Martial Arts for Children

By Jordan Rutz, Jr 1st Dan

Are you looking for martial arts for children? Come check out the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. We have 6 campuses all around Colorado. Martial arts for children is very beneficial for the development of their brains, their development, and development in other aspects of their life.  In taekwondo, your child will learn self-defense, respect, courage, and kindness, among many other wonderful aspects. We have classes for ages 2 and up and have specialized classes for each age, so that each student is getting the learning that they need. We offer Moo Sul Kwan traditional Taekwondo through classes and events. We encourage world-class leadership through educational excellence and Moo Sul Kwan martial arts traditions. We have excellently trained Moo Sul Kwan black belts who teach classes at all of our campuses. In Taekwondo, we have five tenets. The tenants are courtesy, integrity, perseverance, indomitable spirit, and self-control. 

Taekwondo is a Korean word that means the art of smashing with the bare hands and feet. It originated in Korea. When humans saw animals defending themselves with their hands and their feet. They survived without weapons, and we figured out that we can as well.

For your toddler or preschooler, Taekwondo is a really good way to get rid of your kids' energy and to give them something new and fun to do. Especially during the summer, we know how challenging it can be with a preschooler at home with nothing to do when you are trying to work. You can bring your child to class, and we play games, and we have lots of fun while also teaching our preschoolers important things that they need to know, like how to keep themselves calm in certain events, and that it's okay to be frustrated, but we can't take it out on people in the form of kicking and punching. 

Martial arts for children is really important for getting the exercise that they need to stay healthy. Taekwondo also helps them gain confidence, whether that's outside at the park, at school, or even at home. Outside of Taekwondo, we have our students do a monthly homework. They have important topics like modesty, friendship, teamwork, and more. These help our students learn important life skills that they can apply outside of their life in Taekwondo. 

For your teen, discipline is one benefit of enrolling them in classes. Teens should learn how to behave in school and how to behave in life in general. Taekwondo classes help build confidence and focus within our students and give them ideas of goals in their lives that they wish to accomplish. This also provides an incredible opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Whether they are from your campus or not, through our tournaments and other events, you meet many people from around Colorado who may become your best friends. 

For adults, Moo Sul Kwan is a good way to get exercise and helps you learn new ways to set goals and try to achieve them. It also becomes a really great way to have something that you do with your family all the time. If you are retired, it gives you a really fun thing to do that helps you get exercise. We also offer online classes for those who struggle with exercise and who can't do traditional exercises.

Personally, I have been doing Taekwondo for 10 years, and I can say for sure that it has made me a better person. My parents knew that martial arts for children was extremely beneficial, and so they looked into many schools, but the CTI was the most promising. Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo is not the kind of school where the richest person gets their belt. At the CTI, everyone gets treated the same, no matter how much money you have or any other differences. As long as you pay attention and try your best, you have the best chances of reaching your black belt. Reaching your black belt is a difficult process, but it just goes to show how truly educated and supportive our black belts are because of our Taekwondo school. I started at the CTI in 2016 when I was 4 years old. I started with my younger brother, and I think that was an incredible bonding experience for us, and I think that it gave us a stronger connection to each other.

Moo Sul Kwan martial arts for children not only values being physically strong, but we also value being mentally strong. We have many exercises that help us develop and grow our brains. In class, we learn about the presidents of the United States, and we learn the state capitals. We also take written tests before we get our belt to help us understand the importance of our history and where we come from. It is important to be physically strong, but it is also important to be mentally strong. Especially when you are in a martial art, you have to understand where and when not to use martial arts. The phrase that we say after every class when we bow out is “Ho-shin,” which is Korean for “self-control before self-defense”. 

So if you are looking for good martial arts for children, teens, or adults, come check out the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. We have everything that you need to help you and your child get in shape, stay in shape, make everlasting friendships, and create bonds with the people around you. 

Martial Arts Classes for Children

By Ivy Jensen, Teen Red Belt

Many people have noticed the slow change in children through the generations. While kids used to be hooked on the outdoors and physical activities, children now have shifted to digital options for entertainment. However, martial arts for children provides a solution to this ongoing problem. Martial arts such as Karate, Aikido, Taekwondo, Jujitsu, and Judo all teach children not only how to defend themselves in dangerous situations, but also many other talents. Martial arts help children's physical health, confidence, integrity, discipline, self control, and teamwork. Below are some reasons why the martial arts classes taught at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute are are great for children

Physical Benefits
Muscle growth is a key part of a developing child’s life. And many martial arts for children will make this one of their goals. Unlike team sports such as soccer and basketball, martial arts focus on individual growth. The dynamic movements found in many martial arts help children work specific muscle groups while consistent practicing will assist in increasing their endurance and strength. Furthermore, warm-ups will include stretches and agility exercises that will enhance a child's flexibility, balance and coordination.

Confidence and Self-esteem
A lack of confidence growing up is a huge roadblock in most kid’s childhood. It may make them insecure and slow down their social life. However, children in martial arts often experience a boost in self confidence as they progress. As they learn and grow alongside others, their self-esteem will increase day by day. As they progress through belt levels, they will feel more and more comfortable in their own body. This will encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and try new things they would never have done before.

Character Building
One of the other benefits of martial arts for children is the character building. Many martial arts stress the importance of integrity, perseverance, humility, and respect in their students. Each trait being reinforced in every class. Martial arts teach children traits that will drastically help them in their lifetime. Such as respect. Teaching children at a young age to respect themselves and others will benefit them in the long run. When making friends, getting a job, or even just ordering food, respect will help them make it a good experience for everyone. Respect, along with many other traits that are taught in martials arts, will help a child mature and grow into a better person.

Discipline and Focus
While other sports are quick moving with split second decisions, martials arts are often slower paced. Many martial arts want each move to be perfect before you learn the next. This encourages children to follow instructions and stay focused and patient as they work towards their next goal. These skills will translate into other areas of their life such as school or home. Students in martial arts will be more focused in school and get better grades than their classmates. While at home they may listen more and follow directions quicker. Additionally, martials arts will help children learn to set goals and reach them. Teaching them perseverance and patience.

Self-Control
Self-control is a crucial skill for children to learn as they grow. As they learn martial arts, they are taught to have self-discipline and understand their actions. They learn how to have a calm and respectful attitude towards everyone. This also means that although they are learning how to defend themselves physically, they know when to use it and when not to use it. Martial arts is also a great way for children to control stress, and other intense emotions. Instead of acting impulsive, children will learn to express their emotions in a calm, respectful way. Children in martial arts are often more composed in stressful situations.

