Teens in Martial Arts

By Carina DuLong, 1st dan

Martial arts for teens provides many benefits to help navigate turbulent years that include major physical, emotional, and mental development while transitioning from middle school to high school, then high school to college and beyond. The five tenets of taekwondo —courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit—build a solid foundation to last a lifetime. Teenagers learn many skills in their taekwondo training that are applicable to daily life which allow them to grow into compassionate human beings who make good decisions. Taekwondo also provides an excellent mental distraction while learning and memorizing self defense routines, and offers a positive outlet for feelings of frustration through focused kicking and punching. 

Though some teenagers may not be enthusiastic about joining a sport, I would encourage everyone to give martial arts a try. The activities are accessible for everyone and students can participate at whatever level or intensity they are comfortable with. Martial arts for teens provides a way for students to increase their physical capabilities, and exercises can be adapted depending on injuries or flexibility. We stretch every class and do exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks that develop our muscles and increase our stamina. As students progress, they have the opportunity to break boards, which improves skills like balance, foot-eye coordination, and precision due to having to hit a board in the correct spot with an appropriate force. Students learn increasingly difficult techniques that improve their physical fitness as they progress.

Just like other sports, martial arts for teens exposes teenagers to an environment that requires sportsmanship and recognition of rules. Students learn how to respect their instructors and their competition and learn from their mistakes by competing in tournaments. They also gain skills that many athletes value such as quick decision-making and reflexes through free sparring. There are team tournaments and individual tournaments which teach students different ways of interacting with others, sometimes working with people on a team and other times competing against them. To master complex techniques, teens practice self-control and discipline while preparing for tournaments, and feedback from instructors helps them learn to accept constructive advice to improve their performance.

Martial arts for teens delivers valuable mental benefits as well as physical benefits. CTI teaches students how to have respect, self control, integrity, perseverance, and many more important qualities that carry into daily life. Teenagers are often subjected to peer pressure that can result in harmful and dangerous situations with long-lasting consequences, but martial arts training can give them the confidence to stand up to questionable influences and do what they know is right. Martial arts classes highlight the importance of being a kind person who takes care of the people around them. When we spar or do partner work, the number one guideline is to take care of our partners so we continue to have a supportive environment where everyone can learn effectively and feel safe while doing so. Upper belts also have the opportunity to teach lower belts which requires patience and a thorough understanding of the routines being taught.

Some teens struggle with the “one size fits all” mentality in school, where students are continuously compared to other students and graded on a standardized academic scale. Martial arts for teens reinforces the importance of self-directed learning because students all learn at their own pace. Students who practice more and ask questions will progress faster and benefit more from their training. Everyone moves towards black belt at their own pace depending on how self-motivated they are, and students recognize that they can reach black belt as long as they pay attention and try their best. 

Martial arts for teens can provide a helpful contrast to an academic setting since students are really competing against themselves and can measure their success on an individual basis. Taekwondo is the perfect environment for teenagers to learn how to set goals and make a plan to reach them because they can see the progress they make in every class. Self-directed learning carries over into school and work because teachers and employers value those who seek out information for themselves and are always motivated to learn more.

Although it might seem like adding martial arts to a teenager’s already busy schedule will just add to their stress, the results are worth it. Martial arts for teens is a structured environment that reinforces life skills such as focus, dedication, goal-setting, and respect for others. Physical activity is a fantastic way to relieve stress, and students are learning self defense while decompressing and venting frustrations in a safe and constructive way. They also have a creative outlet when making breaking routines to showcase their strengths, while achieving goals and participating in tournaments increases their self confidence, which helps navigate real life. Taekwondo and other martial arts challenge both the mind and body in a positive way.

Benefits of Martial Arts for Teens

By Katie Minden, 2nd dan

Martial arts for teens offers extensive benefits in areas including exercise, memory, and learning. Martial arts such as Taekwondo, Jujitsu, Karate, etc. are able to challenge and satisfy teenagers in a way that assists in the common struggles teens often experience. Organizations such as the Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) are perfect to engage restless teens in a fulfilling and challenging activity to stimulate their bodies and minds. Martial arts can aid in stress, boredom, mental illness, and the general need for gratification that one can acquire by becoming involved in a sport. 

