Karate Classes for Adults

By Tyler Murphy, 3rd dan

There are not very many activities that are good for exercise, fun, and encourage self directed learning. Especially as an adult it is difficult to find a good way to exercise other than going to the gym and exercising aimlessly. On thing to consider are Taekwondo classes or karate classes for adults. In Taekwondo it is always easy to stay motivated and to have a direction in the way that we exercise. Our classes consist of aerobic and anaerobic exercises, which contributes to our students being more rounded physically and mentally. Every class is different, but we are always working toward the same goal as a class, while working toward our own individual goals. The instructor is able to motivate and maintain a direction for the entire class, while giving each individual something to work and improve on. Everybody is different, and in order to improve this individual attention to detail is essential for each student in the class.

Our classes are well organized and are centered around the Moo Sul Kwan basic routine. This means that every class will be a good work out, and that all campuses are on the same page regarding their training. Since we are united as an organization, our events will be more organized, and all students will be able to learn effectively together since they are at similar points in their training. Another benefit of our basic routine is that, even though we are working as a class, each student is able to focus only on themselves for that period of time. This is especially beneficial for adults. After working all day and dealing with other concerns in life, students can focus on only themselves and what we are working on in class while letting everything else fade away for the class. Our instructors are able to direct class in such a way that no other student we have to be concerned with anybody or anything else, which will lead to better improvement as a martial arts school, and as an individual as part of Moo Sul Kwan. Every student is different so it is excellent that the instructors can focus on individual students and give them what they need.

Another great thing about karate classes for adults at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is the continuous learning that occurs every class. We learn poomse, which stands for patterned movement. Every student is able to learn poomse at a pace that is right for them. This constant learning is part of what helps our students to stay motivated, since there is always something more to learn, and work on. Adult karate classes at the ColoradoTaekwondo Institute take exercising to the next level with the many benefits that come from our curriculum and basic routine.

Changing the World with Respect

By Amy Krupp, blue belt, CTI BBC Member

While reading the daily news, it’s hard not to get a little bit down about the state of the world. It seems lately that the only news is bad news. I can’t help but think that the world would be a much better place if everyone did their best to treat every person they interact with on a daily basis with respect. Respect is such a simple thing really, but something that can have a huge positive impact on the world.

The dictionary defines respect as “a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.” I like to think of respect as something a little bit broader than that though. I recently read a story about a father explaining the concept of respect to his children, and I like the definition he gave them. He said that respect is treating something that matters like it matters, and disrespect is treating something that matters like it doesn’t matter. It’s a simple definition, but it really resonated with me. I try to live my life in that way. My family and friends mean a great deal to me, so I do my best to show them how much they mean to me by showing them respect. I do this by showing my love and support, and doing whatever I can to make sure they know that they are valued and important. This can permeate in every aspect of life. You can show respect for your belongings by treating them like they matter- whether that means changing the oil in your car, or sweeping the floor in the kitchen. You can show respect for your studies by listening to your teacher, studying for your exams, and doing your homework. You can show respect for yourself by eating right, getting your exercise, and getting enough sleep. Respect can be shown in every aspect of life.

When you move forward with this mindset of showing respect to everything and everyone, things will start to change. I know that one area of my life that I struggle to show respect is with people who have vastly different political and social beliefs than my own. It can be hard to respect someone who is saying something that completely conflicts with your own moral beliefs. But it’s important to remember that everyone is human. Just because they don’t agree with you on every topic doesn’t mean they don’t deserve respect. You may find that you agree with them on other topics. You may find that they have reasons for believing what they believe. I have found that I can get along with most everyone if I look for common ground, and remember that everyone deserves respect.

The next time you read the news, imagine how almost every negative story could be erased if everyone involved showed respect toward each other. When it comes down to it, we’re all just people trying to live our lives the best way we know how. Everyone is someone’s child, parent, friend, or coworker. Everyone matters. When it comes down to it, it doesn’t matter who that person voted for, or where they were born, or whether they think pineapple belongs on pizza. All that matters is that they are doing the best they can. You can do your part in making the world a better place, and in making the news a little happier, by looking for the good in people, and by moving forward with the intention of treating everyone and everything with respect.

