily Carrillo, Ashley Slinkard

TIGER POOMSE

1st Place
Adrian Ibarra, Leo Claveau, Avian Abdin, Maverick Besaw, Alden Pilcher, LeMai Nguyen, Lukas Zioba, Leighton Evarts, Freya Mixon, Zachary Wolf, Charlie Farmer, Atticus Albrechtson, Aryan Bhatt, Haoyi Zhou, Oliver Rackl, Silas Corbett, Sigmund Kelson

SPARRING

1st Place
Collin Kreutz, Kathleen Sautel, Vivi Brown, Averie Chavez, Sarah Dahle, Diego Quezada, Alexis Chavez, Ahas Weerapura, Zachary Cotner, Carina Dulong, Shiven Venkat, Aarush Venkat, Ivy Jensen, Joel Hall, Henry Lewis, Tara Cady, Armando Gomez, Daniel Gray, Landon Dulmage, Mary Groff, Stella Reyniers, River Manuelito, Ellie Combs, Wyatt Knorr, Ron Meyer, Colin Williamson, Siri Molnar, Joshua Stephenson, Weston Evarts, Gabriel Kahan, Gwen Spilling, Garrett Thomson, Kim Williamson, Nirajit Dhakal, Avery Liu, Mila Olivares Castro, Eoin Daly, Dominic Ditallo, Mireyah Santiago, Luna Bratz, Natalie Huntley, Natalie Teska, Grayden Craig, Adrian Sundseth, Angel Rivera, Felix Kelson, Dashiel James, Desmond Long, Whesly Goenaga Her, Skylynn Benefield, Jenny Powers, Matthew Decross, Michael Doherty, Kaitlyn Doherty, Brandon Gough, Ashley Slinkard

2nd Place
Mark Scott, Katie Dahle, Kirun Agarwal, Lauren Dahlberg, Jordan Rutz, Lily Laird, Matthew Roberts, Henry Rumph, Emily Green, Mason Zerbib, Tristyn Cvanciger, Jaxson Hipsher, Josie Landis, Keatyn Adams, Ellie Pechon, Oliver Garner, Zach Trujillo, Christina Sanders, Kendrick Toney, Landon Adams, Dan Copel, Mia Martinez, Elias Amann, Torin Dimascio, Jack Wicken, Lyra Bratz, Hayden Jeffries, Naomi Kaup, Violet Wondel, Ron Deiotte, Olivia Ivie, Timofii Lesyk, Mia Garcia, Austin Gross, Kara Koster, James Daly, Keira Teska, Evan Clough, Taylor Crane, Quintyn Upshaw, Aleina Evarts, Mckenzie Farmer, Arnav Narumanchi, Asher Whalen, Ben Buteyn, Hendrix Lacey, Erin Wolf, Jackson Bloor, Selam Dusharm, Tommy Jacoby, Mohamad Aldous, Saoirse Meyer, Luna Rivera, Levi Kucera, Alexander Meyers, Paul Burmester

3rd Place
Shekina Detienne, Tyler Murphy, Ethan Price, Meredith Botnick, Ellie Stanton, Evan Mcewan, Ivy Strickland, Elsie Mcdonald, Zoe Economou, Warren Mcdonald, Nethika Suraweera, Paul Paisley, Bob Padget, Cooper Curry, Owen Eberhard, Sam Powers, Carter Hoffman, Zachary Kahan, Aspen Henderson, Amallia Chapman, Rose Basnet, Henry Chiabotti, Keegan Christenson, Nolan Smedes, Lorenzo Gomez, Bill Graves, Dylan Kiser, Leanh Nguyen, Presley Hobler, Finn Deiotte, Oliver Scears, Noah Buteyn, Leuyen Nguyen, Dawson Portera, Stryder Martin, Peter Morehead, Ruth Berry, John Hicks, Sophia Palfreyman, Anitej Narumanchi, Marty Bolt, Angel Hernandez, Avery Madison, Junior Alarcon, Tyrion Bieker, Andrew Kahan, Josephine Phillips, Luisianny Quero Zerpa, Nicolas Rivera Mesa, Valentina Catano-Iberico, Brie Rivera, Delta Warner, Tucker Mercier, Alice Duncan

