The Importance of Being a Self-Directed Learner

By Caleb Feagans, 2nd dan, Conifer Instructor

As a result of recent events, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute has moved to online learning and has been conducting modified in person classes for the months of self-quarantine and during this time students of the CTI are starting to truly understand what it means to be a self-directed learner.   

One of the aims and goals of Moo Sul Kwan is to “Help students in identifying and accomplishing appropriate goals, developing a sense of self-esteem and confidence, in encouraging their desire for self-directed learning”.   CTI martial arts instructors help their students set goals and assist them in achieving those goals however, during this time we cannot get together and work out consistently twice a week. At this time we as students must now continue to work out and grow by ourselves and force ourselves to set goals and strive to accomplish those goals. 

The definition of self-directed learning is the process in which one takes initiative to set goals and takes the steps necessary to accomplish those goals.   In Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo, we set goals like earning our next belt, increase our maximum number of push-ups, finally nailing that perfect side kick, or breaking a board with a kick you’ve been working on.   Our instructors push us every class and help us progress towards our goals, but now we cannot go see our instructors twice a week in classes so we can get that support and help.   That is why now is the time to truly become a self-directed learner by setting and working towards those goals on our own. 

 I have found that my motivation to do work-outs consistently and after a few weeks has been minimal.  I tried to do my basics and warm-ups as much as I could using the remote learning page but it was not until I created a training chart and set goals for myself that I finally started to get excited about working out since self-quarantine began.  Creating a training chart, having an accountability partner or make new small goals to achieve during this time will help bring back that sense of accomplishment.  Not only will you become stronger when we eventually return to regular classes, but you will be a better self-directed learner.  Being a better self-directed learner will not only help you with your MSK Taekwondo goals, but it will make you a better co-worker, a better student in school, and simply a better person in general.  During these uncertain times it can be difficult to motivate yourself but in the CTI one key aspect of becoming a great student is the ability to be a self-directed learner and now is the best time to show off that skill to your instructor and yourself.

Waiting to be Uncovered: Littleton CTI

By Irene Kim, brown belt

You've decided to live in Littleton, Colorado, nestled close to 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 Littleton 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 Littleton neighborhood.

Located on Simms Street, right between Bowles and Belleview, the Littleton location is easy to get to, and is far from the traffic of Kipling or even Wadsworth.

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 Littleton 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 intruiging 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.

The tenets you will learn include Self-control, Courtesy, Integrity, Perserverance and Indominable Spirit.  Your training will instill these characteristics into every part of your life and will inspire others around you as they observe your improving strength. Others may question how you attained such respect in the Littleton and Colorado community.  As you advance in your training, the traditions and instruction methods will continually be demonstrated through you to improve our society.

Join us at the Littleton 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.

10th Annual CTI Food and Clothing Drive

THE BEST ONE YET!

Our 10th annual CTI Food and Clothing Drive was the best  yet!

Congratulations and thanks to everyone who helped with this yearly CTI event.

Each of our Denver area martial arts schools in, Littleton, Westminster, Golden, Conifer and Green Mountain collected food and clothing for two local food and clothing shelters.

Students, instructors, family members and friends brought food and clothing donations to their CTI Campus during October and helped us help those in our community!

Martial Arts in Littleton

When someone says “martial arts,” what comes to mind? It may be a movie star like David Carradine, Chuck Norris or Bruce Lee. For me, it used to be Jackie Chan. I like that he always plays a good guy and the use of every day objects and set props in his fight scenes are wildly clever. Since I began learning taekwondo, the words, marital arts, bring a completely different set of images to my mind.

Colorado Taekwondo Institute is a wonderful educational journey which encompasses mind, body and spirit. Littleton is much like other Colorado communities in that it offers a wide range of activities. When I got tired to the health-related activities that had become a part of my life, I searched close to home for something that would motivate me to stay active and offer a learning component. (Really: how many times can one do a bicep curl and not get bored?)

Historically, as indicated by the word “martial” defined as appropriate to war, early forms of martial arts were created for combat situations such as military, law enforcement and self-defense. Throughout the centuries, martial arts have also become a way to create personal physical and spiritual fitness. The spiritual component may have started due to the creation of these arts by monks and nuns. The concept of martial arts as a sport solidified in the 20th century when various sparring forms became competitive. For example, the summer Olympics now have competitions in taekwondo, judo and boxing.