To begin, the most obvious benefit of martial arts for teenagers is the physical aspect. Many teens now are often pinned down with the burden of heavy school work or jobs, and even when enough free time rolls around, teens may take the time to rest or spend time on their phone. This rest is most definitely needed and deserved, but it can get to a point where instead of using down-time constructively to rest and restore, teens may fall into laziness and boredom. The assumption may be that adding on another task such as practicing martial arts into a weekly routine would add more burden to a teen’s already busy life, but martial arts can often be a time to relieve built up stress while also physically challenging oneself. A twice weekly class is enough to cultivate a teenager’s body into a strong, healthy vessel, which will translate into benefits at school and in life. At the CTI, our instructors are completely aware of the hectic lives teens live, but they also firsthand have either seen or have personally experienced the benefits of doing martial arts for teens. A workout routine is perfect to realign a teen’s mind through physical activity, and by combining the physical and mental aspects used in every martial arts practice, teens can clear clutter in their mind while challenging it simultaneously. 

Martial arts for teens is easily one of the most creative outlets that one can utilize. Often, with school and other activities, everyday life becomes completely objective, but at the CTI, we encourage each student to come to class with their ideas, questions, and learning developments they experience while practicing Taekwondo. While each martial arts program contains their specific aspects that the student must learn, oftentimes there is room for teens to explore why and how they can move their body in each form. This also adds to the physical aspect of understanding the connections of the body, from the hands to the feet and more, as well as the mental connection of practicing mind to muscle connection in every move performed. The CTI also strives to harbor reflexive thinking skills with martial arts aspects like free-sparring, a way to practice unchoreographed moves in a quick and high intensity manner while still remaining in a controlled and safe environment. In this way, martial arts for teens cultivates the free-thinking aspect as well as still requiring after and fore-thought about why the moves they practiced either did or did not prove successful. 

With the numerous distractions that happen every second of a teenagers life, oftentimes it is easy to become disconnected from the surrounding world and difficult to stay focused on any task necessary. Martial arts for teens serves as a stellar outlet to both improve focus for teens, while cultivating a grounded attitude in high-stress situations. The beginning steps of the program offered at the CTI always include establishing the expectation that to achieve the most out of every class, a student must focus their attention on their instructor. This concept often requires much more attention when applied to younger children, but teens are at a perfect developmental stage to understand that if they focus their attention on what they are being taught, they will understand the material quicker, allowing for a quicker progression. Along with providing a more enjoyable experience for a teenager, it also provides incentive to focus because the feeling of moving up and learning more becomes exciting. 

Martial arts may seem daunting especially considering the multifaceted nature of the physical and mental ways of learning required to understand martial arts. However, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute thrives to both challenge all students that walk in our doors and especially the teenagers which have some of the greatest potential to take what can be learned in martial arts and apply it to their everyday lives. The critical thinking and evaluation skills attached to the learning and memorization of different skills benefit teenagers in their school, work, and home lives. The physical outlet to relieve stress allows teenagers to constructively use their time not only to break away from the ever-constant homework, but to focus on something that targets and stimulates satisfactory parts of the brain which teens need so as not to become too bogged down. Martial arts for teens offers a range of benefits in a variety of ways which both provide the teenager with a more expansive outlook and allow for these new perspectives to permeate into the hectic lives of teenagers and offer some guidance. 

The Benefits of Taekwondo for Teenagers

By Bridget Sautel, 5th dan black belt

Being a teenager comes with many different types of stress, ranging from educational and mental type stress, to social and home-life stresses. There are different outlets that can be used to cope with these stressors, some of which might not lead down good paths, and could result in bad outcomes. Luckily there are outlets that can lead to productive outcomes, that will guide the teen in a positive direction. One of these outlets can be to participate in the teen martial arts. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute is one of the longest established martial arts schools in the area. Some of the benefits Colorado Taekwondo Institute can give a teenager include: surrounding oneself with good influences, becoming and staying physically fit, establishing good habits, and learning how to commit to something and stick with it, even when it gets tough. 

