The Choice

By Bruce Dean, red belt

Random acts of kindness takes will. “How” is the important underlying motivation or facilitation when performing random acts of kindness.

Consider the question of, “How does someone climb Mt. Everest?”  In most simplistic form the mountain climber puts one foot in front of the next until it is downhill on all sides.  But that is what they did to get there, it is not “how” they got there.  For the example of Mt. Everest, the “how” question is that the climber’s will persevered and overcame – the climber’s will asserted that the goal would be achieved and that failure was not an option.

On a smaller scale (about 15,000 ft smaller) I climbed my first 14er last summer.  And although at the time I was closing in on 3 years of Moo Sul Kwan training at the CTI, I was also coming off a 5 month hiatus courtesy of a third surgery on my left arm.  Suffice to say that I was about 20lbs heavier than normal and had only been back to Conifer Campus jumping jacks for about a month.  Yes, “fat and out of shape” pretty much sums it up.  But from the moment I took the first step east on the trail head for Mt. Bierstadt, failure was not an option – and that also meant that death or serious injury was not an option, since that would have resulted in failure.  And yes, the “face” of Bierstadt was tough, but I spoke positively during the hike and had fun speaking with people who were coming down.  And after a little more than three hours we were on the top.

And so “how” did I accomplish my random acts of kindness this last month?  The same way.  By setting my mind to it.  But also by being an “agent” of kindness.  In other words, to share kindness one must possess enough kindness so that they have enough left over to share.  One must set their mind to generating kindness inside themselves: generating so much that it spills over naturally.  The same can also be said about love and goodness and compassion, etc.  To be an agent of good, rather than simply on the side of good, one must fill himself with goodness until the goodness/kindness overflows.  The overflow – to the person overflowing – is simply the result of the will to be kind being noticed by the outside world.

But to the outside world the overflow appears as random acts.  After all, why did that man compliment the lunch checkout lady on her sunny disposition?  He had no real reason to.  It must have been some random act.  Not true.  He did it because he was overflowing with kindness and had to share some.  So, “how did I accomplish the random acts?” I CHOOSE to. I CHOOSE to be an agent of kindness.

The Benefits of Taekwondo on the Elderly

As we age, we lose physical strength and agility; it makes sense, then, that the elderly should follow some kind of physical exercise program.

When people think about taekwondo, they tend to imagine strong, young people in combat with other strong, young people. But what they might not know is that the health benefits of taekwondo reach beyond the youthful. Recent studies prove what has been considered common knowledge in China for centuries: taekwondo and other martial arts programs are an effective exercise method for the elderly.

As we age, we lose physical strength and agility; it makes sense, then, that the elderly should follow some kind of physical exercise program. While it might seem initially that taekwondo would be too strenuous for the elderly, it is actually relatively easy on the body. It is low impact, so weak bones and joints won’t be placed under great strain, and requires less oxygen intake than complete cardiovascular activity.

One of the leading causes of accidental death in the elderly is due to falls. Fortunately, one of the greatest benefits about taekwondo is an increase in balance, flexibility, and coordination. Mark Brudnak, a martial arts program expert and trainer, conducted a study to see the effects of taekwondo on balance and the elderly. He tested 12 elderly people for seventeen weeks in a martial arts program. At the end of the program, their trunk flexibility had increased by 3.5 inches and the amount of time they could balance on one leg had increased by 18 seconds since the beginning of the program. Overall, they were in better health and less at risk for injuries from accidental falls.

Another major problem for the elderly is that they experience a weakening of their immune systems leaving them susceptible to life-threatening illnesses. What many people may not realize about taekwondo is that it a proven immune system booster. A study by Michael Irwin tested the effects of a martial arts program similar in many ways to taekwondo on eighteen elderly people to see how their immune systems withstood against the reemergence of shingles; the participants showed an average 50% increase in immune system immunity to shingles.

While taekwondo can be an intense training program for active young people assisting in self defense and muscle development, it should not be overlooked by the elderly population interested in following a regular exercise regimen. Balance and immune system problems are only two of the physical ailments common to elderly people that are addressed and improved by following a martial arts program. If you or someone you know is ready to fight the dangers of aging, consider taekwondo today.

