Martial Arts Classes

By Zach Cotner, junior 1st dan 

All kids need a healthy place to express themselves, exercise their energy, and feel like they have a place to belong. Families seeking a healthy activity for their children will appreciate what martial arts training will provide them. Martial arts classes benefit kids (and adults) by teaching discipline and self-control, by providing exercise that’s both healthy and fun, and by creating opportunities for positive social interactions. 

An important benefit that taekwondo provides to kids is discipline. One main benefit is learning how to act around adults/teachers/mentors/elders. This is important because it will serve you throughout life. It is a great skill to learn respect and communication. In Moo Sul Kwan, we demonstrate our discipline by addressing instructors by ‘ma’am’ and ‘sir’ when we see them. In CTI we follow the rules of etiquette which include things like taking off your shoes before entering the workout area, bowing before entering, and paying attention in every class. These rules support kids ability to follow directions well and teach them to listen to everyone in their lives. Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo helps children become role models for their peers at the taekwondo campus and school. Students are taught to treat others with kindness, sympathy, and courtesy. When we are working in class we acknowledge other students’ progress and congratulate one another’s successes. These actions encourage others to follow in the same path and start behaving similarly. Leading by example is an easy way for students to learn self control and discipline. From a young age, kids are taught how to be good role models for their peers both in and outside of the workout room.

Likewise, martial arts classes allow students to move their bodies and it is a great way to exercise and be active at a young age. Getting energy out, as a kid, is important because it helps them to think and act better in school and at home. Taekwondo is very active and we get our energy out by doing warm ups, poomses (martial arts patterned movements), sparring, and basics (punching and kicking). Students are able to use their energy in a positive way and in a controlled environment while also learning and processing their actions. In CTI students do weekly classes, which builds a good habit of exercising and is crucial for their bodies’ health. Taekwondo builds strength because the workout/class has a routine focused on learning how to use your body. This is great for kids because they learn control while being active. Kids also have a lot of energy, taekwondo is a good way to use spare energy because it has a healthy impact on the body. Taekwondo also helps kids to get in the habit of exercising healthily because as they get older the importance of exercising also grows. Also, it’s fun! Taekwondo is a great way for kids to have fun and meet new people through sport.  

Moreover, taekwondo is very good for kids because it can help build new friendships. By learning to communicate through similarities and time spent in taekwondo kids also build relationships with others. 

I have made lots of friends throughout my time in Moo Sul Kwan taekwondo and they go back many years. I started taekwondo when I was 5, and I still see many of the same people to this day. CTI specifically has many events where students get to spend time with their peers like the Expo, Summer Camp, and Friday Fun Nights. It is very easy to make friends when everyone is in a workout and working together in games, self defense and more.

In conclusion, martial arts classes provides an amazing and beneficial sport for kids because of its helpful teaching tools that teach kids discipline and self-control Through fun workouts and games. Well simultaneously giving social skills that they will be able to use outside of taekwondo.

Why Martial Arts Are Good For You

By Alex Tan, 2nd dan

Breaking bricks and boards, fighting off bad guys, and flying kicks sailing through the air- these may be some of the things you see actors do in martial arts movies which make them appear really cool. In reality for the most part, the picture could be a little different. For those who want to do martial arts, they usually do it for reasons more than just to look cool such as in the movies. Martial arts can help provide many benefits to those that are willing to learn the art. At the martial arts school here in Littleton, we help educate students in both physical and mental aspects of Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo. Although most are expecting just the physical aspects of martial arts when starting initially, there’s a whole list of benefits that the training provides you passively as you progress in your training.

One of the main reasons, and perhaps the most obvious reason why martial arts classes are good for you is to improve your self defense. You may be put in situations where you have to defend yourself or someone else. Knowing self defense may save you in a situation and give you enough time to run away or call for help. Another benefit of martial arts is it’s a good workout. It can increase your muscle strength, build your endurance, and help build your overall mobility. Following the benefit of a good workout, it helps you stay healthy by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate. This may eventually lead to lower cholesterol levels and keep you staying healthy over your life. Another benefit would be increasing your coordination. Your sense of awareness will heighten and you will be more coordinated with the environment and the people that are around you. 

Besides the physical aspects, martial arts can benefit you mentally as well. Doing aerobic exercises like martial arts have been proven through research that it can help your brain develop and enhance activities such as improving your memory. Another thing that martial arts teaches you is self discipline. It teaches and reminds you how to focus on a task at hand. It teaches you that you have to be able to take certain initiatives with your actions. This not only ties within martial arts, but also other aspects of your life as well. And lastly, it’s great for relieving stress. After a long day at work and school, it directs your focus to just martial arts. If you are sitting in a chair all day working or studying, now you are able to move and yell which is a great stress reliever.

These are just some of the many reasons as to why martial arts classes are good for you. Some may just think that it’s only the physical aspects that may benefit you, but in reality there is so much more than can be gained through participation. Also, when you learn martial arts, it not only benefits you when you're at the martial arts school, but also in other aspects of your life as well such as at work and home.. Everything ties together, but it all starts with you taking the initiative and managing your time wisely in your learning. 

