2015 All-City Championship Results

The 2015 All-City Championships took place on April 24 and 25 at Alameda International High School.

There were competitions for all ages and belt levels in poomse, sparring, First Point Wins! and board breaking.  Black Belts began on Friday evening with black belt competitions including staff poomse, blind-folded breaking, poomse, sparring and more!  The action resumed on Sa
turday morning for all belt levels and ages.

On Saturday, at the All-City Championships halftime, there was a special demonstration given by the students and instructors who journeyed to this year's AMASEA National Convention at Southeast Missouri State University.

Congratulations to this year's All-City Grand Champions:  Erik Ondrejko and Natasha McKernan.

Here are the results:

Poomse

1st place
Tyler Murphy Collin Kreutz Jennifer McKernan Erik Ondrejko
Benjamin Cotton Katie Dahle Keet Holdridge Devon Bilyeu
Brynn Konrad Emily Artman Ethan Price Chase Wyngarden
Cody Jacobson Julian Marine Elise Smith Rob Sarche
Trish Nguyen Derek Simpson Caela McCartney Devan Bagley
Phillip Hoenmans Natasha McKernan Akram Alghanmi John Tompkins
Jacob Hoenmans Audrey Logan R. J. Larson Levi Burkgren
Dean Gunther Teryn Carter Quynn Cotner Aiden Seashore
Aiyana Godwin Kylee Ruhser Caleb Thompson Everett Tompkins
Zach Farr         Kevin Villa Declan Gunther Darcy Stanton
Evan Strickfaden Taylor Allen Evan Montoya Jonah Elstad
Grady Burkgren Matthew Nguyen Taylor Tipton

2nd place
Nathaniel McKernan  Peyton Brauch Kyle Feagans Hope Morgan
T.J. Tibbetts Irene Kime Gwen Gutierrez Connor Brauch
Nina Madayag Elizabeth Hawkins Kelsey Smith Sean Konrad
Trevor Rainey Grant Haverkamp Dakota Jesse Melvin Marine
Mya Field Micco Waisanen Jakob Deverell Chance Smith
Vinny Constantino Emily Brophy Debbie Denny Ed Stanton
Emily Chavez Lenox Jacobo Lance Schwartz Elijah Alire
Anya Trilk Lucah Meyer Kyle Janowski Colston Yoder
Andrew Meyers Nolan O'Donnell Elliot Logan Joshua Stencel
Daniel Ferguson Colten Blake Miette Jandreau Kirun Agarwal
Hunter Nicholas Joy Farr Metio Piza Carter Reyes
Bowen Meyer Arkhip Saratovtsev Angeleena Amaducci

3rd place
Zach Greaves Eric Evans Theo Lincke Caleb Feagans
Zayne Lineberger Lynne Dean Ryan Wyngarden Mike Dean
Lydia Willis Devon Lewis Lydia Lincke Merrick Olesek
Mitchell Oleszek T.J. Gutierrez Dean Loux Christina Manna
Sarah Luper Dante Hulin Jacobi Field Jack Eller
Kathleen Sautel Lauren Smith Jason Stencil, Sr. Patrick Konrad
Logan Shepherd Sean Haverkamp Sam Benjamin Nick Tibbetts
Greg Rodgriguez, Jr. Jaxson Wheat Aydon Lewis Sophia Laws
Kaileh Rainey Katelyn Minden Campbell Copt Race Sober
Keira Jacobo Caiden White Paul Drago Brynn Stevens
Liam McCoy Peyton Beard Aspen Hawkins Katelynn Ward
Ethan Girard Delaney Williams

4th place
Shekina DeTienne Elieen Lindner Coghan Spery Meryn Probasco
Susan Bergstiner Zuzanna Janowska Evelyn LaMorgese Logan Gill
Uriah Hernandez Robbie Crandell Noah Sisk Rick Orton
Jameson Healy Sarah Dahle Lauren Lundeen Jeffrey Bowen
Julianne Todd Nancy Fanning Ellie Stanton Amadeo Sandoval
Alex Schwartz Jason Stencel,, Jr. Jack Henning Waylon Keane
Violet Banks Aidan Sturm Kaylyn McEwan Juju Behrens
Gave Zinser Brecken Lusk Gregory Rodriguez Braden Zack
Libby Girard Jaden Wood