4th Place
Kyle Feagans, Quynn Cotner, Darcy Stanton, Marley Powers, Ace Ashworth, Rebekkah Copel, Khristin Paisley, Kaylyn Mcewan, Lucy Paisley, Franco Ramirez, Zuri Cady, Ryan Marine, Hank Haubner, Logan Martin, Ada Lekan, Landon Sidley-Mercado, Eddie Garner, Anastasia Contreras, Jack Arland, Connor Thomson, James Klausner, Jay Karkula, Lily Rosetta-Mcbryde, Adeline Alayash, Jaxon Foster, Tallen Garramone, Robert Poe, Holden Bassett, Rowan Meyer, Elijah Sykes-Maxey, Andra Deiotte, Mila Nelson, Terrance Sanders, Bobby Sorensen, Sam Sykes-Maxey, Easton Miller, Louisa Duncan

FIRST POINT WINS!

1st Place
Nick Slinkard, Shekina Detienne, Vivi Brown, Diego Quezada, Ahas Weerapura, Ellie Stanton, Elsie Mcdonald, Marley Powers, Carina Dulong, Ivy Jensen, Mason Zerbib, Warren Mcdonald, Keatyn Adams, Zach Trujillo, Sam Powers, Zachary Kahan, Zuri Cady, Ryan Marine, Daniel Gray, Mia Martinez, Rose Basnet, Henry Chiabotti, Wyatt Knorr, Gabriel Kahan, Kim Williamson, Jack Wicken, Hayden Jeffries, Naomi Kaup, Lorenzo Gomez, Dylan Kiser, Leanh Nguyen, Oliver Scears, Avery Liu, Eoin Daly, Dominic Ditallo, Luna Bratz, Mia Garcia, Keira Teska, Taylor Crane, Chris Ray, Grayden Craig, Adrian Sundseth, Asher Whalen, Angel Hernandez, Andrew Kahan, Tallen Garramone, Dashiel James, Whesly Goenaga Her, Jenny Powers, Luna Rivera, Valentina Catano-Iberico, Mila Nelson, Matthew Decross, Tucker Mercier, Ashley Slinkard

2nd Place
Kathleen Sautel, Mark Scott, Averie Chavez, Darcy Stanton, Lauren Dahlberg, Evan Mcewan, Lillian Eichelberger, Dale Sanders, Shiven Venkat, Emily Green, Jaxson Hipsher, Paul Paisley, Bob Padget, Kaylyn Mcewan, Keira Sherman, Joel Hall, Henry Lewis, Tara Cady, Armando Gomez, Mary Groff, Kendrick Toney, Landon Adams, Amallia Chapman, Colin Williamson, Siri Molnar, Gwen Spilling, Lyra Bratz, Violet Wondel, Ron Deiotte, Timofii Lesyk, Presley Hobler, Connor Thomson, Nirajit Dhakal, Mila Olivares Castro, Mireyah Santiago, Evan Clough, Dawson Portera, Stryder Martin, Ruth Berry, John Hicks, Lily Rosetta-Mcbryde, Felix Kelson, Arnav Narumanchi, Erin Wolf, Anitej Narumanchi, Junior Alarcon, Adeline Alayash, Desmond Long, Skylynn Benefield, Selam Dusharm, Tommy Jacoby, Nicolas Rivera Mesa, Sam Sykes-Maxey, Alexander Meyers, Paul Burmester, Alice Duncan

STAFF POOMSE

1st Place
Collin Kreutz, Katie Dahle, Ethan Price, Diego Quezada, Elsie Mcdonald, Evan Mcewan, Matthew Roberts, Jasmine Salamera

2nd Place
Kyle Feagans, Peyton Brauch, Darcy Stanton, Quynn Cotner, Marley Powers, Lauren Dahlberg, Lillian Eichelberger, Meredith Botnick

3rd Place
Nick Slinkard, Mark Scott, Kirun Agarwal, Ahas Weerapura, Dale Sanders, Jordan Rutz, Henry Rumph, Ivy Strickland

