CTI: Exceptional Quality if You're Looking for a Karate School

By Lily Laird, Teen Red Belt

There are a plethora of different martial arts schools in the Denver area, all of which are very similar. Some practice taekwondo, some practice karate, some practice jiu-jitsu, etc. It can be overwhelming to find a martial arts school out of the many being offered. There is so much information to consider and take in, and many schools focus on different aspects of martial arts. Lots of these schools only focus on the more “flashy” aspects of martial arts, focusing less on teaching the basic skills needed for successful self-defense. However, out of the many karate schools, Colorado Taekwondo Institute holds fast as a karate school that welcomes all people of all ages and truly gives students the skills they need to be successful in not only self-defense situations, but in various aspects of life. 

To begin, the idea of CTI being a taekwondo school can be overwhelming, as taekwondo isn’t as commonly heard of as karate is. However, the terms are so similar that they can often be used interchangeably. The only major difference between the two umbrella terms for similar types of martial arts is that karate originated in China and Japan, while taekwondo originated in Korea. In taekwondo, students will become familiar with Korean terms and numbers, while, in karate schools, Japanese will be used. However, the two forms of martial arts originated in around the same time period in relatively the same area.

As well, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute teaches Moo Sul Kwan taekwondo, which was originally brought over from Korea to the United States in 1969. This may seem overwhelming at first, as many traditional karate schools can seem extreme. However, CTI not only teaches equality and inclusion of all people who would like to learn self-control and self-defense, but has a supportive environment in the spirit of improvement and fun. Instructors are patient and well-trained, having gone through the same classes beginning students will go through. In all, CTI has produced over 350 1st degree black belts in Moo Sul Kwan taekwondo.

With 5 campuses in Colorado and many big events throughout the year, students get to meet and learn with new people of similar belt rank. CTI offers many events throughout the year, including camps, expos, seminars, and symposiums where students can learn from different instructors on specific topics. 

Finally, CTI also successfully teaches students many different skills necessary for a prosperous and peaceful life. For example, our motto is “Ho-Shin,” a Korean phrase meaning “self-control before self-defense,” which speaks volumes about the example we set for ourselves and for all students. We teach students how to manage anger, how to resolve conflicts peacefully and respectfully, how to treat others with patience, dignity, and respect, and how to, of course, defend themselves. Simply put, the motto reflects the values taught in CTI; how to control oneself and to only resort to self-defense, which is taught in class, if necessary. 

All in all, there are many karate schools out there, and choosing just one can be overwhelming trying to find martial arts schools and exploring the different forms of martial arts. However, out of the many schools offered, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute has a supportive and tight-knit community and environment, offers many different events, and teaches many different important values and morals. If one is looking for or interested in pursuing martial arts, CTI is a supportive, sincere organization open to all people of all ages. 

Lakewood Martial Arts Program

If you are looking for a martial arts school, to learn some self-defense, or just want a good workout class in the Lakewood area, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute could be just what you are looking for.  The school is located at 12354 W Alameda Parkway, Lakewood, Colorado, in the business center between the Starbucks and US Bank buildings. The location is perfect for the surrounding Green Mountain neighborhood and allows easy access to 6th Avenue and C-470 for those outside of the area.

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute’s Lakewood location offers classes for all ages. The classes are tailored for each age group. The instructors train for years in teaching techniques through Colorado Taekwondo Institute’s advanced weekend training program. The instructors learn how to train the body, mind and spirit with the structured training program founded from the traditions of Korean martial arts. All classes build a foundation upon physical fitness and basic martial arts techniques. These basics provide the building blocks to learn self-defense, discipline and self-directed learning that improves all areas of life.

The classes are held in clean, spacious and safe workout rooms inside the Green Mountain campus. The rooms have self-made suspension floors that allow for students young and old to practice and perfect advanced techniques without the fear or risks of uncushioned floors. The workout areas are well equipped with all equipment needed for the basic and advanced techniques and training that are part of the curriculum.

The curriculum of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is a tried and trusted program. The basis of the program came from Korea to America in 1969 by Grandmaster Lee H. Park.  The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has been around over 40 years, and has been in the Lakewood area for over 30 years. The founder, Grandmaster James Sautel is an 8th degree black belt in Taekwondo. He leads the instruction and training of all the instructors of the 5 local Denver area schools. The lead instructor at Green Mountain is Grandmaster Merinda Sautel who is a 7th degree black belt. She has many years of experience as a professional teacher as both a Jefferson County School teacher and a martial arts instructor.

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute’s focus and mission is “To encourage world-class leadership through educational excellence and Moo Sul Kwan martial arts traditions”. The main focus is on education and providing a complete and positive learning experience for every student. That experience is enhanced by a wide variety of activities. From the many tournaments, the students learn to value competition, respect other competitors and manage the stresses of preparing and performing in front of others. The many training opportunities from expos, symposiums and seminars provide ample opportunity to learn from many different instructors and improve. Part of the experience of being part of Colorado Taekwondo Institute is to engage in the many social engagements and events that build friendships and good human relationships.

To try it out for yourself, come on in and talk to one of the friendly, welcoming staff at the Lakewood martial arts program. They will help you find the appropriate class to fit your needs. You can try an introductory class to try it for yourself. For more information come in, go to www.ColoradoTaekwondo.com or give us a call at 303-989-7542.