Tiger Poomse

1st place
Owen King Caiden Murphy Kaden Henning Everett Hoedl
Tait Shamus Jackie Penrod Luca Vlassis-Lowe Enzo D'Alessandro
Matthew Hamel Allan Stanton Trenton Wheat Scarlet Banks
Sabrina Jensen Patrick O'Donnell Cash Estes Jackson Vanolfer
Quentin King Autumn Manuelito Zoe Economou Dylan Wellensiek

Breaking

1st place
Natasha McKernan Coghan Spery Erik Ondrejko Bridget Sautel
Cody Jacobson Akram Alghanmi Debbie Denny Caiden White
Arkhip Saratovtsev Zach Farr         Jonah Elstad Peyton Beard
Dakota Jesse Mya Field Rob Sarche Devon Bilyeu
Jack Eller         Ryan Wyngarden Devan Bagley Katie Dahle
Nina Madayag Derek Simpson Chase Wyngarden Jennifer McKernan

Sparring

1st  place
Kathleen Sautel Erik Ondrejko Coghan Spery Bridget Sautel
Eric Evans Kirun Agarwal Taylor Allen Miette Jandreau
Jonah Elstad Mike Dean Zuzanna Janowska Brynn Konrad
Logan Shephard Jacob Hoenmans Aiyana Godwin Amadeo Sandoval
Campbell Copt Joshua Stencel Kylee Rusher Alex Schwartz
Chloe Churchill Kyle Janowski Aspen Hawkins Lauren Smith
Arkhip Saratovtsev John Tompkins Donovan Penrod Race Sober
Evan Montoya Evan Strickfaden Bowen Meyer Sean Konrad
Dante Hulin Lydia Lincke Vinny Constantino Ryan Wyngarden
Charlie Smith Lauren Lundeen Julian Marine Devon Lewis
Rob Sarche Dakota Jesse Trish Nguyen Sean Haverkamp

2nd place
Natasha McKernan Tyler Murphy Theo Lincke Shekina DeTienne
Mark Scott Darcy Stanton Joy Farr Juju Behrens
Caiden White Kenny Brancio Gwen Gutierrez Lydia Willis
Cash Estes Aiden Sturm Sophia Laws Aydon Lewis
Jason Stencel, Jr. Nick Tibbetts Ellie Stanton Quynn Carter
Audrey Logan Jesse Rainey Libby Girard Debbie Denny
Ethan Girard Akram Alghanmi Zayne Lineberger Luke Smith
Peyton Beard Trevor Rainey Braden Zack Grant Haverkamp
Jakob Deverell Katie Dahle Jeffrey Bowen Konner Evans
Jacobi Field Sarah Luper Mitchell Oleszek Chase Wyngarden
Rick Orton Sam LaMorgese Emily Artman Lance Schwartz

3rd place
Allyse Nothstine Zach Greaves Collin Kreutz Jennifer McKernan
Don Johnson Kiera Jacobo Tayler Tipton Brecken Lusk
Jaxson Wheat Devon Bilyeu Evelyn LaMorgese Nina Madayag
Elliot Logan Violet Banks Colston Yoder Dean Gunther
Everett Tompkins Kaileh Rainey Allan Stanton Patrick O'Donnell
Alice Warnick Nancy Fanning Matthew Nguyen Ed Stanton
T. J. Tibbetts Zach Farr         Ben Cotton Liam McCoy
Robbie Crandell Derek Simpson Lynne Dean Jack Eller
Nico Trilk Devon Bagley Elise Smith Merrick Oleszek
Ethan Price T. J. Gutierrez Elizabeth Hawkins

4th place
Emily Brophy Jack Eddy Angeleena Amaducci Eileen Lindner
Kyle Feagans Jaden Wood Declan Gunther Lenox Jacobo
Caleb Thompson Elijah Alire Zoe Economou Waylon Keane
Jason Stencel, Sr. Meryn Probasco Cody Jacobson Daniel Ferguson
Hunter Nicholas Colten Blake Noah Sisk         Micco Waisanen
Kelsey Smith Sarah Dahle Logan Gill         Melvin Marine
Jameson Healy Mya Field Connor Brauch Casey Feagans

First Point Wins!