The Differences between Tae Kwon Do and Karate

Karate is often the most common term for martial arts used in the United States. At some point in time many people began to think all eastern fighting styles as the same or some kind of “Karate.” This is similar people of the U.S referred to soda pop as “Coke”, or tissues as “Kleenex.”

The average person asking about the difference between Karate and Taekwondo (or sometimes Tae Kwon Do) isn’t looking for a deep philosophical meaning of Taekwondo and Karate. Instead, they are looking to be free from worry that the Judo, Karate or Taekwondo School they sign their children up for are going to yield teaching not unlike what was taught in the movie Karate Kid. Karate and Taekwondo are virtually the same in this mindset.

So what is the real, in-depth difference between Taekwondo and Karate?

One of the main differences between the two is the country of origin. Karate originated in Okinawa, Japan. Taekwondo on the other hand was created in Korea. Practitioners of Karate and Taekwondo both argue that they were the first to create martial arts. But martial arts most likely began to spring up in several different places in Asia about the same time. Taekwondo origins began in the Korean martial arts of Taekkyon, Subbak and Takkyon. It was around 1950 and the end of the Korean War that “Taekkyon-do” became Taekwondo.

Karate uses more hand techniques than Taekwondo. But Taekwondo uses more foot techniques. Both Karate and Taekwondo have kicking, punching, locks, grappling and throws. Teachers of Karate and Taekwondo will emphasize certain elements over others, it depends on the school.

The biggest difference between Karate and Taekwondo is how they have evolved. In the beginning they both were used as forms of self defense. It is speculated that both Taekwondo and Karate were used in military service or criminal activity. This was at a point in time one would need to rely on empty handed combat, but even today hand to hand martial arts are needed.

Taekwondo, has become both martial art and sport. Olympic competition has driven Taekwondo technique to incredible levels. Taekwondo, at its upper levels, is a full contact, full speed combat sport. Practicing theory of the techniques as well as the physical are both very critical. Taekwondo classes allows for more self expression, whereas the Karate classroom is well-ordered and uniform. Students are encouraged to find their voice, their tactic within established rules.

39th CTI Super Bowl is Huge Success!

A fantastic two day Moo Sul Kwan martial arts tournament on April 26-27, was held at Alameda International High School in Lakewood, Colorado.  315 students from the Colorado Taekwondo Institute exercised, competed and demonstrated at this most special event.

The day two day event was dedicated to our US Veterans and included the singing of the National Anthem by Michael Sandusky and Ryan Lindner and a demonstration by our CTI Black Belt and Masters Clubs.

The action began on Friday evening with black belt competitions including; Poomse (pattterned movement), Sparring, First Point Wins! and Board Breaking.

Saturday started with some black belt exercise followed by black belt demonstration breaking and competitions in all divisions for white - red belts of all ages.

Here are the results from this year's very special CTI Super Bowl:

POOMSE

1st place
Abdu Kikhia            Caleb Feagans        Kai Wong        Erik Ondrejko
Damian Rupp            Eric Evans        Trish Nguyen        Akram Alghanmi
Andrew Madayag        Peyton Brauch        Zoe Dickerson        Jaden Wood
Connor Brauch            Thomas Ma         Holly Madayag        Tyler Murphy  
Kyle Feagans            Derek Simpson        Merrick Oleszek    Kenneth Brancio
Ryan Wyngarden        Kaden O’Brien        Caela McCartney    Lily Dwyer
James Moore            Isabell Shoe        Osso Sidwell        Jack Ames
Mathais Bauer            Devan Bagley        Ryan Hoang        Franco Otero
Charlie Smith            Jonah Elstad        Libby Girard        Brynn Konrad
Gillian Boswell            Evelyn La Morgese    Evan Montoya        Mitchell Oleszek
Ella Sidwell            Katie Dahle        Phillip Hoenmans    Emily Artman
Grace Apodaca            Grayson Krause        Lynne Dean        Evan Miller  
Sarah Luper            Elizabeth Urdiales    Jake Seele        Ary Dizagee
           