If you or a loved one is looking into martial arts class, then you should check out the programs offered at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. You might just find what you are looking for and they will help get closer to your goals!

Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts: Experiences of the New Guy

By Brian O'Reilly

I am new to Moo Sul Kwan martial arts. I’m 50 years old; but I’m not old! Thanks in large part to Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts!

I have been an athlete for nearly all of my life and involved in a wide range of organized sports, exercise and recreational activities. Participating in sports as a youth is very different than participating as an adult. When you are young, there is so much to learn about your body, your competitive spirit, how to train, and how to interact with opponents, teammates, referees and coaches. I grew up around athletics as my dad was a high school coach for 40 years. I asked my dad at an early age why sports are important for a student athlete who will never be good enough to “go pro” and make a career as a professional athlete. His answer pointed out the obvious physical and mental benefits of exercise for people of all ages. He also stressed the equally important personal and social lessons of learning a skill, consistent hard work, commitment, loyalty, positive interaction with teammates/authority figures, sportsmanship and how to navigate through successes and failures. He pointed out that all of these lessons are available through athletics, especially in a solid program lead by a great coach. He stressed that these are life-lessons and should transfer into adulthood to create the leaders of tomorrow. Adults who never learn these life-lessons struggle personally, professionally and can have a negative impact on society as a whole. Fortunately I have been surrounded by great teachers, coaches, bosses and mentors.  As an adult the life-lessons of athletics continue to ring true and help me grow, physically, mentally and spiritually as a well-rounded person. Moo Sul Kwan martial arts is now my sport of choice as a 50 year old man.

Moderation was never really my thing. My body has paid the price over the years for extreme living. Broken bones are par for the course in any contact sport; but years of heavy weight-lifting and CrossFit programs resulted in various surgeries which eventually slowed me down as an adult. I was unhappy during the recovery/healing times, craved physical activity, and competition. Yet, I was also worried that I would be back under the knife again if I kept up the same extreme and active pace. I had always been fascinated with martial arts classes from afar, so I thought I would give it a try.  There were so many options available it was difficult to choose; but after some in-depth research I joined The Colorado Taekwondo Institute and the study of Moo Sul Kwan martial arts. I was very fortunate to have landed where I did!

Moo Sul Kwan martial arts at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) was exactly what I needed.  The Colorado Taekwondo Institute was founded by Grandmaster James M. Sautel, 8th Dan Black Belt, in 1983 and there are now several locations throughout the Colorado. CTI works in association with the Moo Sul Kwan martial arts Institute and the American Martial Arts Sports and Education Association.  Moo Sul Kwan martial arts was brought to the United States by Great Grandmaster Lee H. Park in 1969 and serves as the model for training at all Colorado Taekwondo Institute locations.  The CTI mission statement is “To encourage and develop world-class leaders through educational excellence and Moo Sul Kwan martial arts traditions”.  

For the past year and a half, my personal experience with CTI and Moo Sul Kwan martial arts classes training has been in line with the CTI Mission Statement and the life-lessons I have been taught growing up.  The aims of Moo Sul Kwan martial arts, the tenets of Taekwondo and the philosophy, goals and operation of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute complement my lifestyle, goals, ethics, exercise and competitive needs. I enjoy the ability to challenge my body in new ways, and for many years to come, which will lead to healthier longevity without the high-risk of injury.  I also enjoy the mental and emotional challenges related to learning a new discipline and starting out a program as a rookie.  I’m the new old guy!  Starting Moo Sul Kwan martial arts classes as an adult is new experience that teaches humility, patience and perseverance.  I believe that a little suffering in any forum is the requirement for success.  As a 50 year old, that suffering can be more apparent than when you’re an 18 years old athlete!  But that challenge to stay involved, active and fight through the aches and pains has its rewards.  

The rewarding and positive experience of Moo Sul Kwan martial arts at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is more than physical.  The bonding and team support with fellow students, support by upper-belt students and Black Belt instructors is a mental and emotional reward by itself.  Most prominent though is the inspirational guidance, instruction and care provided by Grandmaster Sautel.  I am fortunate to have found Moo Sul Kwan martial arts, which provides comprehensive Psychomotor Domain, Affective Domain and Cognitive Domain training, knowledge and self-defense skills. I am fortunate to have found The Colorado Taekwondo Institute, which honors the traditions of Moo Sul Kwan martial arts while providing a positive and exciting modern-day forum for training, learning and competition.  I am very fortunate to be surrounded by supportive CTI Students and Instructors…and I cannot say enough about how lucky I am to study under CTI founder Grandmaster Sautel.  I’ve added him to my very short, selective and influential list of heroes. In talking to fellow students I know that I’m not alone as he inspires so many others at CTI.  I am always happy to have the opportunity to share my positive experience with others, especially those with similar backgrounds and needs.  CTI and Moo Sul Kwan martial arts have provided everything I was looking for and I’m excited to continue my training for many years to come.