4th Place
Shekina Detienne, Kathleen Sautel, Averie Chavez, Sarah Dahle, Ace Ashworth, Lily Strickland,

BREAKING/TARGET KICKING

1st Place
Kathleen Sautel, Tyler Murphy, Vivi Brown, Diego Quezada, Elsie Mcdonald, Lauren Dahlberg, Lillian Eichelberger, Ahas Weerapura, Susan Burgstiner, Carina Dulong, Shiven Venkat, Emily Green, Tristyn Cvanciger, Josie Landis, Lee Tomjack, Zach Trujillo, Zachary Kahan, Joel Hall, Oliver Garner, Cooper Curry, Owen Eberhard, Tara Cady, Mary Groff, Kendrick Toney, Stella Reyniers, Kim Williamson, Ron Meyer, Aaron Botnick, Arnav Narumanchi, Anitej Narumanchi, Axel Garcia Arand

SELF-DEFENSE

1st Place
Ecton Scherer, Easton Ellender, Kailea Alarcon, Maryn Meyer, William Tran, Charlie Johnson

2nd Place
Vesper Gaczol, Teagan Locken, Nicholas Johnson, Zyler Martin, Watson Macneill, Dylan Quirke, Lila Story

3rd Place
JJ Defelice, Colin Gilbert, Hannah Bonnot, Lily Carrillo, Zane Brown

BASICS CHALLENGE

1st Place
Adrian Ibarra, Leo Claveau, Avian Abdin, Maverick Besaw

2nd Place
Alden Pilcher, LeMai Nguyen, Lukas Zioba, Leighton Evarts

This Weekend! The 2025 All-City Champs!

Hi everyone! We are looking forward to our 2025 All-City Champs tournament this Friday and Saturday, April 25 & 26!  

Competition and Arrival Times: 

Black Belts will compete on Friday night at 6 pm.  Spectators are welcome.  

All other students (white through red) will compete on Saturday. You will find details on your competition time below.  You will need to arrive 30 minutes prior to the start time of your competition to check in, etc.  Some divisions may begin early, so please be at Alameda at your arrival time.  Thank you.  

Purple, Brown, & Red belts, all ages: 8 am start time, 7.30 am arrival time

Ages 8 and under; white, yellow, orange, green, blue belts and all tigers: 10.30 am start time, 10 am arrival time

Ages 9 and up; white, yellow, orange, green, blue belts: 12.30 pm start time, 12 pm arrival time (Please note that we might be able to start early this Saturday so please arrive by 12noon.)

Location details, parking:

The tournament will be at Alameda International High School which is located at 1255 S Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80232.  

Please park in the large parking lot on the southwest corner of Louisiana and Allison St. (There is another parking lot on the northwest corner of Arizona and Allison / north of the tennis courts that can be used for overflow parking).

Please do not double park and/or block someone in.  If both parking lots are full, there is a lot of neighborhood street parking available in the area or you can see if there is room in the main entrance parking lot.  

You will enter the school through the doors facing west. The title 'ALAMEDA INTERNATIONAL' is written in large block letters above the doors. 

Checking students in, getting them to their rings, their competitions:

Once you enter, you will be directed to a check-in table.  The check-in will be divided up alphabetically by last name so please proceed to the table marked with the first letter of your last name.

While checking-in, someone will write ring numbers on your hands.  You will have a green number on your right hand and a red number on your left hand.  Once you have your ring numbers, you will head to the upper bleachers of the gym to settle in.  You will be called down to the floor for the group photo and will proceed to the green ring number after the group photo.

Parents of younger students competing at 10.30 am, you will take your student down to the gym floor when called for the group photo.  After the group photo, announcements, etc., black belts will take the students to their correct ring number which will be the GREEN number on their right hand. The ring number will be labeled with big signs. These ring signs are not color coded, so please look to the ring number on your student's hand that is green and disregard the color of the ring sign.  

Once students are settled at their rings, we ask that spectators stay in the upper bleachers and off the gym floor for safety and to provide more room for the competitions.  Please show your students where you will be so they know where to find you.  If you have a very young child (tigers ages 2 - 4) who needs assistance, it is okay if you need to stay nearby on the gym floor.