The Littleton location, as well as all other locations, of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) offers a great workout for bodies of all ages and genders. As mentioned previously, in addition to contributing to physical fitness, martial art training has benefits for mental health. Who doesn’t want to have better self-esteem, emotional and physical self-control and spiritual growth?

I am over 60 years old and began taking martial arts only a few years ago. As an unusual age demographic for a beginning student, the reasons I was attracted to marital arts are the same reasons as everyone else which it usually one or more of the following: physical fitness, self-defense, mental alertness and to create a learning opportunity. Senior citizens are overlooked in this type of sport and rightfully so as they are not the first people that come to mind where martial arts are concerned. People who have been active most of heir lives find the desire for fitness does not disappear just because one’s knees are no longer able to do a double-diamond bump run when skiing. We have learned to adapt our fitness routine to make it more age-appropriate. Littleton CTI black belt instructors understand how far to push to achieve the maximum benefit. They help me improve stamina, create the ability for physical safety and assist me with my ever-diminishing memory. To illustrate the improvement in my daily life, I can testify the few times I have fallen in the last year have resulted in little to zero body damage which I can only surmise is due to improved coordination and body awareness.

Not every form of martial arts is right for every student. And, not every school is right for everyone. But, I have observed a wide range of students at the Littleton campus of CTI who are having fun while learning and living better lives. The school has created the experience many different people are looking for in martial arts.

My grandparents worked physically tough jobs and had no need look for external fitness routines. Similar to other baby-boomers, my occupation tends to create more opportunities to get a keyboard workout than one which encompasses the entire body. I plan to go into retirement in Littleton in fighting shape and a Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo marital arts education has created the process to do just that.

Learning Self-Respect and Respect For Others Through Taekwondo

By Bruce Dean, 1st dan

To me respect means many things in many different ways.  The first of these is the flavor of respect that is accompanied by wariness.  But it is not merely wariness or fear.  One might be wary of a gale at sea or a forecast of several feet of snow in the mountains, or one might be wary of an opponent’s awesome defensive side kick.  But to do nothing about this wariness is merely to be afraid.  Rather, to respect something fearful one must take measures to mitigate the possible impacts.  In a gale on a boat at sea, the respectful sailor would change course to out run or avoid the worst parts of the storm.  And he would batten down all the hatches, reef the sails, run safety lines and wear a safety harness while on deck.  For the case of the snow storm in the mountains the respectful mountain man would stock up on food and water, and periodically shovel and plow to mitigate the chance of snow loads damaging the house or of being trapped or “snowed in”.   And if a generator was available the mountain dweller would wisely make sure that it had plenty of fuel and was in proper working order, before the storm.  And in the case of the opponent and his awesome defensive side kick the respectful student would avoid showing his front and avoid just “charging right in.”

And still another type of respect is the one that comes with a sense of admiration.  But this is not merely to like or dislike.  Instead it is a sense of admiration that is accompanied by an appreciation of what is required to achieve that which is admired.  For example, one might admire a particular guitar player or singer, but unless one understands what was required for that musician to achieve their level of virtuosity it is very difficult to truly respect their accomplishment.  Similarly, one might admire what Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan or Jet Li does on a movie screen – even though movies are, of course, choreographed.  But unless one understands the level of proficiency required of a martial artist to go full speed and yet not injure his opponent it is once again difficult to really respect what these martial artists/actors are doing.  Which is to say nothing of the respect commanded by a 79 year old great grand master who does 2000 or more leg chops while teenage children of steel can barely walk after 200.

And the final flavor of respect that I have in mind is respect that comes with a sense of reverence. - a sense of holiness or destiny.  And this type of respect can be found and experienced in many different ways.  For example, someone who does not hold reverence for life and its remarkability might not have any reservations about building a deck out of wild harvested redwood.  But the student who holds a reverent respect for life and its myriad forms could likely only imagine that the appropriate place to see redwood is not in Lowes or Home Depot, but rather in an old growth forest.  And a similar sense of reverent respect must extend to one’s self.  The gift of life is not one to be squandered. And while there are many who abuse themselves with unhealthy habits (My family and I love the term “death sticks” from the second Star Wars movie when referring to cigarettes) the student who has a proper measure of self-respect must revere their body as the incredible gift it is.  It must be cared for and treated appropriately.  It must be nourished and kept fit.  And it also must be properly cared for when injured or ill.  And listened too.  By showing a reverent respect for one’s self the  student is first able to maximize the holy gift he was given – life itself. But also by showing a reverent respect for himself, the student is able to fully and truly respect life in all its forms, including his fellow humans.

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.