Martial Arts for Every Generation

By Katie Dahle, 1st dan

TRY IT, YOU'LL LIKE IT!

Being active is an important ingredient in life, regardless of age. When we’re young, we have energy to burn and need an outlet. As we get older, it’s more important to continue to learn and move, training our minds and bodies to be happy and healthy. Practicing martial arts is a great activity for anyone looking for a way to be active. Finding somewhere to train that is local, inexpensive, and high quality can be hard to do.

When looking for Martial Arts schools, one that stands ahead is the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. Toddler martial arts (2-5 years old) help develop motor skills, following directions and communication skills, all valuable for students to learn before starting school. Junior martial arts classes (5-10 years old) will get the students more active and involved in their martial arts training. These students learn important life skills like respect, paying attention, self-confidence, and perseverance.

Teenagers even have their own dedicated classes at this Martial Arts school. These classes, on top of all the benefits of being active teach self-directed learning, integrity and courtesy, while keeping the students active and training their bodies. For adults martial arts, the benefits are even greater, building on everything taught in the other age classes, adults see the benefits to their health and attitude. Classes provide a refuge from stressful lives and a reliable place to get time tested workouts.

No matter your age, this the Colorado Taekwondo Institutes Martial Arts schools (locations in Westminster/Arvada, Golden/Applewood, Lakewood/Green Mountain, Littleton/Morrison, and Conifer/Aspen Park) will train your body, mind and spirit for a healthier and happier life. Sign up today!

Martial Arts Classes for Beginners

By Natasha McKernan

Martial arts entail a great deal of fun and rewarding training.  To ensure the best martial arts for beginners, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute uses teaches a consistent curriculum between all six of their locations. This method allows students to maintain constant growth. Any student within this program can bring themselves up to their full potential. Instructors at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute workout every single class with their students. They aim to bring the students to peak condition and learning. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute is a wonderful martial arts program for any willing participant for beginning martial arts classes. 

As a general rule, basic techniques are always taught first. A gradual increase in difficulty is necessary for healthy growth. Within large classes of many martial arts schools, usually the difficulty of the class is not adjusted well enough to suit all students.  It is difficult to create routines necessary for both beginner and advanced students. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute solution is a routine that benefits everyone - consistency.

The Colorado Taekwondo institute pushes it’s students through the consistency of the training routine -- if the routine is not regularly repeated, even basic techniques will never reach their full potential.  As the student learns how to execute the technique perfectly, the technique become more taxing.  Repetition of the correct technique allows the body to get stronger.  As the technique continues to improve, so does the physical strength of the student.  This is an endless pattern that reaps constant improvement.  Martial arts also rely on consistency to not lose their distinct traits.

The beauty of it is that anyone can learn martial arts. When a martial art holds true to itself, it becomes a formula for people to follow.  Anyone who is dedicated to their fighting art will undoubtedly be rewarded with visible improvement.  When time and effort and put into a good curriculum there will be unrivaled success.

The martial arts instructors are always working with the students to bring them to their full potential.  The focus on improvement particularly intensifies before the school-wide tournaments.  In these tournaments students compete angainst others their same skill level and age.  Based on how they do, their instructor gives them a few things to improve on.  

Unlike some martial arts schools, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is a very family friendly school.  This has become an essential part of this school; an element that ties together many things.  Family encouragement and competitiveness are good motivators especially for young children.

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute is a wonderful martial arts program for any willing participant.  With its steady curriculum, the martial art is learned thoroughly. With consistent teaching and guidance from the Colorado Taekwondo Institute’s instructors, the student will become the best they can be. 

Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts: Experience of the New Old Guy

By Brian O'Reilly, green belt

I am new to Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts. I’m 50 years old; but I’m not old! Thanks in large part to Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts!

I have been an athlete for nearly all of my life and involved in a wide range of organized sports, exercise and recreational activities. Participating in sports as a youth is very different than participating as an adult.  When you are young, there is so much to learn about your body, your competitive spirit, how to train, and how to interact with opponents, teammates, referees and coaches. I grew up around athletics as my dad was a high school coach for 40 years.  I asked my dad at an early age why sports are important for a student athlete who will never be good enough to “go pro” and make a career as a professional athlete.  His answer pointed out the obvious physical and mental benefits of exercise for people of all ages.  He also stressed the equally important personal and social lessons of learning a skill, consistent hard work, commitment, loyalty,positive interaction with teammates/authority figures, sportsmanship and how to navigate through successes and failures.  He pointed out that all of these lessons are available through athletics, especially in a solid program lead by a great coach.  He stressed that these are life-lessons and should transfer into adulthood to create the leaders of tomorrow.  Adults who never learn these life-lessons struggle personally, professionally and can have a negative impact on society as a whole. Fortunately I have been surrounded by great teachers, coaches, bosses and mentors.  As an adult the life-lessons of athletics continue to ring true and help me grow, physically, mentally and spiritually as a well-rounded person.  Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts is now my sport of choice as a 50 year old man.