Teamwork
Even though martial arts is often an individual activity, it still supports social interaction and teamwork. People of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels make each community welcoming. Children will be able to make many new friends and connections by helping  and supporting each other reach common goals. Many competitions also involve teamwork. These competitions will let children learn how to work with others towards goals. It will also allow kids to grow deeper connections and understandings of their peers. All together, martial arts environments teach children the importance of sharing knowledge, cooperation, respect, and understanding.

Overall, martial arts for children is a well-rounded way for a child to be active. Promoting physical health, confidence, integrity, discipline, self control, and teamwork martials arts will help a child over many parts of their life. Joining a martial art will not only teach a child self-defense, but many other life skills and values. This will grow each child into a compassionate, strong, disciplined individual. Martial arts is not just about fighting and defending themselves, it is also about becoming stronger physically, and mentally.

Martial Arts for Children

By Lauren Dahlberg, 2nd dan

In today's fast paced, screen-filled world, many parents are searching for activities that will help kids stay active, focused, and confident. One of the most rewarding and well rounded options is martial arts for children. Martial arts for children is more than just kicks and punches, it teaches discipline, respect, and mental strength, teaching children valuable skills that will last a lifetime.

Martial arts for children, like Taekwondo, helps children in ways that reach beyond physical fitness. Yes, it improves balance, coordination, and strength, but the real transformation happens inside. Children who regularly attend martial arts classes often develop better self-esteem, learn to control their emotions, and build the confidence to face challenges at school and in life, along with meeting lifelong friends.

For younger children, especially, martial arts can be a fun and structured way to release energy. The clear rules and routines of martial arts class help kids feel safe while learning. They learn when to speak, when to listen, and how to show respect. Habits that can easily carry over to the classroom and at home.

One of the most valuable lessons martial arts for children offers is discipline. Instructors teach kids to follow instructions, practice consistently, and respect authority. These habits often lead to improvement in school performance, especially with kids who struggle with attention and impulse control. Through repetition and goal setting, such as working towards a new belt or using basics in poomse, children begin to understand the importance of patience and hard work. This not only builds self-discipline but also teaches resilience, helping children get back up after setbacks and keep going even when times get tough.

While many parents worry about aggressive behavior, martial arts are rooted in peace and control. The goal isn't to encourage violence, but to teach kids how to protect themselves if necessary, while also avoiding physical conflict whenever possible. Teaching kids to use their self-control skills before their self-defense skills. Most programs for kids emphasize de-escalation, awareness, and confidence as the first line of self-defense. Many children who learn martial arts become less likely to get into fights or act out. They feel empowered and secure, which reduces the need to prove themselves. Knowing they have the skills to defend themselves, they're more likely to walk away from confrontation with calm assurance.

Martial arts for children are also a great place for them to build positive friendships. Since everyone is learning and growing together, the environment encourages teamwork and support. Whether a child is shy or outgoing, they'll find common ground with others through shared experiences and challenges. Because martial arts encourage respect and inclusion, it's especially helpful for kids who have trouble fitting in. They are welcomed for who they are, and eventually will develop a stronger sense of belonging.

One of the great things about martial arts for children is that it's for everyone. Whether your child is athletic or not, outgoing or quiet, there's a place for them in martial arts. Classes are typically divided by age so kids can learn at a pace that's best for them. Many programs also offer classes for kids with special needs, giving them a structured and positive environment so that they can go at their speed.

Martial arts helps children learn how to set goals and achieve them, a skill that applies to every area of life. Earning a new belt or mastering a poomse gives kids a  sense of accomplishment and pride. It also shows them that progress doesn't happen overnight, but instead through effort, patience, and consistency. Even if a child doesn't stick with martial arts forever, the lessons they learn will stay with them. Respect, discipline, confidence, and empathy are all qualities that can shape who they become as teens and adults.

While there are many styles of martial arts, Taekwondo stands out for its sparring, basics, poomse and a belt system that keeps kids motivated and gives them a goal to work towards. It's popular with children because it has fun, high energy classes and emphasises on discipline and the mental aspects of martial arts. Unlike styles that focus more on grappling or fluid redirection, Taekwondo teaches children how to set goals, improve flexibility, and develop strong body control through repeated practice.

When it comes to activities that support both physical and personal growth, martial arts for children stands out as a top choice. It helps kids build strong bodies and stronger minds. With the right program and encouragement, children can discover their power, one kick or block at a time. Whether you're hoping to help your child gain confidence, improve focus, or simply try something new, martial arts for children offers a fun and meaningful path forward. It's not about learning how to fight, it's about learning how to grow.

Team

By Brain O'Reilly, purple belt, CTI BBC Member

On any given team, is any one person more important? Why?
This is a question of team roles not people. Teams consist of individuals with unique skill sets, strengths and weaknesses.  The role that an individual plays can vary based on the mission and long-term goal(s) of the team or the short-term task at hand. Often the roles are predetermined; based on job description, hierarchy, experience, specialty, etc.  Often those predetermined roles fit well with an individual’s current level of expertise, seniority and skill-set.  Yet roles within a team are rarely static. As people gain more experience and responsibility they move up in the team and as others fail to maintain their current role they move down or out of the organization.  Teams need leaders, and leaders need followers; it is symbiotic.  A lone leader is not a team and a team without a leader is lost and often disbands.  One can argue that an effective team leader is the most important role on a team.  Leadership team roles are replicated in nature because they effectively ensure the survival of the team.  For example; wolf packs have an alpha male and as he loses the ability to protect, provide and lead, a new leader rises from the pack to replace him.  The wolf pack also has an Alpha Female, protecting and nurturing the upcoming Alpha’s and the rest of the pack. Individuals/people are replaceable, but roles are rarely replaceable.  It’s easier for a good leader to find a team and take it to the next level than it is for a mediocre team to find a good leader.  All members are important, but the immediate strength of the team is built around its leadership and then the quality and growth of upcoming members. The X-Factor that complements strong leadership and strong membership is the empowerment of members with unique skills sets to experiment and expand opportunities to the pack which then takes the team to a new and higher level of productivity and competition.