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute: Conifer School

Looking for karate or taekwondo classes for yourself or your child in the Denver/Foothills area?  The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has 5 campuses located in Westminster, Golden, Lakewood, Littleton, and Conifer.  The Conifer location of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is located in the Conifer Marketplace, next to Liks Ice Cream.  This location, just off of Highway 285, by the turnoff for Highway 73 toward Evergreen, allows us beautiful views of Conifer, and easy access with plenty of parking.

The Conifer campus of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute opened in 2007, and now has over 80 students.  Students come from Bailey, Evergreen, Morrison, Pine, and Conifer to train with the most experienced and hardest working black belts in the 285 Corridor. Our dynamic classes provide the best in Conifer martial arts lessons for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults.The Conifer Campus of the CTI has 9 fully accredited black belts, who all began at this campus as white belts.  These well trained black belts now assist or instruct classes, as well as continue their own training, at the Conifer location.  The head instructor at Conifer CTI is Grandmaster James M. Sautel, 7th degree black belt in Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo, the highest ranking and most experienced black belt in the area.  With over 30 years’ experience as a martial arts instructor, Grandmaster Sautel could teach at any campus – his choice to teach in Conifer has ensured that this campus in the mountains has the best of everything.

Morning, afternoon and evening taekwondo classes are offered for all ages at this location. Our students range in age from 2 to 57.  We have students who train together as a family in our family classes.  Many of our young students have encouraged their parents and siblings to join classes suited for their ages.Two to three martial arts classes are offered every day, Monday through Friday.  With so many classes offered, you are sure to find a class that fits your schedule.

The adult classes are taught by Grandmaster James Sautel, 7th dan black belt, and President of Colorado Taekwondo Institute.  We offer morning and afternoon sessions for our youngest students, the 2-5 year old tigers, taught by 2nd dan, Mrs. Eileen Lindner.  Our junior classes are offered in the afternoons, for the 5-12 year old students.  Also instructing and training at our Conifer location are 5th dan Miss Alice Meyung, 2nd dan, Mr. Caleb Feagans, and 1st dan, Miss Casey Feagans.

The carpeted custom suspension floors in our workout room provide support and cushion for your joints.  Some of the large windows in the workout room look out into the lobby, with a spacious viewing area where supportive parents watch their children learning new and increasingly difficult moves.  The other full length windows are open to the sidewalk, and seating area for our neighbor, Liks Ice Cream.  Summer evenings find many prospective students enjoying a treat while watching our students work out.

The mission of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is, "To encourage world-class leadership through educational excellence and Moo Sul Kwan martial arts traditions”.  Our passion has always been to develop black belts with leadership and teaching skills who make meaningful contributions at the family, school, and community levels.  More than ever, after thirty years of excellence, we believe that we can be the best at providing an education-based martial arts program that develops students into champions.

For more information about karate in Conifer at the Conifer Campus of the CTI, go to www.ColoradoTaekwondo.com or give us a call at 303-838-2783.

The Benefits of Martial Arts and Self-Defense

By: Ethan Trapp, 1st dan

Martial arts is a great activity for anyone of any age who is looking to learn self-defense. However, martial arts training also teaches important life skills. These are things like character building and setting goals so that you can have a sense of accomplishment. There are a few different kinds of martial arts. Some of them include Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Jujitsu and Hapkido. Each of these varies to a certain degree. For example, Taekwondo is more about hands and feet used to kick and punch, whereas Judo is more about throwing and falling. Martial arts physically helps people by teaching them multiple concepts.

First of all, you learn how to defend yourself against different types of attacks. This is an important life skill just to have. Also, martial arts keep you in shape! You can lose weight and even build muscles from this. Obesity has become a major problem in our society, and this needs to be fixed. Unlike some exercise programs, martial arts are actually fun and enjoyable to be a part of. This is great for little kids too! It releases energy so you can have better control over your children. Taking part in martial arts in summertime is especially helpful because your kids are home all day. Anyway, martial arts and self-defense help to keep you in shape as well. If you train hard, you will gain endurance and you will be able to work out for longer.

Along with that, martial arts offer competitions that you can compete in. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) offers tournaments where their students can compete in poomse, sparring, and board breaking. In addition, the CTI offers expos, promotion tests, and even a summer camp. Not only does this further the learning process, but it also creates a type of community feeling. You get to workout with your classmates, then have a great time with them and make new friends. These events also allow you to meet new people from other campuses.