Moderation was never really my thing.  My body has paid the price over the years for extreme living. Broken bones are par for the course in any contact sport; but years of heavy weight-lifting and CrossFit programs resulted in various surgeries which eventually slowed me down as an adult.  I was unhappy during the recovery/healing times, craved physical activity, and competition. Yet, I was also worried that I would be back under the knife again if I kept up the same extreme and active pace. I had always been fascinated with the Martial Arts from afar, so I thought I would give it a try.  There were so many options available it was difficult to choose; but after some in-depth research I joined The Colorado Taekwondo Institute and the study of Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts.   I was very fortunate to have landed where I did!

Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) was exactly what I needed.  The Colorado Taekwondo Institute was founded by Grandmaster James M. Sautel, 8th Dan Black Belt, in 1983, and there are now several locations throughout the Colorado.  CTI works in association with the Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts Institute and the American Martial Arts Sports and Education Association.  Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts was brought to the United States by Great Grandmaster Lee H. Park in 1969 and serves as the model for training at all Colorado Taekwondo Institute locations.  The CTI mission statement is “To encourage and develop world-class leaders through educational excellence and Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts traditions”.  For the past year and a half, my personal experience with CTI and Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts training has been in line with the CTI Mission Statement and the life-lessons I have been taught growing up.  The aims of Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts, the tenets of Taekwondo and the philosophy, goals and operation of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute complement my lifestyle, goals, ethics, exercise and competitive needs. I enjoy the ability to challenge my body in new ways, and for many years to come, which will lead to healthier longevity without the high-risk of injury.  I also enjoy the mental and emotional challenges related to learning a new discipline and starting out a program as a rookie.  I’m the new old guy!  Starting Moo Sul Kwan adult martial arts is new experience that teaches humility, patience and perseverance.  I believe that a little suffering in any forum is the requirement for success.  As a 50 year old, that suffering can be more apparent than when you’re an 18 years old athlete!  But that challenge to stay involved, active and fight through the aches and pains has its rewards.  The rewarding and positive experience of Moo Sul Kwan martial arts for adults at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is more than physical.  The bonding and team support with fellow students, support by upper-belt students and black belt instructors is a mental and emotional reward by itself.  Most prominent though is the inspirational guidance, instruction and care provided by Grandmaster Sautel.  I am fortunate to have found Moo Sul Kwan adult martial arts, which provides comprehensive body, mind and spirit training, knowledge and self-defense skills. I am fortunate to have found The Colorado Taekwondo Institute, which honors the traditions of Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts while providing a positive and exciting modern-day forum for training, learning and competition.  I am very fortunate to be surrounded by supportive CTI Students and Instructors…and I cannot say enough about how lucky I am to study under CTI founder Grandmaster Sautel.  I’ve added him to my very short, selective and influential list of heroes. In talking to fellow students I know that I’m not alone as he inspires so many others at CTI.  I am always happy to have the opportunity to share my positive experience with others, especially those with similar backgrounds and needs.  CTI and Moo Sul Kwan martial arts for adults have provided everything I was looking for and I’m excited to continue my training for many years to come.

Waiting to be Uncovered: Conifer CTI

You've decided to live in Conifer or Evergreen, Colorado, nestled in the foothills enjoying the beautiful Colorado weather. Life seems pretty good but perhaps there is something missing. You decide that you would like to try something new, to push yourself and see what more the area of Colroado has to offer.  You never knew how meaningful life would become after walking through the doors of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) right in your Conifer neighborhood.

Located on Highway 285, right in the same shopping center as Staples and 3 Margaritas, the Conifer location is really easy to get to.

Not only will you experience the most physical fitness you never thought possible, you will literally be retraining and strengthening your brain, mind, and spirit.  The instructors at the Conifer Taekwondo location and all campuses of CTI will support and encourage you every step of the way and you will feel how they care for you as you attain numerous and never-ending goals.  As you learn the fascinating and intriguing Korean Martial Art of Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo (the Korean Art of smashing with the bare feet and hands), you will build strength and confidence you never knew you had.

Throughout the week, there are a variety of classes available to attend. Our classes are taught by expert black belts. Our spacious workout areas are outfitted with custom built suspension floors, making your experience much more enjoyable. Each room has its own ample viewing area, so that parents, grandparents and other family members can watch classes or wait for a class to finish.

Join us at the Conifer location of CTI and prepare to enjoy the best life has to offer, surrounded by the continual positivity seen in all your fellow students, adult or child age, as everyone advances and enjoys each and every precious day we are given.

Martial Arts Lessons for You: Lakewood Edition

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has five different locations including Lakewood, Littleton, Westminster, Golden and Conifer, all providing educational martial arts training within a positive environment. The different aspects of learning include building self-confidence and self-control, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Lakewood martial arts school is located on West Alameda Parkway, just west of Union, within close proximity to Starbucks, Shell and Iron Works. There are also quite a few elementary, middle, and high schools in the neighboring areas, some of which are: Green Mountain Elementary, Glennon Heights Elementary, Devinny Elementary, Hutchinson Elementary, Dunston Middle and Green Mountain High School.