1st place
Natasha McKernan Erik Ondrejko Peyton Brauch Hope Morgan
Kyle Feagans Kirun Agarwal Joy Farr Taylor Tipton
Caiden White Kenny Brancio Casey Feagans Lydia Willis
Logan Shepherd Elliot Logan Aiyana Godwin Aydon Lewis
Dean Gunther Joshua Stencel Ellie Stanton Alex Schwartz
Chloe Churchill Kyle Janowski Aspen Hawkins Debbie Denny
Arkhip Saratovtsev Ed Stanton T .J. Tibbetts Luke Smith
Evan Montoya Evan Strickfaden Kevin Villa Noah Sisk
Jakob Deverell Lynne Dean Vinny Constantino Ryan Wyngarden
Charlie Smith Sarah Luper Julian Marine Devon Lewis
Rob Sarche Dakota Jesse Elizabeth Hawkins Sean Haverkamp
Emily Chavez Greg Rodriguez, Jr.

2nd place
Julianne Todd Zach Greaves Caleb Feagans Shekina DeTienne
Eric Evans Darcy Stanton Keira Jacobo Juju Behrens
Jonah Elstad Trish Nguyen Brynn Konrad     Zuzanna Janowska
Aidan Sturm Ethan Schock Sophia Laws Colston Yoder
Nico Trilk               Devan Bagley Caela McCartney Mitchell Oleszek
Campbell Copt Nick Tibbetts Kaileh Rainey Quynn Carter
Allan Stanton Jesse Rainey Alice Warnick Lauren Smith
Matthew Nguyen Jason Stencel, Sr. Zayne Lineberger Zach Farr
Peyton Beard Ben Cotton Braden Zack Sean Konrad
Merrick Oleszek     Melvin Marine T. J. Gutierrez Devon Bilyeu
Dante Hulin Kelsey Smith Jack Eller         Lance Schwartz
Jack Henning

Staff Poomse

1st place
Natasha McKernan Collin Kreutz Erik Ondrejko Tyler Murphy

2nd place
Emily Brophy Caleb Feagans Hope Morgan Jocelyn Wallen

3rd place
Kathleen Sautel Peyton Brauch Zach Greaves Kyle Feagans

4th place 
Eric Evans Jennifer McKernan

Black Belt Grand Champions

Adult - Erik Ondrejko
Junior - Natasha McKernan

National Anthem – Ryan Lindner                   Demonstration – AMASEA National Convention Demo Team

Adult Martial Art and Self-Defense Training

By Tyler Murphy, 1st dan

Moo Sul Kwan taekwondo is an excellent style of martial arts training to learn important factors involved in self defense and the spirit of martial arts. I took karate when I was younger but I did not actually find where I belong until I found the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has been an excellent place for me to learn self-defense. I have been taking classes with the CTI for seven years now and I have learned an immense about of knowledge which has developed me into a black belt. I have been at training with the CTI, which has excellent instructors at each of their five locations in the Denver area.

Students of All Ages Learning Self-Defense

For me, the most important part to learning self defense is consistency, which is why it has always been an important thing for me to come to class at least twice a week. By coming twice a week I have been able to completely learn the many aspects of self defense taught at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. Our primary mode of learning self defense is through our basic routine which has been passed down for many years. This basic routine consists of punches, blocks and kicks; important tools to have in a self defense situation. We focus primarily on the blocks because protection is a key factor in self defense and has the ability to be far more important than the strikes. Strikes such as punches and kicks are also important which we practice using soft targets, and sometimes breaking boards.

We also practice blocks, punches, and kicks is when performing our forms. These forms are essentially the basic routine in motion where we can work on punching and kicking in different stances and situations which helps student to become versatile and able to perform techniques in all situations. If the only time we ever punched during class was with our legs bent in the same fashion we would be completely useless in any other position. As busy people, there is no way that we spend all of our day in the same position which is why we need to be able to perform self defense techniques in many different stances and places.