Also, martial arts teach you great ideals and instill life skills in you. One of these is the idea of working hard. In our society, it has become a social normality to be lazy and cut corners on your work. However martial arts, in particular the CTI, teach you that hard work pays off. Next, we are taught to respect everyone, no matter what. This is important because you can’t be respected if you don't respect others. In addition, the CTI teaches the students to never give up. This is called perseverance, which is a great skill to have.

Lastly, we are taught to have and use integrity. This is to honor your word and never make empty promises. Having integrity is important for children, as well as adults.

Overall, martial arts and/or a self-defense program are a great activity to pick up if you are looking for something to do and have some extra free time. Martial arts help you physically stay in shape and release some energy from your kids. It also gives you a chance for competition and to make new friends. Lastly, it teaches you many useful life skills that carry on past martial arts. So if you are looking for something to do, consider a martial arts program, especially Taekwondo at the CTI.

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.

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!

Adult Martial Art and Self-Defense Training

By Tyler Murphy, 1st dan

Moo Sul Kwan taekwondo is an excellent style of martial arts training to learn important factors involved in self defense and the spirit of martial arts. I took karate when I was younger but I did not actually find where I belong until I found the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has been an excellent place for me to learn self-defense. I have been taking classes with the CTI for seven years now and I have learned an immense about of knowledge which has developed me into a black belt. I have been at training with the CTI, which has excellent instructors at each of their five locations in the Denver area.

Students of All Ages Learning Self-Defense

For me, the most important part to learning self defense is consistency, which is why it has always been an important thing for me to come to class at least twice a week. By coming twice a week I have been able to completely learn the many aspects of self defense taught at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. Our primary mode of learning self defense is through our basic routine which has been passed down for many years. This basic routine consists of punches, blocks and kicks; important tools to have in a self defense situation. We focus primarily on the blocks because protection is a key factor in self defense and has the ability to be far more important than the strikes. Strikes such as punches and kicks are also important which we practice using soft targets, and sometimes breaking boards.

We also practice blocks, punches, and kicks is when performing our forms. These forms are essentially the basic routine in motion where we can work on punching and kicking in different stances and situations which helps student to become versatile and able to perform techniques in all situations. If the only time we ever punched during class was with our legs bent in the same fashion we would be completely useless in any other position. As busy people, there is no way that we spend all of our day in the same position which is why we need to be able to perform self defense techniques in many different stances and places.

Another way that has taught me to learn self defense is the one-step sparring. These are prearranged moves with a partner to practice form, accuracy, distancing, and all the possible angles of attack so that we are even more prepared to perform a technique in any position and we fully understand the many different possibilities in a self defense situation. This is different from free sparring because it is prearranged and practiced the same every time. We also practice, point-style free sparring as it teaches us to be quick on our feet and to be ready for anything because this is not a prearranged form of self defense. For this we are sparring another person and the goal is simply to score on the opponent. Since both people are attempting to score on one another the next move cannot be predicted which is why this is another great way to practice self defense.

From sparring I have learned how to approach another person who is also practicing self defense and also how to react in any situation. This ability to react does not come quickly however because we must first completely understand how to perform basic strikes and blocks in a fixed position which is what the basic routine provides us with. That is why it is essential to have the basic routine in nearly all of our classes and why that is our most important method to teach self defense. Through the repetition of the basics routine in our Moo Sul Kwan taekwondo classes we learn over time how to properly execute the basic techniques essential to the rest of the CTI curriculum.

Lastly, we also practice our self-defense moves, which are derived from our Moo Sul Kwan Hapkido. These are ways of defending ourselves if we are grabbed by an opponent. Each belt you learn new defenses from various attacks, and we practice them until we become proficient in them.

As long as a student stays with the program, tries there best, and practices what they learn, there is absolutely no doubt that they will one day have immense knowledge about self defense and martial arts training, which gives you peace of mind and confidence knowing you can protect yourself and loved ones.

Finding the Best Martial Arts School

Many people who are new martial arts, but are interested in finding the best martial arts school for their kids or as adults that want to get started learning a martial arts are often surprised to see how martial arts school vary so much from school to school. Cost, structure of classes and techniques learned vary tremendously, but also the culture, respect, quality of instruction and workout facilities vary greatly. When you're looking into a martial arts school, you want to find the right one for your family.

Probably the first thing most people inquire about when looking into a martial arts school is the cost, which will vary greatly. Some programs are just "club" activities at a local rec center, so they will likely cost less. But, since it's just a club activity, students likely won't get the most from their time training. Finding an established martial arts school is the best way to learn martial arts from a certified instructor. But on the other end of the spectrum, some schools will charge an astronomical amount for dues. In some cases this instructor's ego thinking their school is the best and therefore should cost the most, when often they aren't the best martial arts school around, pound for pound.