2nd place
Michael Sandusky        Michael Madayag    Eric Bear        Sierra Field
Jocelyn Wallen            Zach Greaves        Lindsay Boswell            Micco Waisanen Jennifer McKernan         Ethan Price         Samantha Biesemeier    Andrew Morgan  
Mason Louth            Theo Lincke        Devon Bilyeu        Lauren Lundeen
Emma Hartmann        Seth Hughes        Sabrina Jameson    Mike Dean
Zuzanna Janowska        Elise Smith        Ethan Trapp        Torin Fischer
Benson White            Miette Jandreau        Owen Martin        Ridge Blue
Tatum Buenning        Mateo Piza        Charlie Hunsicker    Sean Huntley
Porter Krause            Taelee Knez        David Malec        Kirk Otteson
Christian Beaman        Jacobi Field        Lincoln Hall        Mia Rubio
Kylie Bickford            Rick Orton        Logan Gill        Abbey Salamera
Santiago Huggins        Bailey Bish        Chad Bickford                Camden Dunkle
Rayanne Nowak        Jarod Eller        Jonah Sidwell                 Kalya Visnyei

3rd place
Bridget Sautel            Emily Brophy        Collin Kreutz        Annie Sautel
Tanner Copper            Don Johnson         Lauren Smith        Lilly Minor
Dakota Jesse            Mark Scott         Jack Eller         Brecken Lusk
Casey Feagans            Owen Hartmann    Makayla Trapp        Nathaniel McKernan
Crystal Swedenberg        Madalyn Grosshans    Ian Wilson        Zachary Outcalt
Josh Miller            Addie Spery        Shekina DeTienne    Alex Price
Grady Bahr            Daniel Nelson        Anya Trilk        Sean Haverkamp
R.J. Larson            Ryker Blue        Max Bogdanoff        Caiden Wood
Adrianna Carreon        Ciaden Barthel-Anto    Gabriel Dodge        Ethan Kirschner
Ciaden White            J. Carter Reyes        David Bogdanoff    Kaitlin Cassell
Eva Carreon            Leah Teglovic        Ben Kirschner        Ceadyr Goans
James Healy            Joanna Nowak        Lee Tomjack        Justin Nelson
Bryce Harriet            Matthew Williams    Liam Dunkin              

4th place    
Andy McDaniel            McKenna Louth    Coghan Spery        Thomas Sautel
Alyssa Copper                             Eileen Lindner         Luke Smith                   Seth Osborne
Rob Sarche                                  Karen Carreon         Aidan Porier        Mason Golliher
Gwen Gutierrez            Lexi Johannes        Elizabeth Hawkins    Beatrice Lincke
Anna Sparlin                               Sarah Dahle        Jaxson Gard        Cody Barnhardt
Nico Trilk                                    Kameron Evans        T. J. Gutierrez        Maddelynn Vaughn
Kaida Egloff                                Allie Warnick        Campbell Copt        Wiley Kueper      
Malaki McRant                           Ethan Dwyer        Dylan Tracy        Drake Egloff
Jovan Moore                                Rowan Maher        Colin Schweich        Cris Fresqez
Aspen Hawkins                           Micah Porier        Jasmin Salamera    William Johnson
Susan Bergstiner                         C.J. Benton        Payton Reynolds    Jacob Henderson
Simone Schweich                        Chris Krause        Adolf  Ordaz        Jhaison Prouty
Hannah Hansell                           Abby Lundeen      

TIGER POOMSE

1st place
Ethan Moulton            Colin Palminteri    David Orton        Isabella Rai
Gabriel Platt            Jack O’Day        Braedon Eddy        Augusto Jerez
Kelsie Kinnevy            Julian Marine        Nia Weiss        Rylee Ross
Violet Beattie            Leo Lukosky        Ashton Price        Jackson Wirth
Mayci Beck            Damon Bahr        Taylor Dodge        Tristan Smith
Jacob Hoenmans        Daniel Bergman    Rachel Kirschner    Eden Valeruz
Xavier McRant            Evalin Dickerson    Halston Kuepper    Lovendy Rai