Another way that has taught me to learn self defense is the one-step sparring. These are prearranged moves with a partner to practice form, accuracy, distancing, and all the possible angles of attack so that we are even more prepared to perform a technique in any position and we fully understand the many different possibilities in a self defense situation. This is different from free sparring because it is prearranged and practiced the same every time. We also practice, point-style free sparring as it teaches us to be quick on our feet and to be ready for anything because this is not a prearranged form of self defense. For this we are sparring another person and the goal is simply to score on the opponent. Since both people are attempting to score on one another the next move cannot be predicted which is why this is another great way to practice self defense.

From sparring I have learned how to approach another person who is also practicing self defense and also how to react in any situation. This ability to react does not come quickly however because we must first completely understand how to perform basic strikes and blocks in a fixed position which is what the basic routine provides us with. That is why it is essential to have the basic routine in nearly all of our classes and why that is our most important method to teach self defense. Through the repetition of the basics routine in our Moo Sul Kwan taekwondo classes we learn over time how to properly execute the basic techniques essential to the rest of the CTI curriculum.

Lastly, we also practice our self-defense moves, which are derived from our Moo Sul Kwan Hapkido. These are ways of defending ourselves if we are grabbed by an opponent. Each belt you learn new defenses from various attacks, and we practice them until we become proficient in them.

As long as a student stays with the program, tries there best, and practices what they learn, there is absolutely no doubt that they will one day have immense knowledge about self defense and martial arts training, which gives you peace of mind and confidence knowing you can protect yourself and loved ones.

Meet the CTI: Lakewood School

Are you looking for taekwondo, karate, self-denfese or any martial arts classes for yourself or your child in the Denver/Foothills area?  The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has 5 campuses located in Littleton, Westminster, Golden, and Conifer.  The Colorado Taekwondo Institute Lakewood location, near Green Mountain, is located next to Starbucks on Alameda Parkway. This location, just off of Union, is conveniently located to serve nearby neighborhoods.

The Lakewood school opened in 1991. Students come from Lakewood, Golden, Littleton and Wheat Ridge to train with the most experienced and hardest working black belts in the foothill area. Our dynamic classes provide the best in martial arts lessons for toddlers, kids, teens and adults. The Lakewood location of the CTI has 7 fully accredited 1st degree black belts, who all began at this campus as white belts, and now assist or instruct, as well as continue their training, at the Lakewood school. The head instructor at Lakewood is Grandmaster James M. Sau
tel, 7th degree black belt in Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo, the highest ranking and most experienced black belt in the area.  With over 30 years’ experience as a martial arts instructor, his teaching in Lakewood has ensured that this campus has the best of everything.

Afternoon and evening martial arts classes are offered for all ages at this location. Our students range in age from 2 to 60.  We have students who train together as a family in our family classes.  Many of our young students have encouraged their parents and siblings to join classes suited for their ages.

The custom suspension floors in our workout room provide support and cushion for your joints.  Some of the large windows in the workout room look out into the lobby, with a spacious viewing area where supportive parents watch their children learning new and increasingly difficult moves.

The pro shop area carries the newest offerings in sparring gear, student manuals, event patches and belt racks.  We have t-shirts, key rings, and many other items to personalize your experience at Lakewood location of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute.  The large TV in the lobby, screening DVDs of past events offered by the CTI, allows friends to see our students in action, achieving awards, sparring and competing in those events.  Registration fees for tests and events are also accepted at this location, by cash, check or credit card.

The mission of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is, "To encourage world-class leadership through educational excellence and Moo Sul Kwan martial arts traditions”.  Our passion has always been to develop black belts with leadership and teaching skills who make meaningful contributions at the family, school, and community levels.  More than ever, after thirty years of excellence, we believe that we can be the best at providing an education-based martial arts program that develops students into champions.

For more information about the Lakewood Campus of the CTI, go to www.ColoradoTaekwondo.com or give us a call at 303-989-7542.

2015 All-City Championships

The 2015 All-City Championships is taking place April 24 and 25 at Alameda International High School.

There are competitions for all ages and belt levels in poomse, sparring, First Point Wins! and board breaking.  Black Belts begin on Friday evening with black belt competitions including staff poomse.  The action resumes on Saturday morning.  (Check the times for the different ages and/or belt levels.)