How can people achieve more whey they work together?
There is a compounding effect to team work. A team’s resources and portfolio of wealth are built around its active participants. The rich get richer because they have more resources to work with and they invest those resources with greater effectiveness.  Productive members learn from the success and diversity of others, tapping into those resources and expanding their own skill sets and contributions to the team.Each positive individual contribution is multiplied by other members and then reinvested as the team attracts more investors and new opportunities.Like any wise investment, the greater the resources the greater the return and the greater the ability to reinvest.  High productivity and success offers the luxury of experimentation and investment in new disciplines which then leads to a new and higher level of growth.  The active individual shareholder of a team who adds to the value of the team also adds to the health of his/her own individual portfolio of resources.  A healthy individual and team can perform at a higher level of output and then continue to grow beyond its “less-healthy” competitors.The healthy ideal for growth and productivity relies on each contributing share or each contributing team member; expanding individually and for the benefit of the team.  “...A team of the people, for the people, by the people.” –Abe Lincoln

Building Confidence With Taekwondo

By Brian Steward, 4th dan

Confidence is a very utilitarian tool which is helpful in almost all aspects of life. In a professional setting confidence can lead to new opportunities.  Confidence can start new interpersonal relationships and can improve existing relationships.  Even in artistic and creative situations confidence will help with creation and communication of ideas.  Confidence is especially important for adolescents and teenagers to learn.  It is critical to build confidence early on in life as it becomes easier to use and maintain confidence with practice.  A direct and effective method for building confidence is through a process of setting and attaining challenging goals.

Instruction at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is excellent at building and maintaining students’ confidence.  Our students learn to set and achieve short, medium and long term goals while in classes.  The short term goals of our students include learning new techniques and perfecting known techniques.  Earning a new belt and winning competitions are common medium term goals which students might set for themselves.  The ultimate long term goal of our students is to become certified Moo Sul Kwan black belts.  All of these goals, from learning a new technique to earning a black belt, are challenging to realize. Instructors at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute work with students in a positive manner to help students progress towards their goals.  Furthermore, instructors work to instill habits of self directed learning in their students so that the student will be able to accomplish goals on their own, regardless of the amount of dedication and practice that is required.  Because of the effort and perseverance necessary to achieve goals in CTI Taekwondo, every goal which is attained by the student leads to deep feelings of pride, satisfaction and above all confidence.  Confidence building in martial arts is not limited to the process of setting and accomplishing goals.

Other benefits of martial arts training also contribute to improved student confidence building.  Weight loss often accompanies martial arts training and can provide improved body image and confidence. Increased body control will come with Taekwondo training and will serve to boost the confidence of students. Taekwondo classes at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute are invaluable for students of all ages who are shy, timid or who just want to feel better about themselves.

More Than Just a Martial Arts School

When you're driving down the street, you'll probably notice quite a few martial arts schools in various shopping centers near your home. Taekwondo, Karate, Krav Maga, and Kung Fu schools will appear here and there. There are currently around 16,600 different martial arts schools in the United States.1

Why are they so popular? Well first are the number of benefits that come from a good martial arts school. For children martial arts teaches focus, self-control, respect and confidence while providing exercise and energy release. And for adults martial arts provide stress relief, increased self-esteem while helping them get back into shape and lose weight. There are numerous benefits for people of all ages. You can see why over 18 million people practiced some type of martial arts last year.2

The next question, then, is how do I choose a martial arts school for myself or family member. And this is where you find that martial arts schools vary quite a bit. And by vary, I mean they can really vary. Sure the style of martial arts taught will vary, but so will the structure, cost, curriculum, age & experience of the instructors, length of the classes, size of the classes, diversity of the classes (ages and experience), the size and upkeep of the facility, and on and on. It's not like going into any McDonalds anywhere in the US and expecting to have the same lunch.

So where am I going with this? Well, if you are interested in pursuing martial arts in any capactiy, I have to recommend classes at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. The quality of the instruction is world-class, and the experience and lessons taught will last a lifetime.

But in addition to the great instruction, the whole experience of the program. Students attend two to three classes per week at their campus. Upper belt students attend our leadership program classes designed to empower our students with leadership qualities. Black belts attend extra workouts that mirror the workouts that Korean Olympic Taekwondo athletes practice in South Korea. We host four tournaments each year for students to compete against themselves and with each other, in a positive, educational environment. We host 3 day camps for students to practice and have a good environment to spend during breaks throughout the school year. We host two annual martial arts conventions for students across the country to attend and workout with world-renounced Grandmaster instructors. We host a summer camp at Snow Mountain Ranch for children to experience the wonderful outdoors of Colorado while sharpening their Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo. We have a summer picnic where students and their families can come have an enjoyable Sunday afternoon with positive people. And we host a Christmas party for students and their families to enjoy the holiday season and dance with friends. There's so much more to the program than just learning martial arts.

There is a real sense of community at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. New students are welcomed into classes and are encouraged along the way. Experienced students help mentor new students, as they were new at one point too and they can help answer questions that may come up for new students.

It really is a great experience learning martial arts at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. I highly recommend you picking up the phone and calling your local campus, or you can request more information on our website here. We look forward to meeting you soon!

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1- http://martialinfo.com/martial-art-statistics/
2- http://mainemartialarts.com/martial-arts/martial-arts-statistics-demographics-people-practice/

8 Reason Your Child Should Join a Martial Arts Program

By Hope Morgan, 2nd dan

In a culture that seems to glorify violence in everything from movies to video games, the proposition of enrolling your child in a martial arts program may not seem like the best idea. However, you might be surprised at how beneficial kid’s martial arts can really prove to be. At the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, we are dedicated to providing your child with the absolute best instruction and guarantee they will experience and gain numerous positive benefits.

1) Encourages physical activity
Our weekly classes largely focus on encouraging, building, and maintaining physical health. Enrolling your kids in children's martial arts discourages a sedentary lifestyle by giving them an enjoyable activity that inspires them to keep moving. We address all parts of physical health, ranging from flexibility to cardiovascular fitness to eye-hand coordination. The sooner your child learns and understands the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, the easier it will be to retain those habits as they grow older.

2) Fosters confidence and increased levels of self-esteem
Our children’s martial arts program cultivates a positive learning environment for all kids and encourages them to develop their personal confidence. It takes courage for a child to step into the workout area and attempt techniques and activities they’ve never experienced. Instructors are with them every step of the way. We teach children that with 100% effort, they are capable of anything and before long, they will develop astounding levels of self-esteem.

3) Promotes teamwork and positive social interaction
Children who don’t always thrive in social environments often find it easier to connect to peers when they’re in a room filled with students who share a common interest. While taekwondo is largely individually based, we do place a lot of significance in the notion of teamwork. Kids martial arts teaches students how to work together in order to achieve certain goals. Our active curriculum and collaborative environment helps the youth develop character and necessary teamwork skills.

4) Improves focus and listening skills
At the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, we understand the true worth of superb listening skills. Students who aren’t always adept when it comes to paying attention or focusing can greatly benefit from the instruction children’s martial arts provides. Kids are expected to concentrate on the task at hand and utilize various listening abilities to improve focus in the classroom, at school, and at home.

5) Encourages non-violent conflict resolution
Martial arts is stereotyped with promoting violent behavior as a source of conflict resolution. However, along with you, that is the last thing we want. While we teach children self-defense skills, we also discuss and reiterate the situations in which those skills should be employed. Our kid’s martial arts teaches non-violent resolution skills along with numerous ways of avoiding physical altercations altogether.