The Lakewood location first opened in 1993 with students coming from surrounding areas, especially from Lakewood, Morrison and Golden. Students come to train with many highly educated, experienced and energetic black belts. The campus provides classes for children as young as 2 years old, along with kids, teens, and adults of all ages. The Lakewood school has a teaching staff of fully accredited black belts, and all began as white belts at this campus. These black belts instruct and assist, and also continue their personal training at the Lakewood location. The head instructor at Lakewood is Master Merinda Sautel, who is a 6th degree black belt in Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo. She is an exceptional teacher of all ages with over 30 years of experience as a martial arts instructor, and is also a licensed Jefferson County School school teacher.

An exclusive attribute of the Lakewood school is the design of the workout rooms and lobby. This includes two spacious workout areas with custom-built suspended floors, which allow the students to amplify their work out and participation abilities. These areas are also carpeted to enable a good learning experience in a comfortable environment. The large work out room includes equipment rack shelves for students to put their workout bags on while engaging in class; this gives them easy access to equipment they may need during training. Both workout areas include all utensils that are needed for instructors to ensure an educational and fun-filled class.

There is a pro-shop in the lobby area that includes student manuals, sparring equipment, and required patches. There are also key rings, t-shirts, and equipment bags to complete the fulfilled experience at the CTI Lakewood location. There is a TV in the lobby that exhibits screenings of past Colorado Taekwondo events including tournaments, summer Conventions, and Camps that show experiences and immense learning that happen while participating in these events. The lobby area also includes a place for parents, friends, and family to sit and watch as the students participate in classes apart in a setting that won’t interfere with their learning. The CTI staff and students, along with their families, make it possible to have a family-friendly environment.

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has a mission to: “Encourage world-class leadership through educational excellence and Moo Sul Kwan martial arts traditions.” The devotion of the CTI black belts and instructors ensures that students will be educated in a positive learning environment to be developed into leaders with many skills that can be carried over to family, school, and the community. With over 30 years of excellence, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute can promise the finest teaching of any educated-based martial arts program.

For more information on martial arts classes in Lakewood, visit www.coloradotaekwondo.com or call at 303-989-7542.

Martial Arts Lessons for You: Westminster Edition

Colorado has become synonymous with health and fitness. Mountain biking & hiking in the summer, and skiing/snowboarding & snowshoeing in the winter, Colorado is filled with calorie burning activities. But, maybe you're looking for something new. Taekwondo is one calorie burning activity that you might not think of in the mountains.

Taekwondo in Westminster is rapidly growing activity at the campus of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. The classes are led by highly qualified instructors and provide high intensity, calorie burning fun. The classes contain students of all different experience levels. The levels are distinguished by belts from white all the way up to degrees of black belts. The classes are tailored to be challenging for the beginners and advanced at the same time. Almost all of the exercises are done just by stretching and moving your own body without any extra equipment or weights. Imagine getting a tremendous workout that builds muscle, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and agility using nothing but your own body. The workout can be experienced and shared by all the members of your family.

The Westminster school of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is located off of W. 88th Avenue and Garrison Street, in the Lake Plaza shopping center. It's easily accessible for everyone in Westminster, Arvada and Broomfield.

The workouts in the Westminster Taekwondo location are performed in a clean and spacious workout room. The carpeted custom suspension floors provide a support and cushion for joints while working out. It's hard to explain how much fun jumping and exercising can be with that little extra bounce in your step. That little extra cushion gives the younger students more confidence and gives the older adult student a little bit of a fountain of youth.

Even if you aren't in the class, there are many large windows that allow parents or children to view from the lobby. The lobby area provides a comfortable area to watch all the fun happening behind the glass. The school is also located next the Liks Ice Cream shop so you can enjoy some ice cream before or after class. The Westminster school is also near Sideways, I Love Sushi and Amadeo's Italian restaurants for some good food after a great workout.

The Westminster campus of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is lead by Master Erik Albrechtson, a 5th degree black belt in Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo. Master Albrechtson has help from several other “home grown” assistant instructors. All instructors of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute started out as white belt students in the school. Each instructor has been developed and educated in the best methods of instruction in martial arts. Quality instruction provides the basis for getting the most out each class.

The experiences at Westminster school aren't limited to classes. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute provides events year round to meet with the other 5 campuses around Colorado and the Denver metro area. The events include tournaments where we compete with other equally aged and experienced students. Other events include weekend getaways in the mountains where students can focus on having fun and learning while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery.

So, when your looking to try something out of the normal mountain routine, the Westminster campus of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute can provide martial arts classes in westminster, which is a great way to cross-train for any of the other normal activities. The increase in core strength, flexibility, and endurance can be a benefit for mountain biking, rock climbing and skiing. Try it out! Give us a call at 303-428-5377 to learn more.

Martial Arts Lessons for You: Littleton Edition

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has five different locations including Littleton, Lakewood, Westminster, Golden and Conifer, all providing educational Martial Arts training within a positive environment. The different aspects of learning include how to use self-control, build self-confidence, and maintain a healthy lifestyle; definitely the best when it comes to martial arts classes in Littleton.