Tiger students (2-4 and some 5 year olds who attend 30 minutes classes) will compete in two divisions in the same ring and then will be dismissed for the day.  Please come pick them up at the photo podium after their Following Directions division.

All other students will compete in poomse first. We ask that parents remain in the upper bleachers during these competitions, please.  After poomse competition ends, students will then go to the RED ring number on their LEFT hand for sparring (school program students will not spar but will compete in Self-Defense instead).

Parents of students ages 7 and under, please come down to the podium to collect your student after their first competition and to help them get to their second.

Students ages 8 and under will be finished with their competitions after sparring.

After your student is done competing in all of their divisions, please come down to the edge of the gym floor to collect them.  Thank you.

Students ages 9 & up will compete in three or four events. Please do not leave until your student has competed in everything (poomse, two sparring divisions, and then students ages 12 & up, ranks orange and above will also compete in breaking). After sparring divisions conclude, please stay in the gym and listen for their name to be called to their additional divisions and ring numbers.

Etiquette and Uniform:

All students should arrive already dressed out in their uniforms with their belts tied.  Anyone with long hair will need to have it tied back securely.  No jewelry is permitted, and freshly pierced ears need to be covered from front to back with medical tape and/or bandaids.  Students should wear a white crewneck t-shirt beneath their uniform top.  Students should not wear jeans or secondary pants underneath their uniform pants as this will inhibit their ability to kick.

If you have any questions at all, please reach out to your instructor.  We are so proud of all of our students' hard work and preparation, and we look forward to this weekend!  Thank you.

Self-Defense Classes

By Gavin Vahle, 1st dan

Self-defense lessons can be an important thing to learn. This means finding the right training program is the key to succeeding and being able to learn the necessary techniques to effectively use self-defense. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) is the perfect place to do this because of its varied training area’s, extraordinary instructors, and the ultimate goal to persevere to excellence. 

One of the big reasons that CTI is able to have such success is because of their unique process of training. Trainees start with the exercise of jumping jacks, push-ups and sit-ups. Followed by an extensive stretching routine that then prepares students for what is called basics. These include all the basic movements, strikes, blocks and kicks that will be used in every other area of the sport. Basics will give a good foundation of not only physical and athletic strength, but also an initial repertoire of moves that can be utilized. Then after the foundation is formed, the students proceed forward with poomse, which are made up of a series of moves that are performed against multiple imaginary foes. These apply the skills from the basics and add more emphasis on the stances and balance, as well as combining moves in faster motions to teach mastery of those techniques. Beyond poomse there is much more, but specifically self defense and one-steps are what make the student’s training complete. The series of preset self defense techniques, which teach a student what to do if being grabbed by their wrists, neck, clothes, and more. There are also one-step sparring which relate to more formal attacks and defenses and prioritize distancing and control of the required movements. This entire program then comes together to produce amazing martial artists, but this is only possible with the exceptional instructors.

These exceptional instructors aren't foreign experts, but rather locally cultivated and trained into being the best martial arts instructors out there. Every single black belt in CTI has gone through at least one, and more likely multiple black belt testing cycles. These testing cycles are composed of 9-month long periods where a martial artist who is determined to be ready for black belt goes through dozens of pretests, completes writing articles, an extensive research paper, a black belt project to help their specific campus and both a physical and written test that both separately take an entire day to complete. This extensive process targets a black belt, and the arduous process to even become ready for the cycle, shapes them into becoming amazing people who are knowledgeable in every part of the sport. A lot of them are also school teachers who have an amazing way of managing discipline and responsibility, and can expertly shift their teaching style to different audiences ranging from tigers (0-5 years), juniors (6-12 years), teens (13-16) and adults (17+). These different class levels allow for all ages to be able to train more effectively, and also allows everyone to excel to their full potential. Sections dedicated to the younger ages are more sided with the art of the sport being poomse and advanced kicking, while the older classes still hit the major points of poomse, but focus more majorly on self defense moves, one-steps, free sparring, and breaking. The instructors also do a great job with flexible scheduling and setting up a workout plan that works for anyone. They also help prepare participants for the various events throughout the year, such as the tournaments, expos, and summer camps.