6) Instills an attitude of respect
One of our most reviewed concepts in kid’s martial arts is respect. Students are immediately taught to respect their instructor, each other, and themselves. Alongside of that, we children carry that respect into all facets of their lives, including at school and at home. This is one reason martial arts differs from other youth sports. A child’s social behavior is directly linked to their progression in their class. Our youth program is emphasizes personal growth and becoming a better person.

7) Provides opportunities for every child
Unlike many sports in today’s culture, Taekwondo offers full inclusion. Your child will be participating just as much as any other student and will be offered just as many opportunities to succeed. We believe every child is capable of reaching their black belt, and for this reason, we will do whatever we can to assure their achievement.

8) Nurtures educational development
At the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, our children’s martial arts program utilizes fun and effective methods to inculcate the importance of education. We whole-heartedly believe that the education aspects that martial arts provides are just as substantial as the physical ones. Our students complete monthly homework, each with a characteristic theme that teaches kids about the multitude of qualities they should always employ – qualities like self-control, goal setting, perseverance, and integrity. Students also take written tests as part of their belt testing process. We believe that by stressing the usefulness of education, children will be much more successful both in and out of kids martial arts.

Celebrating, Taekwondo Style!

By Alice Meyung, 5th dan

Did you know that the Colorado Taekwondo Institute hosts and runs birthday parties?  If you or your child wants to have a birthday party at a taekwondo school or a karate school, you are in luck!  A martial arts birthday party is a fantastic and active way for the kids who attend the party to burn energy and have a great time!  Here at our taekwondo school, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, we work hard to provide the most fun and exciting birthday celebrations for our students and anyone else looking to celebrate!  We welcome anyone to book a party at our taekwondo school!  The parties are complimentary and can take place at any of our five campus locations.  We usually run the parties on a weekend during the day, but our schedules can be flexible.

A typical party runs around two hours.  All of your guests gather at the taekwondo school to try out a class and have some party fun!  A certified Colorado Taekwondo Institute black belt instructor runs a short version of a Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo class.  Anyone can participate, even the parents!  The special birthday child gets a unique position during this class and gets to lead some very special activities for their guests.  The class consists of warm-ups and stretches to prepare our bodies for martial arts fun.  We will then learn the basics of taekwondo and learn how to perform punches, strikes, blocks and kicks in a safe environment and with expert help.  After the group is warmed-up and feeling confident with their new techniques, the party shifts to taekwondo-centric games and entertainment!  At a party at our taekwondo school, the games are designed to use the martial arts techniques and skills we just learned to have fun and expend energy.  Some great games we've played at past birthday parties include fun with rope drills, a kicking-version of Shark Attack, learning how to evade objects or attackers in a fun and safe environment, a taekwondo version of musical chairs, speed contests, gladiator-style taekwondo games and many, many more amazing activities!

After we are all exhausted from working out hard and exercising both our minds and bodies, it is time for cake, snacks, gifts, and anything else special that you might want to add to your celebration!  The birthday celebrant gets to cut the cake in a very special and unique way that is sure to impress all of the guests and their families.  After your party is over, you won't believe how much fun you and your friends had!

While having your birthday at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is incredibly delightful, it is also a great way to introduce your friends (and maybe yourself, too!) to the fantastic opportunities a taekwondo school or karate school has to offer.  You and your guests get a taste of the incredible mental and physical benefits of taekwondo as well as having the time of your lives!  If you've been thinking about having a party at a taekwondo school or karate school, call the Colorado Taekwondo Institute or speak with your instructor today!

Martial Arts = Self-Control for Children

By Bridget Sautel, 3rd dan

One quality that every parent wants there child to have and hold onto throughout their life is self-control. There are many ways this quality can be instilled in a child from early on, but there are some ways that work better than others and have more of a lasting effect. Taekwondo, which is a Korean martial art, is one of the most effective ways to teach a child self-control and self-defense. There are many reasons why children, and adults, need Taekwondo in the first place but it is also necessary to see how martial arts will change a person in the process. The outcomes and permanent changes that become very apparent make all the reasons why kids martial arts is so fundamental to a children’s life very clear.

There are a lot of reasons why a child would benefit from the martial art of Taekwondo and these same reasons apply to adults. One of the most obvious reasons to begin something like this would be to be able to stay fit and in shape. While strengthening the mind and thinking skills, the body is also being worked out and is physically being strengthened from day one. This way the body is kept healthy, and a person will be able to control their body and habits in better ways. Another important reason for taking part in Taekwondo would be the level of respect that the student is taught from the very first class. Not only are the students taught to respect their instructors and other adults, but also their fellow classmates and all types of people, ages, and belt ranks. The most influential reason is that aspect of self-control. This applies to being able to control the body, but also the mind and spirit. The child will learn and practice how to have a longer attention span while they are doing something they are learning to love. There are only a few reasons and explanations of the benefits from children's martial arts.

There are many changes and differences that a person will notice about themselves or their children after being in martial arts for even a short period of time, but especially long-term. One of the most credible differences seen will be that the self-control carries over to school, work, and social settings. It also contributes to interactions with people and how certain situations are dealt with, with the additional knowledge. The lessons that are learned at Taekwondo will be used in other situations that may have been difficult or hard to deal with before, but now have logical reactions and ways of dealing. Another difference is a good sense of consistency, meaning that every week the student will come to Taekwondo class and participate no matter what is going on in the outside world. Along with this is that quality of perseverance and learning not to give up when times are hard or you’re feeling a little exhausted. This especially will carry over to work and school and being able to persevere through these hard times and follow through. While doing a martial art, it will always be very visible to see how you’re improving as a person and the best thing about it is there is also room to improve and move up. The changes and differences in an individual’s actions and ways of life will be very obvious.

The outcomes and changes that will become apparent include not only self-control, but also self-discipline. It will be noted that doing the hard things like giving a speech in front of a big group, or meeting new people, will become a whole lot easier than before. Taekwondo improves confidence levels immensely and along with that comes the self-directed learning. This will also improve school work and every day work dealings. The changes will be noticeable from the start of practicing kids martial arts and will continue throughout the whole length of the training because the learning possibilities are never-ending.

Not only does Taekwondo teach a child self-control, but also self-defense, self-discipline, integrity, courtesy, perseverance, and many other countless qualities that a child needs in order to become successful. Self-control will be applied to every part of everyday life and used everywhere, not just in a Taekwondo setting. This way, a martial arts student is able to acquire every angle of the quality of self-control and hold onto it throughout an entire lifetime.