It is crucial for teenagers to have healthy ways to release stress that comes with school, homework, and maintaining the social aspects of life. When participating in a taekwondo class, the student is so focused on what they are doing, it is equivalent to a form of meditation. When the student walks into the classroom, they leave everything at the door, and all the focus is put towards exercise, memorization, physical strength, and having fun. When all the focus is put towards these activities, the mind is pulled away from the stressors of everyday life, and the brain gets a much needed break. While the body is getting a workout, the mind is still actively learning at the same time. When you join a Colorado Taekwondo Institute class, and probably in other Littleton karate classes, you will be expected to attend class at least a couple times a week. Consistency is a valuable skill to acquire, especially as a teenager. Consistency will allow the individual to have something constant in their busy lives, which will be key to continued stress relief. 

One of the most important elements of teenage life is surrounding oneself with friends and acquaintances that are good influences, that will provide steady positivity and motivation. This will allow success in school, sports, social life, and home life, just to name a few. The life-long friends you will find at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute are especially unique, in that they will be the best influences in a multitude of ways. The main reason for this, is the bond that transpires with one another during taekwondo classes and events. This bond forms because of all the working out and sweating together, commitment to the same martial art, and most of all, the passion you share for the art of taekwondo. This positive influence will supply the individual with treasured qualities, including dedication, self-directed learning, and a bright and focused mind. These will all help a taekwondo student grow and stay engaged to a positive mindset. This will then flow out into other areas of life and allow success in school and at home. Prospering in these areas will open up so many opportunities in the near future and later on in life. At the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, and possibly in other Littleton karate classes, there will be a strong support circle that will help you progress through the belts and keep improving as a martial artist. These will be life-long friends that will provide support not only at teen martial arts classes, but also in daily life outside of taekwondo. 

Another characteristic that is imperative to develop during teenage years is how to maintain physical fitness and keep the body in good shape. As the years go on this can become more difficult, and it will become critical to establish healthy long-term habits. The continued attendance that is expected at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute and at some Littleton karate schools, will help to develop a healthy habit of consistency for the student. Physically conditioning the body, and learning exercises to stay in shape and develop flexibility, are also valuable habits to learn at a young age. Good health should never be taken for granted, and taekwondo will help keep the body young and fit. In addition to physical health, focusing on mental health is just as important. Excelling in school, and discovering new hobbies and friends, are key factors for favorable mental health. There is a huge educational piece that is incorporated into classes at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, and students are expected to complete monthly homework’s and written tests along with the progression of belts. This educational component will carry over to schoolwork and will allow the student to stand out from the others, which will lead to a wider range of opportunities in the future. Developing and maintaining physical fitness early on will enable an individual to continue to do taekwondo at older ages and stay active for as long as possible.

The most invaluable quality a teenager can acquire is to be able to start something and then stick with it. This can mean different things depending on the area of life. In school this could mean sticking with a hard math problem until it is solved or finishing a difficult essay. For a teen martial arts student it could mean getting to class even when feeling unmotivated or lazy. When life or school may get tough, the instructor or teacher will help the student regain motivation to push through the hard times and continue to progress. If something gets hard or doesn’t come easy, it’s natural to lose focus, but being able to regain this focus after a short period of time is what matters. The big picture always needs to be in mind, and the student should always have short-term goals AND long-term goals to constantly be reaching for. This assortment of goals will ensure motivation to get through the small bumps in the road and keep pushing through. When things get hard or life gets busy, time management comes to the rescue and makes it possible to juggle all of these parts of life, in order to become successful. When a student becomes unmotivated, it can be beneficial to notice all of the qualities the Colorado Taekwondo Institute can provide – self-directed learning, self-discipline, stability, and lifelong physical fitness and learning. Remembering these valuable qualities can help regain motivation. This will lead to an all-around prosperous and positive continuous lifestyle.