SPARRING 

1st place
Abdu Kikhia            Sean Lawlor        Coghan Spery        Zach Greaves
Sierra Field            Bridget Sautel        Andrew Madayag    Theo Lincke  
Mike Dean            Christian Beaman    Gillian Boswell        Brynn Konrad
Anya Trilk            Evan Montoya        Devan Bagley        Grant Haverkamp
Ridge Blue            Lily Dwyer        Jonah Elstad        Zuzanna Janowska
Emma Hartmann        Devon Lewis        Lauren Lundeen    Sean Konrad
Elise Smith            Holly Madayag        Dakota Jesse        Mazrk Cordova
Nathaniel McKernan        Emily Brophy        Nate Watkins        Ryker Blue  
Leo Lukosky            Nikko Ramos        Kylie Bickford        Mathias Bauer
Seth Osborne            Trish Nguyen        Emily Artman        Evan Miller
Lauren Smith            Jarrod Eller        Ary Diyadea        Akram Alghanmi
Abbey Slamera            Jamie La Morgese    Jonah Sidwell        Susan Burgstiner
Caleb Johnson            Elizabeth Urdiales    Grayson Krause
   
2nd place
Terry Copper            Coghan Spery         Collin Kreutz        Erik Ondrejko
Alyssa Copper            Hope Morgan        Cris Fresquez        Jasmine Salamera
Charlie Hunsicker        Porter Krause        Jack Ames        Adriana Carreon
Miette Jandreau            Mason Louth        David Nelson        Torin Fischer
Mia Rubio            Jacobi Field        Wylie Kueper        Peyton Brauch  
Cody Barnhardt            Casey Feagans        Caiden Ward        Effie Gibbons  
Ryan Wyngarden        Caela McCartney        Merrick Oleszek    James Moore
Kira Malmren            Taryn Dwyer        Kenny Brancio        Ethan Price
Thomas Ma            Kathleen Sautel        Eva Carreon        Eric Bear
Vinny Constantino        Lilly Minor        Joanna Nowak        Justin Nelson
Julie Rasmussen        Joshua Osborne        Hunter Hansell        Chad Bickford
Rick Orton            Payton Reynolds        Phillip Hoenmans    Rayanne Nowak
Micco Waisanen        Hannah Hansell        Santi Huggins

3rd place
Don Johnson             Sean Lawlor        Damian Rupp        Abbey Watkins
Drake Egloff            Keet Holdridge        Owen Landis        Alaina Walker
Noah Sisk            Maddelyn Vaughn    Owen Martin        Alex Price
Jovan Moore            Chase Wyngarden    Daniel Bergman    Aspen Hawkins
Isabel Shoe            Ethan Trapp        Connor Brauch        Gwen Gutierrez
Kelsey Smith            Nico Trilk        Madalyn Grosshans    Ian Wilson
Elizabeth Hawkins        Vivi Brown        Kaden O’Brien        Tyler Murphy
Serek Simpson            McKenna Louth    Michael Madayag    Annie Sautel
Kaida Egloff            William Johnson    James Healy        Sarah Luper
Natalie Lundeen        Adolph Ordaz        Lindsey Boswell    David Fanton
Jaden Wood            Luke Smith        Zoe Dickerson        Jim Intriglia
Logan Gill            Lynne Dean        Jhaison Prouty        Christina Manna
Brandon Dills

4th place
Andy McDaniel             Ian Randall        Tanner Copper        Alicia Leone
Sean Huntley            Taelee Knez        Kirk Otteson        Konnor Evans  
Emily Fanning            Sean Haverkamp    Charlie Smith        Malaki McRant
Lincoln Hall            Campbell Copt        J. Carter Reyes        Ella Sidwell
Owen Hartmann        Zach Outcalt        Grady Bahr        Sabrina Jameson
Lydia Lincke            Josh Miller        Beatrice Lincke        Jackson Girard
Lexi Johannes            Shekina DeTienne    Alan Fernandez        Mark Scott
Seth Hughes            Liam Dunkin        Mya Field        Abby Lundeen
Matthew Ordaz                     Uriah Hernandez    Matthew Williams    Jack Eller
Patrick O’Day            Ceadyr Goans        Leah Teglovic        Bryce Harriet
Jacob Henderson

FIRST POINT WINS!