Kids Taekwondo Classes: So Many Benefits!

By Zach Greaves, 2nd dan

Childrens Taekwondo is a great way to get your children into something new and cool. For kids Taekwondo the best school in Denver is the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. We have many classes that have our students strive to become more focused, disciplined and become leaders in our community. With exciting workouts that range from thirty minutes (for our toddler classes) to an hour (for our junior classes), kids get to express themselves and work hard through kicking and punching. The CTI has a great environment for kids to have a safe place to learn to be themselves through martial arts excellence.

Speaking from personal experience, Taekwondo has lead me to be more confident and disciplined. It helped me throughout school and other activities. I can also see now how it teaches students focus and developing motor skills (though when I was a kid and first starting I was just having fun learning). Going through life with something to lean back on physically and emotionally is really important.

Parents, I know your kids will always have you but having that something else when they get older is great!  Especially when going through school Taekwondo for your kids can really help. The focus and discipline that they get out of our classes will be very valuable. We at Colorado Taekwondo Institute are very serious about the education of our organization. We help kids to go in the right directions to be scholarly and get homework in on time and be early. Each month, students have homework to complete which focuses on some other aspect we instill in our students: self-control, perseverance, positive mental image, etc. And the exercises that we do and we encourage them to lead by example and get to places early and get everything in on time. This provides opportunities for our students later when it's already easy for them.

I really appreciate that I've learned in my time with the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. It has taught me so much, and I continue to learn and grow even now as an adult. I'm thankful my parents put me into classes here when they were looking for kids Taekwondo, and I hope you do the same for your children!

Taekwondo and Kids

By Kelsey Smith, 1st dan

Martial arts are beneficial to people of all ages, but the long-term behavioral benefits are especially prevalent in the children who start Taekwondo at a young age and adopt the concepts of self-discipline, self-control and confidence. Children’s Taekwondo differs not in the way it is taught, or the types of techniques learned, a 3-year old child learning basics will do the same routine as an 14-year old teenager, or a 30-year old adult, but more in how the disciplines are picked up and what is emphasized to the student by their instructor.

In kid's Taekwondo, learning the martial arts techniques as a form of defense is still the main goal, but the focus for the younger children is the body control and mental discipline which is still being developed. Whereas for adults, equal parts technique and and discipline are taught to the lower belts to ensure success as upper belts, the children’s education is centered around mainly the concept of Ho-Shin, as well as the body awareness required in class. Large, overarching techniques such as low stances, objective focus and tight hands remain the same, but  the nuances in certain basics such as foot position in kicking or focusing before striking come later, once the children have hit the intermediate belts and begun to have the self-discipline required for more advanced techniques.  

Until that point, the emphasis remains on the mental fortitude to become a successful black belt- developing children’s self-confidence, their understanding of their own bodies and how to control themselves. This discipline in class then carries over into other aspects of their lives, encouraging good behavior at school and at home, and making these children of Taekwondo almost like little ambassadors of our school’s tenets and beliefs. And creating the habit of having control over their bodies and minds allows for these kids to grow up and continue to grow and develop their skills as they progress through Taekwondo. In this way they also become leaders among their peers, even the ones outside Taekwondo.

Children’s Taekwondo is so much more than an exercise or a sport- it is a discipline, a life-long learning experience that will develop the child into a successful adult. Children, teenagers and adults can all benefit from martial arts in a myriad of ways; through the development of the body, mind and spirit, individuals can learn vital skills to prove as leaders. However, developing these traits early in children is the most beneficial in the long run, shaping them and their choices as they grow and learn about themselves, and blossom into ideal black belts and leaders of their generation.

Why Should My Kid Start Martial Arts?

By Theo Lincke, 1st dan

Traditionally, Taekwondo, Karate and other forms of martial arts have been used to pass down generation to generation. Although the main use for martial arts, such as Taekwondo and Karate, were used as self defense, meditation, and physical conditioning. Modern Taekwondo and martial arts programs are used for similar purposes.

Self Defense
Martial Arts Programs have obvious benefits towards self defense. Traditionally, the word Martial is appropriate to combat. Thus, Martial arts programs put together organized combat with street skills and self defense. A large percent of Taekwondo or Karate training involves self defense. Self defense in the Colorado Taekwondo Institute and martial arts as a whole does not limit someone’s ability by giving a set of moves for your child to learn without any knowledge behind the move; similar to the “robotic approach”. Instead, CTI and martial arts schools encourages students to think for themselves and learn the moves and the ideas and concepts behind them. This develops children's and adult’s ability to think independently with autonomous intentions. Of course, in a street situation, 90% of what is important comes from this self reliance. One can know the moves, but without knowing where to use them, they are useless. The teachings of CTI involve training of when and where to use their moves (Which complements our motto “Self Control before Self Defense”).

Meditation
A walk through the hallways of a martial arts school may be intimidating at times. Children yell with the power of their punches and kicks, as sweat flicks across the room; yet, there is something very meditative about taekwondo and Martial Arts Programs. The Generic idea behind meditation involves one humming the the sound of nothing with the light of a candle flame. Yet, Psychology Today defines meditation as “the practice of turning your attention to a single point of reference. It can involve focusing on the breath, on bodily sensations”. Martial Arts themselves are aimed towards mastering the movement of one’s body; knowing where every part of your body at once is required to have an objective focus. This intense focus calms and soothes the mind after every martial arts class. Not to mention the release of anger and anxiety after a Martial Arts class. Martial arts programs are legendary for calming the mind, and creating a rational and soothing atmosphere.

Physical Conditioning
Traditionally being a form of combat, taekwondo and karate both have thousands of years
worth of exercise and conditioning. The very reason Martial Arts are so good for the physical body is the fact that they are developed and lie on thousands of years worth of studying and working out. Not to mention, CTI instructors prove to push their students so mind limits are often eroded down to a strong form of perseverance. Children learn what limits they can ignore and what they must pay attention to to avoid injury or trauma.

Leadership and Initiative
Martial arts schools train children to have the character of a leader and initiative of an adult. Often times, children who participate in a martial arts program learn to think independently in various practices such as sparring and self defense which both require full attention from one’s mind and intuition. Learning independent thinking helps the child develop initiative where they think for themselves. CTI’s teachers put a lot of trust in their students so that the students are able to carry on their requests.

With this being said, CTI involves 5 tenets that each student lives by:

• Courtesy
• Integrity
• Perseverance
• Self Control
• Indomitable Spirit

These tenets fully wrap up every benefit of martial arts schools that teach Taekwondo or Karate.