Teenage years can be a difficult time, but with healthy outlets such as teen martial arts, along with good influences and habits, these years can become some of the most important and valuable for what’s to come. Success will be inevitable, instead of out of reach. There’s always going to be highs and lows, but how these are handled and overcome, is what will define an individual’s success. 

Taekwondo in Your Everyday Life

 By Ahas Weerapura, Teen Red Belt

Things you learn in Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo can be used in your everyday life. This does not mean kicking and punching, but other things too. This includes the physical exercises, behaviors, and skills we learn in class.

For example, you can do some physical exercises we do in class at home, like stretching, pushups, jumping jacks, and situps. This can help you to become more flexible and strong, and give you something to do in your free time, instead of doing something unproductive. Also, you can use some of the techniques we use in Taekwondo, like falling drills and stances. These can be helpful to know and may help you in a dangerous situation where you may need it, as well as being good for your back and having stability, giving you healthy habits.

You can also use some of the respectful things we learn in Taekwondo, like saying “yes ma’am” or “yes sir” to people. This is an excellent thing to do as it shows respect and also shows that you heard what the other person said. That can be important in your everyday life because it will be a part of how people look at you and think of you. Taekwondo can also help to build other good qualities like confidence and good sportsmanship through activities like tournaments, where you have to perform in front of judges and be a good sport about the score and place you get. You also can improve more from these qualities, as they will allow you to see that you need to improve, and having this sportsmanship in other activities, like work or school, will do the same.

Taekwondo can also help you to learn skills for things like tests in school and studying for tests, by making you do those things, and progressively making them harder. This is similar to a teaching process called scaffolding, which is where guidance is progressively removed as students become more proficient in that skill. An example of this is our written tests, and as a white belt testing for yellow belt, the test is simple, and you are given the aid of the manual to do it. Then, as you progress through the belts, the written test gets more and more difficult, and when you test from purple belt to brown belt, the test is closed book, requiring you to study. This can help you learn how to prepare for school tests by making you study and memorize information.

Taekwondo can give you many benefits outside of self-defense and can improve your life. It can make you a more respectful, likable person, and give you virtues like self-control and respect for others, which can help you in things involving interactions with other people. I would be a very different person if I didn’t have Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo in my life, and I am very thankful for the benefits it has given me.

Modesty In Your Everyday Life

By Jordan Rutz, Teen Red Belt

Being modest is a huge part of being a Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo student. We do lots of different events including tournaments, Summer Expos, Symposiums, and Camps. Especially at tournaments, we win some and we don't win some. When we get first place we have been taught, as a part of Moo Sul Kwan, to not brag about it. We should definitely be proud that we won first place, but we don't want others feeling bad because they didn't. Just know that now you have a huge target on your back now, theoretically. That means that everyone is going to try and beat you next time because you won. 

The definition of modest is basically the same thing as being humble. Being humble means not being too proud or not thinking of yourself as being better than someone else. You can still definitely be proud and you can boast about it all you want at home. But when you're at a tournament in front of all your competitors, after you've won, you want to shake hands and say good job so that they feel good about themselves. 

So how can being modest help you in your daily life? Well, let's talk about it. Let's just say your best subject in school is math. There are not many kids that are as good at math as you are. if you took a math test, and you got a hundred percent on that test, you don't want to brag about it. If I'm being completely honest with you, I wouldn't share my score with anyone even if I did very well. We, as Moo Sul Kwan students, want others to feel good about themselves. Just like the two big rules in class. Those rules are: pay attention and try your best. It doesn't matter whether you got a very low score or a very high score, as long as you paid attention and tried your best you're a winner.

Research findings have revealed that humble people are happy, and have more positive emotions lying deep inside of them. Being humble or modest also allows you to feel happy about the achievements of not only yourself but others. You will become less self-involved and take more of a happy interest in satisfying the needs of others, making you a better friend and a better person in general.