On Saturday at the All-City Championships halftime, there will be a special demonstration given by the students and instructors who journeyed to this year's AMASEA National Convention at Southeast Missouri State University.

During the day, another exciting twist will be in the First Point Wins! competitions.  Competitors will have an obstacle in the ring that they will utilize as they try to score the first point of the match.  There will also be some blindfolded breaking for the adult black belts and other stimulating action for our students and instructors.

Come to our final tournament of the season which will help us prepare for the upcoming Moo Sul Kwan Summer Expo XXXI on the last weekend of May in Breckenridge, Colorado..

Last year's 2014 All - City Champs Grand Champions were Zach Greaves (Westminster) and Collin Kreutz (Green Mountain).

Family members and friends of the CTI who are spectators are always free!  Come and have some fun watching the competitions, skills and sportsmanship of our Moo Sul Kwan martial artists!

Register here!

Finding the Best Martial Arts School

Many people who are new martial arts, but are interested in finding the best martial arts school for their kids or as adults that want to get started learning a martial arts are often surprised to see how martial arts school vary so much from school to school. Cost, structure of classes and techniques learned vary tremendously, but also the culture, respect, quality of instruction and workout facilities vary greatly. When you're looking into a martial arts school, you want to find the right one for your family.

Probably the first thing most people inquire about when looking into a martial arts school is the cost, which will vary greatly. Some programs are just "club" activities at a local rec center, so they will likely cost less. But, since it's just a club activity, students likely won't get the most from their time training. Finding an established martial arts school is the best way to learn martial arts from a certified instructor. But on the other end of the spectrum, some schools will charge an astronomical amount for dues. In some cases this instructor's ego thinking their school is the best and therefore should cost the most, when often they aren't the best martial arts school around, pound for pound.

So when looking into the cost of a martial arts school, it's best to gauge the quality of instruction and the value of the program. Ask to try out a free class or two and see the program and let it speak for itself. It is an investment for you and your family, and you should see there will be results that you are looking for. Find the school that has the highest quality of instruction, no matter the cost.

Also, when trying out your introductory classes, you should look at the structure of the classes. Is the black belt instructor leading the students and setting a good example, or are assistants doing all of the teaching? Is the class structured to instill discipline and respect, or are students wild and out of control as if on recess? Martial arts are meant to teach discipline, focus and control and the structure of the class will show how much students are getting from the program.

One thing that people will often focus on is the martial art learned, when often that shouldn't be one of the more important factors when making a decision on a school. I personally love Taekwondo, but when talking to my sister about which school my nieces should join, I recommend finding the school with the best program. Every martial art teaches self-defense period. Students will be better able to defend themselves with training. But the other factors of the school (Are the instructors good role models? Are classes positive and fun? Are instructors mean and yelling at students? Are classes structured, yet dynamic?) are what will really influence how much you or your child gets out of the program. Don't put too much concern on the martial art taught, find the school with the best martial arts program.

When looking for local martial arts schools, another thing to consider is the facility. You will want to find a school that puts thought into the safety of its students training. Since martial arts involve lots of time on your feet and lots of action while barefoot, you want to find a school with good flooring. Some schools will place 1/2" foam mats on cement floors and call it good. This won't absorb much impact from jumping and doing kicks and forms. Other schools will build suspension, floating floors on foam blocks and use plush carpeting to reduce as much as possible the amount of impact and pressur on students knees, ankles and backs.

Large workout area with floating floors

Also, you want to make sure there is enough room for students to safely practice. There needs to be plenty of room within the workout areas so students won't accidentally collide with each other. Also, you should check the general state of the school. Is it clean, well-lit and everything up to date, or are things run down and in disrepair. You want to make sure to find a local martial arts school that will provide a safe environment for you or your children to learn.

With all of this been said, I want to personally invite you and your family to come and try a free week of classes here at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. We have five Denver-metro campuses, including: Lakewood (Green Mountain area), Littleton (servicing Littleton, Columbine and Morrison areas), Westminster (servicing Westminster, North Arvada and Broomfield areas), Golden (servicing Golden and Applewood areas), and Conifer (servicing Conifer, Evergreen and Bailey). Whether you are looking for adult self-defense classes, karate for kids, teens taekwondo, or anything in between, we can help you out. We've been providing the best martial arts instruction in Colorado since 1983.