Being Active and Healthy with Children's Martial Arts

By Emily Brophy, 1st dan

Being active for any kid is important, and it keeps them in shape. Getting a child into a program early can make an impression and it will stick with them the rest of their life. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) has a perfect opportunity for kids to join in our classes. These kids karate classes are focused around keeping the child busy working on techniques the whole time. Our instructors focus on developing the kids listening skills, as well as motor skills.

Every class is structured to help the students as much as possible. Our kids martial arts classes are much more than just about punching and kicking. These programs help the kid with respect, discipline, and staying healthy. Getting a child into an activity with other new people can be difficult but at CTI our instructors are great at making every child feel welcome. CTI provides martial arts classes for kids from ages 3-12 as well as teens and adults. As well as a thorough warm up, with jumping jacks, and stretches, the CTI provides the student with a basic routine that is performed every class. This basic routine shows up in every other technique the student does in that class.

After basics, CTI instructors do poomse (patterned movement), which is a combination of everything learned in basics. The classes and curriculum keeps getting more complex and is more fun as the child goes up the belt ranks. Along with the physical part of kids karate, comes the mental part. Every class requires the student to be engaged and listening to the instructor the whole class. As the student become used to the classes this gradually get easier and easier.

Classes at the CTI also show the kid how to be courteous, and respectful to their fellow classmates as well as at home. Monthly homework at the CTI gives the student to chance to show their instructor how responsible they are. This homework challenges the student to be respectful, courteous, and responsible. It gives the student information about staying healthy when it comes to eating, and exercising. When a student finishes this homework they are given a yellow stripe to put on their belt as a sign that they did the assignment that month. These stripes are important for the student to progress in the belt ranks. At the CTI when the kids instructor feels that they are ready for the next belt, the kid will go to a test with students of different campus and belts. Then after the instructor feels the kid has has improved and has really earned it, the student will receive their new rank. Having the students prove themselves ready for the next rank gives the student a sense of integrity and confidence. It shows the student not to give up and keep pushing for what they want.

Kid's karate classes can be an important a fun part of a kids daily life. While the student is going to the same class 2 times a week they can meet new people. Children's karate gives the student a chance to learn something new every single day. The child is never bored at a class because they are learning or experiencing something new every time. Next time a kid needs to be physical and keep in shape, send them to a kids class at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute at any of our six Colorado locations.

Benefits of Children Learning Martial Arts

By Zach Greaves, 1st dan

When young children are thinking about learning martial arts or karate, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is the place to be!  Developing self defense, self control, and self confidence is something we work on every class. With our program we guarantee a fun interactive environment where children can learn and strive to be black belts and world-class leaders.

Colorado Taekwondo Institute is a great place for your children to learn martial arts. They start and learn the basic martial arts techniques from white belt. They strive to gain complete control of their body and position of every single technique, they also learn to keep their eyes up, focus and stand still. For kids, especially those with lots of energy, this a great skill to have through all of life, to listen and act upon when information is given. It's a discipline that will help young children succeed and push their limits in school, music, gym class, and everything.

Martial arts or karate classes is a great outlet, physical setting, and social setting. Through personal experience I have grown up with Colorado Taekwondo Institute and it has given me a place to show true colors and express who I really am and want to be. Opportunities are always given to become a really well rounded person through extra activities that we do in Taekwondo. For example, we have a martial arts summer camp where the kids have a chance to get away from their families and get to make friends in a new, safe environment. When they go through that entire fun-filled week they realize that is probably one of the best weeks they have ever had. As parents, you probably remember the first time you went away to camp and how scared you were. Then at the end of it all you realized that you made priceless memories and maybe even lifelong friends. We dance, we play, we ride bikes and we sweat practicing our Taekwondo martial arts.

Through our every day classes we work on anti-bullying and self defense.  We want children to understand that they can defend themselves and also prevent the community from bullying. We are also pushing children to understand opportunities and keep their eyes open to world and to stay away from the bad to preserve the good.  We like to dive into different cultures and our black belt team travels around the world. Last year we went to South Korea, the home of our martial art, Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo. So in every class we use Korean words for our techniques to keep their origin and tradition alive. After each class we say a Korean word which means, "Self-Control before Self-Defense". We make each other understand instructor to student, student to instructor and student to student that we will use our self control first. This whole mentality and word really eliminates conflicts outside of the school and within the school.  It's makes us better as a community and makes us better in our community. Through learning martial arts we can help children to protect their mind and body.

So when you or your child is thinking about learning martial arts or karate class, the CTI is a great way to get them into something physical and fun that they can enjoy their entire life.  It helps them with confidence and discipline at school and at home.

Martial Arts Teaches Excellence in Leadership

By Eric Evans, 2nd dan

“Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.” - Booker T. Washington

One thing that many parents will notice when watching their children participate in a kid's karate class taught at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, are the leadership skills being instilled in their children. Goal setting, focus, discipline, and integrity are just some of the many wonderful benefits students learn from the martial arts classes being taught.

As we teacher leadership within the CTI classes, we are consistently striving for excellence. This is not something that we are born with. It takes dedicated effort. We cannot stand by and wait for someone to tell us what to do, we must take responsibility and put forth our own effort. Waiting for someone to tell you to practice or do your homework will lead to complacency and failure. Success is gained by self examination, self direction and self improvement.

Throughout history, remarkable men and women achieved greatness by knowing what they wanted and then doing something about it to achieve their goal. We would not have many of the things we take for granted in our lives if the leaders of the past sat idly by and waited for someone to tell them to try.

It takes 10,000 hours of dedicated effort to master something. In your training that requires you to put forth effort outside of class, on your own. If you only practice Taekwondo twice a week for an hour a class, it would take you 96 years to reach 10,000 hours. If you make one extra class a week and the yearly tournaments, the duration is almost cut in half. However, if you consider what would happen if you practiced 5 hours a week outside of class. The duration is drastically reduced to 20 years. Interestingly enough, 20 years is the minimum time in rank to reach 5th dan.

Excellence in Taekwondo can be achieved by anyone. It requires dedicated effort, self motivation, flexibility and perseverance. If you're looking for an activity for yourself or looking for kid's karate or martial arts classes, then you've found a great place at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute.

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.

Kids Martial Arts Classes at the CTI

By Emily Brophy, 1st dan, 14 years old

One of the most important things of education is the classes and how the information is transferred from teacher to student. It is important at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute for every student to be honest and have a good attitude towards the class and the teacher. At Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) the goal of the teachers is to provide a good learning experience for all of the students.

