Let Me Grab Your Attention: a CTI Testimonial

By Brian Mapes, yellow belt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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