Convention Afterthoughts

By Lydia Lincke, red belt, CTI Black Belt Club Member

Going to the AMASEA National Convention was a huge deal for me, mostly because I had never been out of the state without my family before. However, it only took me a few hours into the bus ride to Missouri, to realize that although I had left my parents and dogs and house behind, I was with my second family: my Moo Sul Kwan family.

The entire trip was like a huge family reunion, and I got to meet cousins and second cousins I had never seen or been around before, and I got to learn so many new and interesting things about the people that do the exact same thing I do, just a little bit differently. It was amazing to see that everything that all the Grandmaster and Great Grandmaster black belts had built, and all the history that comes with it, especially the legacy of Lee H. Park that is maintained. During Convention, Great Grandmaster He-Young Kimm taught a class on self defense, and just from an hour under his instruction, it was easy to see that someone of his age and rank in martial arts really knew what they were talking about.

Being around someone like Great Grandmaster Kimm or Great Grandmaster Bong Yul Shin was incredible, and a little overwhelming. They have so much more knowledge and understanding about the way of life than the average seventy-some year old, just because they took the time in their lives to perfect and explore not just one, but two or three extremely expansive arts.

It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite part from Convention because it all happened so quickly. There was hardly a chance to sit back and simmer in the fascination I feel now after reflecting and looking back at everything we did.  One big thing I learned from Convention was that everyone that joins Moo Sul Kwan, whether they do it in Missouri, or Colorado, develops so much passion and respect for what they do. Even though different areas of expertise have more emphasis placed on them between the two states, every student in Moo Sul Kwan has the same positive energy driving them forward, pushing them to do more and to learn more about their art. This is what sets Moo Sul Kwan martial arts apart from other martial arts schools: the mentality of the organization is that of sincerity and the desire to learn and teach rather than achieving the highest possible status in the shortest amount of time possible.

Going to The AMASEA National Convention was eye opening, not just because I was exposed to several new techniques in Taekwondo, Hapkido and Judo, but because of the experiences I shared with my second family and the concepts I can now apply to every single aspect of my life.  I now have one hundred times more respect for what I do, and am inspired to explore and delve into my martial art as much as I can in my own lifetime.

Why I Have Pride in the CTI and MSK Taekwondo

By Tyler Murphy, 1st dan

Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is an excellent place to devote my pride to because of the fact that it is simply an excellent program to be part of.

As an instructor I have seen first hand the devotion that fellow instructors at the CTI have for their students. The students always come first for these instructors and they do not have selfish needs or desires.  The instructors put in the effort and time to do what it takes for their students to succeed.  For example if the student needs some extra help on the poomse, the instructors will work with them and help them shoot for individual perfection.  The instructors know that there is, and always will be, something to improve upon, and their job is to get their students to that point.

I have not been an instructor for very long compared to many of the others, only a couple of years.  I remember when I first began putting in the work to be where I am now in the CTI LeAD Team; it was a completely new idea for me because I had no idea of the work that goes on behind the scenes.  Instructors do not boast of the work that they do, so at the time, there was no way for me to truly know how much dedication they had until I had experienced it first hand.

For the majority of my time before black belt, I had only worked out for myself and for my own betterment and did not realize the sacrifices that upper belts and instructors willingly make in order for their students to advance and grow.  The CTI martial arts black belts who teach are incredible.  They know more than thirty different pattern movements, over 520 movements, that have to be precise and completely memorized.  They also know about seven sets of self-defense, which is literally over one hundred self-defense techniques.

I have been at the Littleton location for a long time and have seen the instructors their demonstrate their commitment, but the best part is that I know it is not an isolated incident.  I know instructors from the Lakewood, Westminster, Golden, Conifer, and Craig martial arts schools and they all have one thing in common.  They are all committed to the success of their students. CTI instructors have trained and developed over many years and through the many years they have learned the importance of their students success.

Due to the fact that I know CTI martial arts black belts have perseverance, courtesy, integrity, self-control, and an indomitable spirit, I know that I have found the perfect place for my pride. This is a place, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, where the instructors share pride in their Campus because through their intense dedication.