The events held are really what defines CTI’s excellence. Let’s start with the tournaments which are held in the fall, early winter and multiple in the spring. These events contain different parts that relate to each niche of the sport. Really there are two main branches of all martial arts, the art, and the self-defense aspect. These tournaments take each part of that  and display that. The regular events are poomse, sparring, and breaking. The poomse exemplifies superior qualities of precise movements and timing, and encapsulates the art of the sport. Whereas sparring represents quick reflexes and impromptu thinking, and helps plan formulation to succeed. The breaking combines the two, requiring both concentration and power, which are qualities needed for both the art of taekwondo and its self-defense applications. Then in my opinion, the more important events to attend are the summer expo, summer camp and fall upper belt symposium. These events really hone in on specific technical skills and allow more insight on the subjects, by working with different instructors. These events all take place up in the mountains, in a less busy and face-paced world, allowing for pure fixation on the training and improvement of taekwondo values and skills. The different instructors' unique and valuable insights help develop a conceptual understanding of not only how to defend oneself, but the why behind the methodology of CTI’s processes.

Self defense is an essential quality to have, not only to have the confidence to be able to get out of sticky situations and stand-up for others, as this can prove to be difficult at first. A comprehensive understanding of self defense, includes the ability to think fast and have an arsenal of things one can use in each unique situation. CTI promises all of that with outstanding training and instructors, and will help the development of strength (physically and mentally) by providing a calendar of events and competitions, allowing the martial artists to really strive to be their best. The final part of CTI’s general success is the motto, which means "self control, before self defense". It shows that to understand self defense, one must have to utilize control and logic before engaging in reaction. This sentiment embodies the very core principle of CTI, and is why with its six campus locations (Green Mountain, Littleton, Conifer, Westminster, Golden and Craig) and various afterschool programs around the Denver metro area, joining the CTI leads to learning superior self defense.

Benefits of Martial Arts for Teens

By Katie Minden, 2nd dan

Martial arts for teens offers extensive benefits in areas including exercise, memory, and learning. Martial arts such as Taekwondo, Jujitsu, Karate, etc. are able to challenge and satisfy teenagers in a way that assists in the common struggles teens often experience. Organizations such as the Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) are perfect to engage restless teens in a fulfilling and challenging activity to stimulate their bodies and minds. Martial arts can aid in stress, boredom, mental illness, and the general need for gratification that one can acquire by becoming involved in a sport. 

To begin, the most obvious benefit of martial arts for teenagers is the physical aspect. Many teens now are often pinned down with the burden of heavy school work or jobs, and even when enough free time rolls around, teens may take the time to rest or spend time on their phone. This rest is most definitely needed and deserved, but it can get to a point where instead of using down-time constructively to rest and restore, teens may fall into laziness and boredom. The assumption may be that adding on another task such as practicing martial arts into a weekly routine would add more burden to a teen’s already busy life, but martial arts can often be a time to relieve built up stress while also physically challenging oneself. A twice weekly class is enough to cultivate a teenager’s body into a strong, healthy vessel, which will translate into benefits at school and in life. At the CTI, our instructors are completely aware of the hectic lives teens live, but they also firsthand have either seen or have personally experienced the benefits of doing martial arts for teens. A workout routine is perfect to realign a teen’s mind through physical activity, and by combining the physical and mental aspects used in every martial arts practice, teens can clear clutter in their mind while challenging it simultaneously. 

Martial arts for teens is easily one of the most creative outlets that one can utilize. Often, with school and other activities, everyday life becomes completely objective, but at the CTI, we encourage each student to come to class with their ideas, questions, and learning developments they experience while practicing Taekwondo. While each martial arts program contains their specific aspects that the student must learn, oftentimes there is room for teens to explore why and how they can move their body in each form. This also adds to the physical aspect of understanding the connections of the body, from the hands to the feet and more, as well as the mental connection of practicing mind to muscle connection in every move performed. The CTI also strives to harbor reflexive thinking skills with martial arts aspects like free-sparring, a way to practice unchoreographed moves in a quick and high intensity manner while still remaining in a controlled and safe environment. In this way, martial arts for teens cultivates the free-thinking aspect as well as still requiring after and fore-thought about why the moves they practiced either did or did not prove successful. 