Overall being modest can help you wherever you are. They can help you because it will make you a better friend, it will make you a better person, and it will make you feel better inside. When we are modest We and the people around us are going to feel better making the world a better place. So tell me, how can you be more modest in your daily life?

Being a Teen in Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo

By Konner Evans

Being in Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo since I was three has helped me in many parts of life and with developing into an adult. More specifically it has helped me through my teenage years. What I learned from being a Moo Sul Kwan student has been helpful and crucial to my life. There are many things that teenagers deal with ranging from school, work, and relationships that I have had an easier time dealing with because of what I practice at Taekwondo. Traits that I have acquired such as perseverance, courtesy, courage, and self-control has been super helpful to me personally. What I have learned in Taekwondo has helped me as a teenager in school, work, and relationships.

What I have learned from teen Taekwondo has been essential for my success in school. High school can be a big task for a teenager with the large load of work and having to meet expectations on things such as tests. Taekwondo has helped me do this from what I have learned. Growing up in Taekwondo I was able to build a good work ethic with monthly homework and other work given to a student. This helped prepare me for the homework that I would deal with in high school. Also the written test that I would take to get each of my belts gave me a head start on dealing with test for school. Taking written test for Taekwondo taught me how to study, gave me good test taking skills, and taught me how to properly go in depth when answering questions. Traits such as perseverance has helped me push through the entire school year without giving up. Also Taekwondo has given courage and confidence to help with presentations. Taekwondo has been super helpful through many parts of my high school experience. 

Taekwondo has also been helpful for me in the work force. Later in my teen years I started getting interested in getting a job. Teen martial arts has been helpful at getting me jobs as well as helping me do the work that is required. When I first went to get a job at a dog training facility taekwondo was super helpful because I was able to put it on my resume which making it so I was not walking in with an empty resume. I was able to use Taekwondo as proof that I have commitment, work-ethic, and responsibility. Taekwondo has also helped me keep up with the expectations of the work. While some of my co-workers might strive to do the minimal amount of work what I have learned in Taekwondo has taught me the importance of going above and beyond in my work and It has helped me push to do that. From this I have received the benefits from going above and beyond in my work. Taekwondo has been super helpful for me entering the work force.

What I have learned in Taekwondo has also helped me with relationships. What I have learned in Taekwondo has been helpful when dealing with friendships. I have learned how to be courteous and how to communicate which has helped me build good relationships. Taekwondo has also taught me how to avoid peer pressure which can be very present in high school. At Taekwondo I have been able to interact with a large variety of people at a large variety of ages. This makes it easier for me to be able to interact with a large range of people such as not being anxious or out of place when talking with adults. What I have learned in taekwondo has helped me build good and strong relationships throughout my teenage years. 

Taekwondo, specifically teen martial arts,  has been extremely helpful for dealing with everything that come up during the teenage years. It has helped me deal with the work load that comes up with school. It has also prepared me for everything that I have to do for school. Taekwondo has also help give me an easy entrance into the workforce and given me traits that help when I am at work. Lastly Taekwondo has help me build good and healthy relationships with the people around me. Taekwondo has been really helpful for me and  has given me an advantage by preparing me for my teenage years.

CTI: the Perfect Environment for Teens

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute of martial arts is a perfect environment for children, adults and of course, teenagers. As the CTI provides an encouraging environment and stress relieving program, it allows teenagers to have a outlet for their frustrations and simply a easy way to exercise while still having a good time. As teenagers are usually in junior high or high school, most will have homework and stressing situations within school, and home. As a healthy and friendly environment, the CTI strives for a place that is seen as not stressful, but stress relieving. Most teenagers need a place where they can relax, a place that will help them become successful, and that is what the CTI tries to embody. 

The CTI offers many martial arts for teens at many locations, such as Lakewood, Littleton, Westminster, Golden & Conifer. As many teens already have tight schedules, classes are highly flexible, with each location offering classes Monday through Friday. There is also the option of additional private lessons with the instructor, providing one on one work with the student. Not having to worry about a schedule or whether they missed something, the student can be at ease, and continue to maintain a healthy relationship with his or her instructor and classmates.