So when looking into the cost of a martial arts school, it's best to gauge the quality of instruction and the value of the program. Ask to try out a free class or two and see the program and let it speak for itself. It is an investment for you and your family, and you should see there will be results that you are looking for. Find the school that has the highest quality of instruction, no matter the cost.

Also, when trying out your introductory classes, you should look at the structure of the classes. Is the black belt instructor leading the students and setting a good example, or are assistants doing all of the teaching? Is the class structured to instill discipline and respect, or are students wild and out of control as if on recess? Martial arts are meant to teach discipline, focus and control and the structure of the class will show how much students are getting from the program.

One thing that people will often focus on is the martial art learned, when often that shouldn't be one of the more important factors when making a decision on a school. I personally love Taekwondo, but when talking to my sister about which school my nieces should join, I recommend finding the school with the best program. Every martial art teaches self-defense period. Students will be better able to defend themselves with training. But the other factors of the school (Are the instructors good role models? Are classes positive and fun? Are instructors mean and yelling at students? Are classes structured, yet dynamic?) are what will really influence how much you or your child gets out of the program. Don't put too much concern on the martial art taught, find the school with the best martial arts program.

When looking for local martial arts schools, another thing to consider is the facility. You will want to find a school that puts thought into the safety of its students training. Since martial arts involve lots of time on your feet and lots of action while barefoot, you want to find a school with good flooring. Some schools will place 1/2" foam mats on cement floors and call it good. This won't absorb much impact from jumping and doing kicks and forms. Other schools will build suspension, floating floors on foam blocks and use plush carpeting to reduce as much as possible the amount of impact and pressur on students knees, ankles and backs.

Large workout area with floating floors

Also, you want to make sure there is enough room for students to safely practice. There needs to be plenty of room within the workout areas so students won't accidentally collide with each other. Also, you should check the general state of the school. Is it clean, well-lit and everything up to date, or are things run down and in disrepair. You want to make sure to find a local martial arts school that will provide a safe environment for you or your children to learn.

With all of this been said, I want to personally invite you and your family to come and try a free week of classes here at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. We have five Denver-metro campuses, including: Lakewood (Green Mountain area), Littleton (servicing Littleton, Columbine and Morrison areas), Westminster (servicing Westminster, North Arvada and Broomfield areas), Golden (servicing Golden and Applewood areas), and Conifer (servicing Conifer, Evergreen and Bailey). Whether you are looking for adult self-defense classes, karate for kids, teens taekwondo, or anything in between, we can help you out. We've been providing the best martial arts instruction in Colorado since 1983.

Keeping Your Children Focused

It is no secret that education is undoubtedly vital for a child’s success in life. They can read the Saturday paper to scan the employment ads; they can write a thank you card to a person who interviewed them for employment; they learn how to create a good resume; They can make correct change; these are all crucial skills for child to learn if they are going to survive in the competitive job market when they grow older. But are there some things that a public school cannot teach a child? If you are looking to expand your child’s horizons even further, prepare them for the real world even more, or even help them do better in school, then you might want to get your child involved in martial arts.

Martial arts promote self-discipline in ways that hardly any other after-school activities can match. They will learn to focus on achieving their goals, they will learn how to rely on their self rather than a group, and they will feel a need to attend class regularly (even when they don’t feel like it). All of these attributes of discipline will carry over into their work at school.

The ability to memorize will be taught to them in the forms of the martial arts. These forms of martial arts movements can be fairly complex and can really test a child’s ability to remember them. This stimulation of the brain helps children remember their studies better.

Their child’s ability to focus is a huge dilemma for some parents. In martial arts, students must watch, listen, and engage all other senses to learn the techniques, at the same time tuning out distractions. By the time these children reach black belt, they have a incredible focus.

Respect is something that will make or break a child’s efforts at school. Martial arts highly emphasize the value of respect and children will be at a big advantage at school and in later life if they treat others with respect. They will also learn respect for self, which means they will be able to resist peer pressure.

The martial arts build accountability from day one. If you master a series of techniques, you earn your stripe or belt. If you don’t do your best, the disappointment you feel at not getting your belt will teach you to be accountable to yourself and try much harder next time. Being accountable to oneself is necessary for success in school, and also in life.

Give your children the edge in school; get them in a martial arts program. You won’t regret it.