1st place
Michael Sandusky        Thomas Sautel        McKenna Louth    Alyssa Copper
Alicia Leone            Isabel Shoe        Caiden Wood        Owen Landis
Anya Trilk            Charlie Hunsicker    Porter Krause        Aspen Hawkins
Andrew Madayag        Theo Lincke        Mike Dean        Gwen Gutierrez
Lydia Lincke            Devin Lewis        Lily Dwyer        Madalyn Grossha
Jonah Elstad            Sean Konrad        Chase Wyngarden    Kylie Bickford
Al3ex Price             Elizabeth Urdiales    Grayson Krause     Micco Waisanen  
Kira Malmgren            Wylie Kueper        Taryn Dwyer        Quinn Nesline
Ridge Blue            Kaden O’Brien        Kyle Feagans         Lynne Dean  
Thomas Ma            Kai Wong        Sam La Morgese    Trish Nguyen
Emily Artman            Evan Miller        Lauren Smith        Jarrod Eller
Gavin Pribil            Chris Krause        Rick Orton        Logan Gill

2nd place
Don Johnson            Erik Ondrejko        Emily Brophy        Sierra Field
Abbey Watkins            Gillian Boswell        Franco Otero        Alana Doerr
Evan Montlya            Devan Bagley        Owen Martin        Cris Fresquez
Mia Rubio            David Nelson        Mathias Bauer        Adriana Carreon
Mason Louth            Peyton Brauch        Connor Brauch        Zuzanna Janowska
Effie Gibbons            Josh Miller            Lauren Lundeen    Ian Wilson
Lexi Johannes            Marcy Feagans        Ryker Blue        Kameron Evans
Nikko Ramos            Leo Lukosky            Carl Gibbons        Ella Sidwell
Nathaniel McKernan        Eric Bear            Seth Osborne        Sarah Luper
Joanna Nowak            Matthew Ordaz        Lindsey Boswell    David Fanton
Hunter Hanswell        Patrick O’Day        Samantha Biesemeier    Jim Intriglia
Phillip Hoenmans        Katie Dahle            Bryce Harriet        Hannah Hansell
Jacob Henderson

BREAKING

1st place
Emily Brophy            Coghan Spery        Erik Ondrejko        Jocelyn Wallen
Eileen Lindner            Abdu Kikhia         Katie Dahle        Phillip Hoenmans
Connor Brauch            Theo Lincke        Thomas Ma        Emma Hartmann
Mark Cordova            Andrew Madayag    Ryan Wyngarden    Dakota Jesse
Vivi Brown            Tyler Murphy        Caleb Johnson        Trish Nguyen
David Fanton            Abby Lundeen        Vinny Constantino    Joanna Nowak
   

STAFF POOMSE

1st place
Eric Bear            Eric Evans        Erik Ondrejko        Abdu Kikhia

2nd place
Caleb Feagans            Delaney Zandin        Andy McDaniel        Bridget Sautel

3rd place
Emily Brophy            Sean Lawlor        Annie Sautel        Michael Sandusky

Under Black Belt 39th CTI Super Bowl Grand Champions:   

Andrew Madayag, Theo Lincke, Thomas Ma, Katie Dahle and Trish Nguyen

The Journey Towards Becoming a Taekwondo Black Belt

In today’s society, being able to say you are a “black belt” seems to be a bragging right; we all know it is a great accomplishment and that the recipient is capable of some serious fighting skills. But to attain a taekwondo black belt is so much more than a status symbol; it is a mark of extreme dedication and ability.

Many of us today are familiar with the process a person goes through to attain a black belt: a beginner gets a white belt, and through various tests of skills is granted new colored belts, each darker than the last, until they are finally granted a black belt. However, in the ancient times, thousands of years ago, things were a bit different. A beginner was given a white belt, as today. But rather than earning new belts as the trainer progressed, the same belt was worn day after day, collecting sweat and dirt after years of work and exertion. The darker and dirtier the belt, the more advanced the practitioner, until the belt at last appeared black.

Today, a taekwondo institute likes to reward and encourage students’ hard work by presenting new belts that signify increasing skill and accomplishment. While the belt tradition has been altered, the idea is the same: a taekwondo black belt signifies that a person has put in countless hours over the course of years to master an ancient practice of mental and physical strength. The person who wears a black belt is one to respect, and his or her dedication is to be replicated.

While any taekwondo black belt is an extraordinary feat, there are different levels of skill one can strive for. To be exact, there are nine levels of black belt. A taekwondo institute can help a martial art student progress in belt status, but a level nine can take an entire lifetime to achieve.