Our classes are structured so that all students get a great warm up, basics, and some poomse work at the end of class. It is important that every CTI
class starts with a 30 minute warm up. We start with jumping jacks to get the blood flowing and the muscles warm, then follow with stretches. These stretches are included to specifically target the muscles and tendons used in kicks and punches. The warm up is the most important part of the whole class; without properly stretched muscles, the likelihood of an injury is greatly increased. The main focus of the stretches is for kicking and stances. Because Taekwondo is so focused on strong stances and powerful kicks, it is important to warm up these muscles.  Then after these stretches is basics which includes kicking, punches, blocks, and strikes. The stretching that was done in the beginning of class helps with the basics. After the basics which are done in a simple side stance, the class with then work on poomse. Poomse is a collection of the basics to form a solid form. Poomse is the culminating part of a CTI class, and then is followed by bowing out to the instructor.

At CTI it is important for the students to get the full extent of martial arts instruction, and that each student feels like they are accomplishing something during class. CTI’s instructors use names in class to point out accomplishments that the student made during class. The instructors participate in the classes as well to give the students someone to follow during class, and look up to. During CTI classes assistants will sometimes come into class, and students with get one-on-one help from an upper belt on a poomse or self defense.

Kids martial arts classes are unique because the classes are structured to be successful, and they encourage students to be proud of who they are. The instructors are positive and work out with the class, and the students learn all of the necessary information. Classes at CTI encourage the students to have strong traits, such as honesty, team-work, good attitude, anger management, and leadership. CTI classes encourage everyone to be honest and accept the choices they make.

It very important to be honest with everyone in your life because then you develop a good reputation and people are more likely to believe what you say.  An example of where it is difficult being honest is when you have done something wrong or broken something and you need to confess. Telling someone that you did something bad is the hardest thing to do. Being able to do that is a strong personality trait. During CTI classes it is important to be honest with the other members of the class and work together as a team.

Everyone must equally contribute to a team, and not any one person is better than anyone. However the team might elect a leader who will guide the team, this leader is not better than any other member of the team. Being part of a team is not about who can get the most work done in the least amount of time, it is about trying your best and getting help from the other members of the team to achieve this goal. Being part of a team is to split up the work and achieve it more efficiently and in some cases quicker. Children martial arts classes are based on team-work, and this trait is important to making the classes run smoothly.  If the students and the instructor do not work together during class, it will make the class difficult and not fun for anyone.

Attitude is a choice and cannot be blamed on anyone or anything except you and your actions. Having a negative attitude towards a teacher, parents or friend makes them feel down and you feel worse and tend to lash out with mean and hurtful words. Attitude also relates to not having good sportsmanship after a game or tournament. After classes, CTI encourages the students to tell everyone in the class that they did a good job. This helps keep a positive attitude after class as well as classes later in the week.

Anger Management is an important part of everyday life, and everyone should learn how to manage their anger as a life skill. But sometimes it is not the easiest thing in the world to do, it takes practice and requires positive outlet to expel all of the negative energy. Sometimes finding a positive outlet for negative energy can be challenging, but there are multiple things that can be used to expel extra energy in a positive and fun way. Exercise is a great way to expel energy, and can keep you from feeling negative, because you feel like you have accomplished something. One of the important lessons that CTI classes teach is “Ho-shin” which means “self-control before self-defense.” It is important that students are able to defend themselves but it is also important to have control and manage anger, so as to not hurt other people around the student.

Leadership is also another important skill that kids martial arts classes encourage and help students to become leaders. It is important for every CTI student to be a strong and positive leader; classes at the CTI help to grow this skill. As the student learns new poomse and moves up the belt ranks, they become a leader to the younger, lower ranking students in the class. It is important that all students learn how to lead, how to go hard in class, and have the strength to be a role model to other students.

Children's martial arts at the CTI provide traits for lifelong learning, and give each and every student a positive experience.

Martial Arts for Kids!

By Justin Lautrup, 1st dan, 14 years old

There are many positives of starting martial arts as a child that will aid them through out there entire life, such as focus and zeroing in on objectives, discipline and listening skills, energy and anger release, confidence and courage, motivation and the will to try hard at every thing your child will do.

In today's world of fast paced games, television, and social media, there are many distractions to to keep your child off task or unfocused. Martial arts for kids helps them focus on a goal and stick with it until it is completed, and then move on to the next objective or goal. In addition it is a great way to get your kid up and moving, and to help them release energy, tension, and overall deal more effectively with stress.  Martial arts helps them work on listening skills and work ethic.  This helps and encourages them to be more disciplined at home, school, and any other extra activities they may be doing.  Martial arts also gives them the confidence and courage they need to use in different situations such as standing up for themselves or others when they are being bullied, making smart choices about school and friends, and building self esteem.  Kids martial arts is additionally a great way to get and keep your child motivated to get good grades, try hard in any thing he/she might work on.

Before I started Taekwondo, I was easily distracted and no good at listening. If my dad told me to put on shoes, leave my room, get a jacket and get in the car, I'd leave my room, sit down and start playing with Legos or another distraction before I could remember the rest of the things that my dad had told me to do. Then my dad would come back inside, and walk me through the rest steps until I got in the car and we could leave. Now my dad forgets his jacket and I have to remind him to get it! Just kidding, but after only a couple of classes I got much better at listening and completing multiple tasks without having to be told two times.

Furthermore, before I started martial arts at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, I was never bullied, for real, but I tended to be on the passive and side and less motivated to speak up in school, with friends or other activities, but by starting martial arts I got a boost of self esteem and without being a bully, unkind, or rude, I spoke up when it was the right time to. There are also many social and unexpected benefits of starting your kid in martial arts, such as yearly summer sleepover camps,summer and winter day camps, and weekend expo's, and even world tours with other students. This gives them a better sense of independence and helps them achieve more on there own without the help of others. All of these activities are enjoyable, interesting and a great way to make new friends. The first time I went to a sleep away camp I was nervous and a little scared, but it was a great and safe experience. I learned a ton and came home wanting to go again as soon as possible.

Next, martial arts for kids in addition to being a great way to boost motivation and confidence, and exercise focus and discipline, is also a workout and gives your child something physical to do that is also safe. This helps them grow up happier and healthier, and gets them to go to sleep faster at night. Kids martial arts is also a great way to release anger and stress.  This helps them be happier and be less stressed. This also helps mental performance.There are many advantages to starting martial arts as a kid, like the motivation and willpower, anger and energy release and management, the confidence and courage to stand up for themselves, and listening and discipline skills, and focusing on a goal until it is completed.

Excellence from the CTI Monthly Homework

By Jennifer McKernan, 1st dan

As parents we want the best for our kids--the best education and the best experiences.  That's why we try to provide all kinds of opportunities for them to explore and experience, including various sport activities.  One of the most enriching one for us has been doing Taekwondo.  In taking martial arts, the kids gain physical fitness by learning the skill of kicking and punching and doing self-defense. They also experience competition and sportsmanship at the tournaments.  They gain mental training, with all the patterned movements, self-defense and one-step sparring drills they have to memorize and do, and also when studying the history, rules, and various aspects of Taekwondo for the written tests.  They learn and experience so much at Taekwondo!