The Littleton school is located on South Simms Street, in between Belleview Avenue and Bowles Avenue, within a shopping center with other businesses including Iwayama Sushi and Pump N Save gas station. There are also quite a few elementary, middle, and high schools in the neighboring areas, some of which are: Westridge Elementary, Montessori Peaks Academy, Mount Carbon Elementary, Summit Ridge Middle School, and Dakota Ridge High School.

The Littleton location first opened in 1994 with students coming from surrounding areas, especially around the southwest metro-Denver area. Students come to train with many highly educated, experienced, and energetic black belts. The campus provides classes for children as young as 2 years old, along with kids, teens, and adults of all ages. The Littleton school has ten fully accredited black belts that have all been participating at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute for over 6 years, and all began as white belts at this campus. These black belts instruct and assist, and also continue their personal training at the Littleton campus. The head instructor at Littleton is Master John T. Sautel, who is a 6th degree black belt in Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo. He is an exceptional teacher of all ages with over 30 years of experience as a martial arts instructor, and is also a licensed Jefferson County School middle school teacher.

An exclusive attribute of the Littleton school is the design of the workout rooms and lobby. This includes two spacious workout areas with custom-built suspended floors, which allow the students to amplify their work out and participation abilities. These areas are also carpeted to enable a good learning experience in a comfortable environment. The large work out room includes equipment rack shelves for students to put their workout bags on while engaging in class; this gives them easy access to equipment they may need during training. Both workout areas include all utensils that are needed for instructors to ensure an educational and fun-filled class.

There is a pro-shop in the lobby area that includes student manuals, sparring equipment, and required patches. There are also key rings, t-shirts, and equipment bags to complete the fulfilled experience at the CTI Littleton location. There is a TV in the lobby that exhibits screenings of past Colorado Taekwondo events including tournaments, summer Expo’s, and Camp’s that show experiences and immense learning that happen while participating in these events. The lobby area also includes a place for parents, friends, and family to sit and watch as the students participate in classes apart in a setting that won’t interfere with their learning. The smaller work out room for the toddlers also includes a space set aside for parents to watch. The CTI staff and students, along with their families, make it possible to have a family-friendly environment.

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has a mission to: “Encourage world-class leadership through educational excellence and Moo Sul Kwan martial arts traditions.” The devotion of the CTI black belts and instructors ensures that students will be educated in a positive learning environment to be developed into leaders with many skills that can be carried over to family, school, and the community. With over 30 years of excellence, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute can promise the finest teaching of any educated-based taekwondo classes in Littleton.

For more information on the Littleton school, visit www.coloradotaekwondo.com or call at 303-979-2621.

The Taekwondo Program Offered at the CTI

By Tyler Murphy, 2nd dan

Similar to many areas of life there are similarities and difference between the different areas of a subject. Taekwondo, karate, or martial arts programs are not exception; the curriculum and program can differ between the different types of martial arts, and the different styles within a certain martial art. Throughout the six different Moo Sul Kwan locations in Colorado, we practice the exact same curriculum. All instructors and campus coordinators are on the same page with what they teach, how they teach it, and when to teach certain parts of our program. Our taekwondo program is very unified between each taekwondo school because of weekly meetings between the different schools, and the well trained instructors that we have. Due to the fact that all of our schools teach the same things, it makes it possible for tournaments to be held with all students from the Colorado Taekwondo Institute welcome and encouraged to come. The unity of the program provides a fair opportunity for all competitors to succeed and excel in their competitions because nobody has an unfair disadvantage, and all competitors are held to the exact same standards and rules, no matter which campus they come from. Another factor that contributes healthy competition is that since our events are held between many different campuses with hundreds of students we are able to make divisions that are fair to all competitors. This is only because we have enough people to choose people of similar age, rank to properly set up the competition.

Not only is our program’s unity a contributor to the fact that we can have tournaments with everybody invited, it is also important for the community like atmosphere that students with the Colorado Taekwondo Institute experience. With hundreds of students between the campuses students are always able to find somebody who is in a similar situation as themselves. This includes age, rank, and goals. The similarities between students provides a sense of motivation between the students that will help them to continue to excel through the program and onto new belts. The satisfaction of succeeding through their training will only motivate them more because of their being rewarded for hard work and over time, after getting to know other people at their same level it will develop a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition to get to the next belt, to learn new moves, or many other things, which will accelerate their training to higher levels.

The taekwondo program developed with the Colorado Taekwondo Institute has been developed for over thirty years and refined every step of the way. We have used ideas from different countries, such as Ireland, Korea, and Germany, to mention a few of the locations our black belts have traveled on our world tours.  We have developed a program that is focused toward the students. We teach for the students to help them in all possible ways. Instructors are trained to teach effectively and in a way that is best for the student. We developed a very strong curriculum over the many years and will continue to improve what we do in order to become closer to achieving excellence.