The CTI program doesn’t take time away from studying or being around friends, in fact, there are only 4 tournaments a year, which means students wouldn’t be worrying about competitions all the time, as they aren’t common throughout the year unlike with other sports, which take more time for practices, games and training. The CTI keeps its students healthy, without overworking its students. When students do take part of competitions or extra classes and camps, they form a bond with one another, and usually that bond lasts for years. Many people in the CTI have trained together for years, and they have created a bond that won’t be broken. Being a teenager myself, I think that martial arts for teenagers is a great thing. 

Knowing people in and out of the CTI program, there are some differences that you will notice. The CTI is based on 5 tenets, which guide us, and help us in places outside of class. Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. As the CTI is a disciplined community, our students have been taught that each of these tenets are important, and that we should remind ourselves of them every once in a while. CTI helps teens deal with peer pressure and helps them with body image and self-confidence. I have known teens who came into the CTI insecure, then after a few months, they felt better about themselves and it was all uphill from there. The CTI is more than just workouts, it is a confidence building, bonding and healthy experience that will help teens, children and adults be happier and healthier. It is something that has helped many, and will continue to help more every day it stands.

Taekwondo For Teens

By Lindsey Boswell, red belt, CTI LeAD Team Member

With today’s social media, teenagers are spending more time online than they are with other people. They spend hours on their phones or computers, sitting down with their heads bent forward. This puts them at risk for physical, mental and social issues.

Physically, teenagers are more sedentary today. An article in Time Magazine discusses how the activity level of children changes in the teenage years and teens are becoming just as sedentary as adults over 60. This decline in physical activity has increased the obesity rates in schools.  Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo is a good option for teenage martial arts to help combat obesity and increase fitness because it provides both cardiovascular and muscular endurance.

Mental and social effects on teenagers today are greatly influenced by the media and social sites. This allows for constant images and messages to consume their time, often causing low self-esteem and depression. Prior to the rise of social media, kids who were bullied at school had a chance to get away from it during after-school hours and weekends. With smartphones today, bullying can happen at all hours, with little relief.

One way to combat these negative effects of new technology is to have teenagers be involved in sports, physically removing their phones from them during practice. Taekwondo places just as much importance in mental and social education as it does on physical fitness. Each class provides a great workout, with continuous learning, keeping the classes stimulating and fun. MSK Taekwondo supports respect and discipline in class and out, training students to be kind, upstanding citizens in their community

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute is much like an extended family. Social gatherings, events outside of class, and camps offer the students more time with other people and away from their electronics. Taekwondo is a great option for martial arts teens because it allows a support system for social and mental growth, and builds confidence and leadership skills with physical achievements.

All the Benefits of Martial Arts Training, No Matter the Age

By Erik Albrechtson, 6th dan

Are you looking for an activity for your kids to do this summer? Or are you looking for a fitness program to get into shape or lose a few pounds? In either case, you should consider trying out our martial arts classes at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. With our martial arts school locations here in Colorado, you're sure to find a class that is for you, no matter what age you are.

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute was founded in 1983, by Grandmaster James M. Sautel. Since then it has grown to 6 locations in Colorado, along with various before and after school programs at local Elementary schools.

One thing that is great about martial arts classes at our school, is there is a perfect fit for you, no matter your age, experience or fitness level. Four of the biggest reasons that parents enroll their children or why adults get started are for discipline, respect, focus and exercise.

Kids (ages 2 to 12)

• Discipline - Our structured, dynamic classes are a great way for your child to develop discipline. Within a few months, you will see your child's control over their mind and body grow.
• Respect - This is a big part of our classes for children. They are learning to respect adults and teachers, but they are also learning to respect themselves. This will help them make better decisions and to develop confidence in themselves.
• Focus - Along with discipline, our structured classes help students learn to focus. When learning new moves, exercising hard or kicking a target, they are learning to focus their mind, which in turn will help them focus at home and school.
• Exercise - It's no secret that the United States is in the top 20 most obese countries in the world.1 It is important to teach children when they are young, the value of hard work and exercise. Our martial arts classes are filled with jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups and martial arts techniques and forms that involves both cardio and muscular strength.