But these are outside qualities.  As parents we can only do so much in taking them to classes and encouraging them to do their best.  Somewhere along the way, the desire to do well in Taekwondo, and to succeed in life, to achieve EXCELLENCE in whatever one does, has to come from inside.  What I didn't foresee, was how much the kids would learn about various qualities and values, and also experience character building and growth from the Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI).

Every month at Colorado Taekwondo Institute, including our Lakewood location, the students do CTI Excellence sheets.  These are either a worksheet for the younger students, or written assignments for teens and adults on various values and characters such as integrity, courage, responsibility, honesty, attitude, perseverance, respect, potential, dependability and leadership.  By completing these assignments once a month, the student earns a yellow stripe to go on the end of his or her belt.  5 yellow stripes equals 1 black stripe, so a student with one black stripe and 1 yellow stripe has done 6 assignments.  This also means that 6 months has gone by if all of the assignments were turned in each month.  The stripes on that particular colored belt can indicate how long that student has been at that belt color level.  Pretty clever way to glance at a student to see how long he or she has been at that belt level, and whether or not he or she has done her homework!  The stripes are important because it goes towards reaching the next belt level.

At first, the assignments seemed to take much time and thought.  How to explain "Integrity"?  What are some examples of "Random Acts of Kindness" you have done in your life?  And goodness gracious, do you admit in "Anger Management" that mom yells at the kids?  Sometimes we had discussions over them, and sometimes not.  As time went on, the kids did them more and more on their own and it became easier to do because they got used to thinking about them and doing them.  When life got very busy, sometimes it was enough "just to get them done" each month.  But somehow, over the years, doing these homework sheets and having similar discussions while at Black Belt Club, the character values had sunk in.  Just like a seed that is planted, watered, and then turns into a tree bearing fruit, I was pleased to see some of these qualities emerge!

During our recent black belt testing period, talk about perseverance and diligence!  There were a lot of requirements to get done along with the physical testing, and the kids did very well in completing them and not giving up.  Certain situations would arise and the kids would say, "Is that Integrity?"  or  "I really want to reach my full potential, so I think I should do this or that instead."  Really?  It could have been easy to take shortcuts or not to do one's best, but that's not integrity.  There has been such a huge leap in maturity in the kids, and even though it is difficult to tell if it was just because of the Excellence sheets,  I'm sure that all those homework assignments and discussions have helped.

Since writing this article I have been more aware of how everyday situations brings up issues of responsibility, leadership, follow-through, courage, and attitudes and how frequently and easily we discuss them.  The kids are open to growth in character and are very aware of these character issues.  It makes life much more pleasant and rewarding when everyone is trying to do their best and is courteous and supportive of each other. After all, these qualities are very much needed in life and helps one to succeed, too.  Gratitude is another topic covered, and right now I am very grateful for the Excellence Sheets and character building that we got to experience at the Lakewood location or the Colorado Taekwondo Institute.  Excellence in what is done on the outside comes from excellence of character on the inside!

Role Models

By Thomas Ma, 1st dan

Generally, role models are people who perform deeds that stick out to others and are among the hardest working people.  There are no shortages of these kinds of people at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, Golden school.  Recently, I have come across quite a few role models at the CTI that have inspired me to be like them.  The three most common attributes that I've found between them were that they were all dedicated hard workers, were firm in their integrity, and that they were always fired up when going about tasks.  What is the big thing that pulls them all together?

I've noticed that as a student at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, it isn't uncommon to look up to a black belt.  I can see why fairly clearly; CTI Black Belts are very hard workers.  When testing for their black belt at our school, they throw a lot of back into their training.  Day in and day out, the student testing for their black belt is thinking about how to get physically prepared for the, understatedly, rigorous six hour physical test they must do to show if they are ready for a Moo Sul Kwan black belt.  On top of the physical test, a written test demands just about everything the student has learned since white belt about the art and ways of our martial arts training and traditions, which adds up to an extremely large list.  Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo practitioners that wear a well-deserved black belt have proven to best this testing process while at the same time leading their life outside of Taekwondo.  This goes to show that Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo black belts are very dedicated and hard workers.  I have never met a black belt at our school who doesn't know how to give 100% in anything they do.  Since they always do their best working out, a lot of students look up to them.  In my opinion, it’s easy to have a Colorado Taekwondo Institute black belt as a role model at our school because of how much they do, what they do, and how they do it.

Most if not all of my role models are not only hard workers, but they always have a great sense of right and wrong and know the right thing to do in most any situation.  They have a big set of characteristics that set them apart from the crowd, one characteristic of the set being integrity.  Integrity in a nutshell is honesty at all times, and an adherence to moral codes or a firmness in moral beliefs.  The thing that makes it or breaks it when looking for things in a role model is more often than not integrity, I've noted.  When people are dishonest or do morally wrong things, it is difficult to look at them through a good lens.  Therefore if someone is honest and has integrity, they are most easily viewed upon as a good role model.  Lucky for us students at the CTI integrity is one of the tenets of Taekwondo which we, as a whole organization, follow very closely.  As students, integrity in our training is very important, it is the maintenance check we always give ourselves when we find new things to work on in our training.  Integrity is taught by our instructors a numerous amount of ways.  One way being about school work.  Since school work is a big priority, instructors stress to students that school comes first before Taekwondo.  When a student is struggling to get homework from school done at home, instructors at Taekwondo are very keen about finding ways to get it done.  After all, who learns, leads.  Especially as a role model.

The last quality that I have found most common throughout the many recently found role models is that they are always fired up.  If you've never had a workout partner before, my advice to you is to find someone who is very enthusiastic to work out with.  At Taekwondo, my role model when working out is a black belt who goes at it.  People who are always fired up are the best people to work out with.  When working out with enthusiastic people, it’s as if a mysterious and usable energy radiates off of them.  I guess that in a way, I myself want to be a role model of the sort where I can influence others to get pumped for the sole reason of being by their side working out with them.  A role model of mine just makes me so powerful when he does it.

At the Golden school of the CTI, role models are anything but scarce.  Since I have found that role models are all hard workers with dedication, integrity, and the ability to get fired up at will in common, I’ve come to the conclusion that Taekwondo makes role models.  Taekwondo is the big thread that connects all the dots.  From becoming a hard worker with dedication and integrity, to the ability to be a very enthusiastic worker; Taekwondo teaches them all.  Taekwondo teaches its students to be hard working people that are dedicated, that have integrity, and that have the ability to get fired up right-off-the-bat when they need to be.