Give us a call if you are looking into a taekwondo school for your family. The program offered here is sure to be a great fit!

Finding the Right Martial Arts School and Program

By Lydia Lincke, 1st dan

Finding the right martial arts school is tough, and it’s easy to waste lots of time looking for places nearby that are cost effective and give you the same benefits of a world class organization. Age old practices that have been being refined for thousands of years are continuing to grow and develop, and thoughtful, disciplined, and respectable students of today are the result of this. However, there are only a select few martial arts programs that are the result of this long train of martial arts development.

Moo Sul Kwan taekwondo offers many of these benefits, and the things that are taught here aren’t limited to traditional martial arts techniques. Through our extensive training, students gain the ability to maintain self discipline, learn how to be a leader, and learn to work with others.

The training that is done in MSK taekwondo is a perfect way to get, and stay, in shape. The regiment is typically two classes per week, so there is a balanced and healthy amount of workout almost all of the 52 weeks of the year. During these classes, instructors encourage self directed learning, starting as soon as white belt. Ideas such as practicing techniques at home and taking your martial arts training with you into your daily life are urged. Valuable life lessons are instilled in students and martial arts training becomes a lifelong practice that is applied in every area of one’s life.

As the students get higher up in the belt ranks, leadership is expected. Students are broken out of their shells of comfort and put into situations in which they are able to translate their own knowledge into words to other students. In this way, students are put in the spotlight in a friendly way so that they are practicing leadership with their friends and peers: a perfect way to transition into once scary things like teaching or public speaking. In this way, self confidence is built in a positive way so that students almost don’t realize they are becoming more self assured until they are a red or black belt standing in front of an entire class teaching students the basics of martial arts.

One of the most important values (http://coloradotaekwondo.blogspot.com/2013/08/why-enroll-your-child-in-taekwondo.html) that is taught indirectly in MSK martial arts is teamwork. Martial arts are typically very individual sports, and they allow students to focus more on themselves and their own improvement in any area of their life. However, part of the training includes self defense and being taught to be aware of everything that is going on around you. Self defense is always practiced with another person, and students can learn to cooperate and communicate with their partner without words in a class setting. Having awareness of other moving people around you is taught through experience. In MSK martial arts, forms, or poomse, are often practiced in groups in which students must learn to work together with the people around them almost subconsciously so that safety is ensured and collisions don’t happen.

If you are looking for a martial arts program that is more extensive than just learning punches and kicks, MSK is the place to stop looking. Truly beneficial lifelong practices are hard to come by, and you won’t easily find another friendly, applicable, and rewarding program like Moo Sul Kwan taekwondo. You can enroll any time of the year and any one of our locations in Colorado: Lakewood, Littleton, Conifer, Golden or Westminster. We appreciate your interest!

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.

How Your Children Can Benefit from Taekwondo

Many parents who are considering enrolling their children in martial arts training may wonder if there are benefits. Let us take taekwondo, for example. This type of martial arts is from Korea and can provide many benefits for children even in today’s world.

Assessing the Benefits

What are some of the benefits for children who are involved in martial arts training? Some of the things to consider are:

• Physical fitness
• Weight control
• Improved concentration
• Respect for other people
• Substantial improvements in self confidence and self esteem
• In addition to all the benefits children can obtain from taekwondo, they are also having fun. 

Fitness is a very important aspect of taekwondo, and quite honestly, it’s refreshing to see children so fit and sporting a healthy weight. Unfortunately there are far too many children in today’s world who are overweight simply because they don’t exercise and eat high energy foods.

Fun and Exercise Are Part of Taekwondo

Many people believe the human body is design for exercise. This is especially true of children who should run, jump and get out of breath while combining play and exercise. One of the many benefits of kids taekwondo is they have fun at the same time they are performing physical exercise. They gain physical fitness all around because the exercises in which they are engaged exercise their whole bodies. Even better is the fact they want to continue coming back.

Lessons to Learn

Martial arts training can provide a great many benefits, especially for young boys. For one thing the rigorous physical training provides an outlet for their boundless energy. Some of the other benefits of taekwondo for young boys include the following:

• Allows them to kick and punch under controlled conditions
• Teaches self-control
• Teaches them the need for taekwondo to remain in the Dojang
• Teachers are also great role models
• Instructors are fit, healthy and controlled as well as being senior students

How Taekwondo Benefits Girls

While many people see taekwondo as a sport for boys, the reality is girls can benefit from martial arts training as well. For instance, when girls are fit and healthy they have a positive image of their bodies. They also develop self esteem and self confidence as a result of learning in person confrontation and develop power through wooden boards. It doesn’t matter whether the child is a boy or girl; kids taekwondo helps them become physically and menta
lly stronger.

Keep in mind taekwondo is not just about physical training; it’s also training for the mind. In kids taekwondo children learn complicated movements that help their memory and ability to concentrate. During martial arts training they also learn how to coordinate their bodies. The training involves a great deal of discipline, which teaches them how to gain the self-discipline they need to push forward no matter how difficult training is.