Many people would like to be able to claim the status of taekwondo black belt. But the desire to impress others is not enough. One must train diligently for years, strengthening the body and controlling the mind. A taekwondo institute offers support and guidance on the path towards a desired level of martial art progression, but true fulfillment comes from within.

The Benefits of Kids' Taekwondo Training

Physical health, self-confidence and respect are three of the tops benefits; come discover all the other positive impacts taekwondo can have on your child at Colorado Taekwondo today.
In addition to adult classes, Colorado Taekwondo offers kids’ taekwondo instruction. But with a misunderstanding of this martial art, some parents aren’t certain if the class would be of benefit or harm to their children. But before you decide taekwondo is too violent or dangerous for your son or daughter, consider the following benefits.

First, taekwondo is a vigorous form of physical exercise. About one third of all American children are overweight or obese; they eat high-energy foods, but don’t exercise the calories and carbs off again. With taekwondo training, your child’s martial arts instructor will ensure that an adequate level of intensity is being achieved; best of all, this kind of exercise is fun for kids. Martial arts training will create a positive association with physical exercise, and set kids on a fit, healthy track for life.

Another great benefit of kids’ taekwondo is that it increases self confidence. Staying fit gives both boys and girls positive body image, and the ability to control one’s own body is a strong boost of self awareness. As your son or daughter sees the progress that can be achieved through hard work and dedication, you will see a positive change in work ethic not only at training sessions, but also in school and at home. Taekwondo requires memorization of intricate poses and movements, so your child’s mental focus and concentration will be increased. Taekwondo develops children’s mental capabilities as much as physical ones.

A final benefit of kids’ taekwondo is that it teaches respect of oneself and of others. Taekwondo training is centered upon a student’s diligent adherence to the teaching of their marital arts instructor. Your son or daughter will learn to follow direction with humility and understanding. Throughout the training process, students will notice changes in their level of strength and physical appearance, so they also learn a respect for their bodies. And while some people believe martial arts to be violent, it is actually a controlled interaction between two art practitioners, who share a mutual respect for each other and for the art itself.

As a parent, it can be stressful to submerge your child into something new and, perhaps, unknown to you. But in a world often filled with senseless violence, bad role models and unhealthy choices, taekwondo training offers children a space for physical, mental and spiritual growth, all under the watchful eye of a trained martial arts instructor. Physical health, self-confidence and respect are three of the tops benefits; come discover all the other positive impacts taekwondo can have on your child at Colorado Taekwondo today.

MSK Summer Expo XXIX

The annual Moo Sul Kwan Summer Expo is right around the corner!

The Moo Sul Kwan Summer Expo XXIX is for all ages and belt levels.  Moo Sul Kwan / AMASEA top black belts train with the various groups in many areas of Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts like; sparring, basics, poomse, one-step sparring, self-defense and breaking.

This year's Expo is taking place June 19 - 21, at the Inn at SilverCreek in Granby, Colorado.  The Expo begins on Friday evening and runs until Sunday at noon.

Special guest and President of Moo Sul Kwan and the American Martial Arts Sports and Education Association Charles F. HIldebrand is attending from St. Louis, Missouri.  Also added to this year's Expo XXIX Teaching Staff is Master Bill Jones, also from Missouri.

The MSK Summer Expo is presented by Grandmaster James M. Sautel, 7th dan.  Other master instructors include Master Mindy Sautel, Master John Sautel and Master Erik Alberchtson.  Some AMASEA chief instructors teaching at the Expo are: Freddy Sautel, 4th dan, Alice Meyung, 4th dan, Clayton Garner, 4th dan, Abdu Kikhia, 3rd dan, Bridget Sautel, 3rd dan and Andy McDaniel, 3rd dan.

This is the 29th Expo and it looks like it will be a fantastic time!  Special surprises await Expo participants in their classes and seminars, at the Saturday Evening Expo Banquet, during the Amazing Moo Sul Race 9 and more!

There are always complimentary, special classes for our parents, family members and friends including; Parent Self-defense, CTI Family and Friends Cardio Workout, Expo XXIX Information Class and How to Help Your Child at Home Class.

Come to Expo XXIX!  Discover what we mean when we say, "Step by Step."

For more information, click here!     To register, click here.