With the numerous distractions that happen every second of a teenagers life, oftentimes it is easy to become disconnected from the surrounding world and difficult to stay focused on any task necessary. Martial arts for teens serves as a stellar outlet to both improve focus for teens, while cultivating a grounded attitude in high-stress situations. The beginning steps of the program offered at the CTI always include establishing the expectation that to achieve the most out of every class, a student must focus their attention on their instructor. This concept often requires much more attention when applied to younger children, but teens are at a perfect developmental stage to understand that if they focus their attention on what they are being taught, they will understand the material quicker, allowing for a quicker progression. Along with providing a more enjoyable experience for a teenager, it also provides incentive to focus because the feeling of moving up and learning more becomes exciting. 

Martial arts may seem daunting especially considering the multifaceted nature of the physical and mental ways of learning required to understand martial arts. However, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute thrives to both challenge all students that walk in our doors and especially the teenagers which have some of the greatest potential to take what can be learned in martial arts and apply it to their everyday lives. The critical thinking and evaluation skills attached to the learning and memorization of different skills benefit teenagers in their school, work, and home lives. The physical outlet to relieve stress allows teenagers to constructively use their time not only to break away from the ever-constant homework, but to focus on something that targets and stimulates satisfactory parts of the brain which teens need so as not to become too bogged down. Martial arts for teens offers a range of benefits in a variety of ways which both provide the teenager with a more expansive outlook and allow for these new perspectives to permeate into the hectic lives of teenagers and offer some guidance. 

How Taekwondo Teaches Courtesy

By Kayla Albrechtson, 1st dan

Taekwondo classes can teach students many life lessons beyond self-defense and physical fitness. Each student is expected to learn and demonstrate the tenets of Taekwondo within their training. These tenets are courtesy, integrity, indomitable spirit, perseverance, and self-control. Each of these tenets plays a critical role in a taekwondo student’s training, but the tenet of courtesy may be overlooked the most, especially when considering competitions. However, it is during taekwondo competitions that courtesy is needed the most.

Courtesy is about more than good manners; it is actually an act of respect, which is expected of every taekwondo student at all times. In the Moo Sul Kwan taekwondo class, students must follow class rules and respect their fellow students and instructors. An example of the courtesy students learn in the taekwondo classroom would be using ‘ma’am’ or ‘sir’ to address a black belt. However, acts of courtesy towards your fellow classmates and the lower belts are just as crucial because they foster a classroom environment that is calm, polite, and more conducive to learning. An excellent example of one student showing courtesy to another would be raising your hand before you talk to avoid talking over another student. By raising your hand to speak, all students can participate in class, even if they have a softer voice or may be shy.

Since taekwondo is a competitive sport, courtesy during tournaments is critical to foster an appropriate and fun competitive environment that helps students learn and grow in taekwondo. A great example of this would be during a free sparring match. Before the match, competitors will bow to each other as a sign of respect and are expected to adhere to the rules of the free sparring match. This is an act of courtesy because not only are the competitors respecting the opponent, but they are also respecting the sport of taekwondo itself. By doing so, students create a fun competition that becomes a great learning opportunity.

The courtesy students learn in the Moo Sul Kwan taekwondo classroom can be used in their everyday lives at school, work, or social situations. Since courtesy is essentially an act of respect towards another person, using courtesy in the school or workplace can lead to better opportunities. People are more likely to want to work with someone who displays courtesy at all times and in all situations. Because someone becomes more pleasant to work or study with, their teachers, fellow students, or coworkers begin to look to them in more challenging situations when a calmer head is needed. This is especially true for people who work in customer service jobs or any other job requiring someone to deal with the public, clients, or others. People who demonstrate courtesy even in tricky social interactions are more likely to calm charged situations and receive more positive outcomes from that situation. 

Displaying courtesy in the taekwondo class is a great way to practice this tenet for use in the real world. As with any skill, consistent practice is vital to being courteous in a student’s everyday life.