Your Local, Friendly Martial Arts School: Westminster Campus

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) provides 5 local locations in the Denver Area, including the Westminster location on W. 88th Avenue, just west of Wadsworth. CTI teaches the martial art of Taekwondo, and a key lesson we teach in our classes is self-defense. There are classes for every age, including children as young as 2 years old and also juniors, teens, and adults. Teaching self-defense to every student is essential, and there are numerous ways in which CTI incorporates self-defense training into the students daily routine. Knowing how to defend yourself in dangerous situations will help build self-confidence, along with learning how to respect yourself and others.

Westminster Taekwondo and Karate teach the student how to defend themselves and their loved ones, in the event of being attacked. At the Westminster location the primary lesson of self-defense that we teach our students, is to avoid bad situations, places, and people in the first place. Staying away from all of these initially, will make the possibility of being attacked or in a dangerous situation less likely. The next lesson of self-defense this martial art teaches, is how to physically defend yourself and others if the situation ever does come to that. One of the most basic forms of self-defense is yelling; in Taekwondo we call a yell a “kihap.” Yelling can scare away an attacker, and it is also a great call for help. The good people around become aware that someone is in trouble, and then they can step in to help. Students then learn how to get out and away if an attacker grabs onto them in various ways. These certain self-defense moves are practiced a lot in class, and when a student gets to be a teen and adult these self-defense will become more elaborate. Our main goal at Westminster Taekwondo is to ensure that the student knows how to protect themselves, loved ones, and other people around if necessary.

Self-defense is incorporated into our daily class routine in CTI martial arts classes. To prepare for physically defending oneself, the student always does a thorough warm-up of the whole body along with many different stretches. To practice self-defense in class, the students body needs to be properly warmed up; this way, if attacked in real-life the body will have the flexibility and strength needed to defend when the time comes. The exercises done in each class will build up the strength and endurance of the muscles to make them strong. Each self-defense move is practiced over and over again, to create many repetitions. If attacked in real-life the body will automatically react because of all these repetitions, and it will just be a reaction. Although learning self-defense in Westminster martial arts and Westminster karate takes a lot of physical strength, it also requires much mental strength and ability. The mind has to be focused in on each self-defense technique. This focus and mental strength really carries over to a students school-life, especially for teens in middle school or high school. Having a strong mind is a very important quality to possess in order to defend yourself in bad situations, but a strong mind is just as important in everyday life and school.

There are many great lessons learned from self-defense training in martial arts at our Westminster location. One of the most essential qualities is the build up of self-confidence. Knowing you can keep yourself away from bad people and also be able to defend yourself if it comes to it, really builds up a person’s self-confidence. Being aware of your surroundings and staying away from bad places and situations will also boost self-confidence. Another paramount quality in result of self-defense, is having respect for others. The student will learn how to respect people of all ages and types, and most importantly how to respect themselves.

Self-defense is such an important part of a individual’s character, and enables so many other great elements. At our Westminster martial arts school, through teaching the Martial Art of Taekwondo, we provide training in which self-defense is one of the top lessons taught. Through the daily class routine, self-defense is incorporated in numerous ways and the body is physically prepared for any situation. The student will know how to defend themselves, and all of this together will build self-confidence and respect in school, at home, and in everyday life.

Self Defense Classes

By Jen Hancey, Blue Belt

Taekwondo is one of the oldest forms of self-defense, dating back thousands of years. Soldiers in armies were taught self-defense in Korea, Masters taught students, and fathers taught sons. Taekwondo has evolved through the years to be available to the masses in many countries. Over 30 million people practice Taekwondo in more than 156 countries (taken from http://www.worldtaekwondo.com/history.htm). “Taekwondo thus, is the technique of unarmed combat for self-defense that involves the skillful application of techniques that include punching, jumping kicks, blocks, dodges, parrying actions with hands and feet.” (taken from http://www.worldtaekwondo.com/history.htm).