Training in taekwondo also teaches children about respect and courtesy. It begins with respect for the instructors and each other. This in turn teaches them to respect themselves. They learn the importance of being polite to everyone whether they like them or not—definitely a great skill to take with them into adulthood. Some of the other things they learn include:

• How to persevere
• How to press forward if something is difficult but worth achieving
• How to face failure and move past it by picking themselves up and trying again

When children succeed the pride shows on their smiling faces. This gives a real boost to both their self confidence and self esteem. Taekwondo can help children become surer of themselves and ultimately gain the confidence they need to speak in front of the class or even perform a difficult pattern in front of a panel of judges, the kind of tasks that will help them become successful adults.

They will learn to teach and become mentors to the younger children which helps them learn and achieve patience and kindness. Eventually these children will become calm and self-assured young people who possess the self confidence they need to accomplish everything they need and want to do. In fact, those who have self esteem are less likely to engage in destructive behavior such as substance abuse. It also means children who have trained in kids taekwondo are not as likely to become victims of the school bully.

The Beginning of Mainstream Martial Arts

In the mid 20th century, Taekwondo black belts and other martial artists were considered inferior by street fighters and other newer forms of fighting. But with the sudden rise of Mixed Martial Arts training in the late 1990’s into the main events of today with pay-per-view casting, certain martial art forms have experienced a revival of interest. With the support of mainstream media, people were exposed to martial arts training and have since contributed to the growing rise in popularity, particularly in taekwondo.

Chuck Norris, 8th degree black belt Grand Master in karate, heavily popularized the sport through film, not to mention the multiple world championship titles he achieved. He has dedicated his life to martial arts training and secured taekwondo as one of the world’s greatest forms of martial arts. Many grand master martial artists are well regarded within in the martial arts community, but Norris redefined everything. Other styles are similar but not considered as efficient as Taekwondo.

Even the beloved “Al Bundy,” Ed O’Neill from the TV Show “Married with Children,” off screen, is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the age of 67. Martial artists decorated by their many years of training, are generally confident and modest, and serve as a great role models for the community, especially children. O’Neill was training with one of the greatest names in MMA, the Gracie family, renown for their unique fighting style.

Another “actor” that is a notable fighter worldwide aside from Chuck Norris, is definitely Steven Seagal, a 7th-dan black belt. His action packed films and the fact he was a real life law enforcement officer has been a major influence in the martial arts community.

Arguably, one of the most famous known martial art practictioners, was Elvis Presley.  The “King” was a black belt in Karate and studied under Ed Parker, a renown Kenpo martial artist as well as a celebrity trainer.  Nowadays, the Mixed Martial Arts community is larger than ever expected.

Millions of Americans and Europeans fill up Sports Bars to watch the Pay-Per-Views on Saturday nights, especially of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.  There are several Taekwondo styled athletes involved in the UFC. Forrest Griffin, the original “Ultimate Fighter” TV series winner is notably one of the most recognized as well as a first to come to mind.  The Ultimate Fighter TV series is now on its 12th season and tops in the ratings amongst viewing pools.  The climb to popularity has been steep for martial artists in the Western world. But, with such notable figures, Taekwondo and other forms have become more mainstream than ever.

Martial Arts for Everyday Application

Martial arts describes a wide range of cultural combatant techniques that have been integrated in many facets of human existence. Long before any gun could fire or sword strike down a man, people have used their own bodies as weapons for millenniums. Even as far back as Ancient Egypt, scenes within their art and writing system of hieroglyphics depict organized fighting techniques, especially between two people, that is very much like the competitive martial arts we see today.

Throughout history, warfare has evolved to incorporate very technologically advanced equipment. Soldiers have vision in the night time, sensors detect land mines, and supersonic missiles are shot down mid flight. Firearms are only one of the many tools modern soldiers use in the field. And still, every military integrates martial arts in their training programs because it is the foundation every soldier needs to be ready for deployment.

Becoming a soldier, though, is only one occupation of the many to choose from in the world, but most surprisingly, store clerks, history teachers, and even corporate leaders may practice martial arts rigorously.  For many individuals spread among all demographics, the practice of combatant art forms serve more than just a fighting purpose. There is as much emphasis on body training as there are mental training, as well as spiritual growth.

A great example of an alternative reason for undertaking martial arts is self defense. A typical well rounded citizen does not spend their time scanning the streets for a fight. But needless to say, thousands of people every year are harmed because of the small criminal population in society. Through even basic training in self defense, several people have successful fought off attempted thievery, rape, and bullying.

Since martial arts was designed for application in all facets of daily life, other people have used it to maintain a mental discipline. To master any skill or craft, it requires constant high levels of devoted time, attention, and of course practice. The will, though, to continue training develops a mental strength  of discipline that can only benefit a practitioner. Even for self defense measures, the successful physical execution will require the same commitment on a mental level.

If you're searching for an activity that is fun, useful, and in all ways beneficial, then martial arts should be your first consideration. Any practitioner, both beginner and grand master levels, can attest to the everyday benefits derived from martial arts training.