At Colorado Taekwondo Institute, the art of self-defense is taught on a daily basis, in nearly every lesson. The student is taught various applications that are vital in self-defense situations. Not only are the students taught to be physically fit, but to be mentally aware - both of which are crucial for female self-defense. Students are taught to use every one of their senses to heighten awareness of their surroundings. For example, it is important to look first before executing a move, to visualize an attack coming so that the correct block or counter attack can be executed correctly. Students must maintain objective focus, and not lose concentration, no matter the surroundings, so that if a situation arises in real life, the student is ready to defend them self and not be distracted or taken advantage of.

Being physically fit and practicing basic moves like kicks, punches and blocks with a great number of repetition improves muscle memory, precision, accuracy, speed and strength - all of which are necessary in self-defense.

Specific self-defense attacks and counters are practiced with a partner to give students a variety of experience should they encounter a real world situation where they need to defend off an attacker. This includes various positions, possible weapon choices and counter attacks to increase the students’ knowledge and awareness for real world situations. The higher the belt that is earned, the more self-defense situations a student is taught.

At Colorado Taekwondo Institute, students are also taught “Ho-Shin” which means “Self-Control before Self-Defense”. This is so important, because even though students might have the physical skills needed for self defense classes for girls, it is crucial that students practice self-control FIRST. To be aware that there might not be a need for a physical response to a situation. To always exercise mental awareness first. To be respectful, objective and thoughtful before a physical response might be engaged. To be a LEADER in the community through the education received. Students are taught to be respectful of their instructors, fellow students, and to help friends and family members understand the rules of CTI. To practice high level of respect, spirit and integrity.

Martial Arts School for Kids

By Bridget Sautel, 4th dan

Making the decision to enroll your child into martial arts for kids could be a life changing event. Out of the many benefits of this art of Taekwondo, a few of the most essential benefits include building confidence, learning self-control, and self-directed learning. In addition, kids karate encompasses the development of the body, mind, and spirit through physical and mental educational lessons. Not only can martial arts be positive for kids, but it’s also a physical sport that a parent can do and learn along with their child. There’s not many other places, if any, where a parent and child are able to have this kind of special interaction and bond.

One of the greatest benefits that kids martial arts teaches a child, is how to build up self-confidence and carry this skill over into other parts of life such as school and home life. Whether it’s giving a speech one day in school in front of the class, being confident in chores at home and being responsible, testing for your next belt, or performing at a tournament. Another benefit of kids karate is learning how to gain self-control in all different settings. Self-control can be a difficult skill to manage and master especially when kids are put into different environments, like school or the playground. Taekwondo teaches this skill through practice in every single class, and then teaching how to carry it over to school and personal interactions. Another prime benefit of kids martial arts is self-directed learning. Children are able to learn early on how to work hard for something that will make them better. They learn that working hard is a choice and with this hard work they will be able to achieve whatever they want to.

The wonderful fact that kids martial arts encompasses body, mind, and spirit is what ties it all together. Each and every class the student will get a thorough physical work-out, and at the same time be able to exercise the mind and have spirit too. The Taekwondo curriculum includes memorization that builds over time to make a stronger mind, and along with this comes coordination skills. Children can learn how to work hard at an early age and learn how to have a passion for something they love. The students earn each belt and put lots of effort and commitment into the art, all while having fun!

Possibly the finest part about all of this, is martial arts schools for kids is a place where a kid and the parent can do something together. The bond is one that you can’t find anywhere else, and being able to learn the curriculum together will boost the learning as a whole. It is very different when a parent just watches from the other side of the glass, compared to being immersed in the class and learning close-up what martial arts has to offer. If a child sees their parent learning what they are, it motivates the child more than anything else could and really gives them a chance to be successful.

Kids martial arts has endless benefits for a child that all lead to improving the body, mind, and spirit while having a blast doing it. This physical and mental sport will bring positive and essential lessons into a child’s life. The parent can have a considerable, if not the greatest, impact on this learning if they themselves participate in this martial art.