Teens

• Discipline - The need to develop discipline doesn't wane as children grow into their teen years. As they get older, they get more independence, and so the need to improve and grow their discipline does too. Our classes are a great way for teens to be thinking about controlling their body and mind.
• Respect - In our martial arts classes, teens are learning to respect their teachers (both here and at school) and their parents, and it starts with learning to respect themselves. This will help them make better decisions and to develop confidence as they grow into adults.
• Focus - It seems like there are more and more things to distract kids these days, so focus and the ability to focus are becoming more and more important. This will result in better school grades, and better performance in other activities and sports. 
• Exercise - Similar to their younger peers, teens are at danger to become overweight or obese. Not all schools require physical education classes through middle and high school, so there is a bigger chance teens are getting less exercise. Our classes are 60 or 90 minutes of dynamic movement and teach them the importance of staying fit.

Adults

• Discipline - Sometimes as adults we forget that we need to be working on our discipline too! Getting off the couch, cleaning out the garage like you've been meaning to, not over-reacting when a bag situation happens. The self-control learned here in classes will carry into all of the other components of your life. 
• Respect - Similar to the younger students, adults are working on developing respect for teachers, bosses and their peers. We have so many "success stories" of adult students who take the lessons learned here to the work place and it changes their performance at work, and they enjoy work so much more!
• Focus - Ever walk into a room and forget why you did? Even as adults we need to constantly be sharpening our minds and learning to focus on the task at hand. When learning complex martial arts patterns, kicks and blocks, you are sharpening your mind and developing that focus.
• Exercise - One common misconception for adults is that they have to be in good physical shape to start martial arts classes, but this is far from the truth! The idea is to join classes and to slowly get into shape, shed unwanted pounds and gain muscle mass. Classes are tailored to go at your own pace, so you set your goals and strive to achieve them!

So as you can see, there are great benefits for everyone here at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. But what makes us different than any other martial arts schools in the area? There are actually quite a few differences, and all martial arts schools aren't created equally!

First, we are a traditional Taekwondo school, teaching the same style of classes that were started by our founder, Great Grandmaster Lee H. Park, in 1969. The training and classes isn't watered-down by the latest fad that happens to be popular at the time. Our time-tested program and curriculum is sure to provide the best results, and be the safest for our students.

Second, the students' best interests are always in our core. Whether it comes to having spacious workout areas, custom built suspension floors to take the impact out of our training, or offering enough classes to have a balanced teacher to student ratio, we want what is best for our students!
Third, we have instructors that care. Each of our instructors start our program at white belts and are part of the program and grow to know each and every student. We take person interest in each and every student, and want to mentor them on their journey to black belt.

So stop by or give us a call at 303-428-5377 to learn more about classes. Or you can click here to request more information online. With five locations along the front range, there is sure to be a martial arts school locations near you. We look forward to hearing from you!

--------------------------------------------------------------
SOURCES:
1- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/maps-and-graphics/the-most-obese-fattest-countries-in-the-world/

Why Taekwondo is Great for Teenagers Like Me

By Collin Kreutz, 2nd dan

Have you ever considered getting your teenager involved in martial arts such as Taekwondo or Karate? Do you want them to get in shape, develop as a more well rounded person, and/or become proficient at defending themselves through participating in martial arts? Then look no further, because the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is the place for you! The Colorado Taekwondo Institute had been instilling excellence in our students physically and mentally for nearly 35 years. Established in 1983, our goal has always been to develop the most thoughtful, involved, physically adept, and motivated individuals of all ages, abilities, and experiences.

Anybody can join Taekwondo, whether the prospective student is a four year old child, a thirteen year old teenager, or a forty year old adult. The overwhelming benefits of what students can learn will help to promote growth and a healthier lifestyle for all different types of people, whether it be learning responsibility and respect at a young age or improving your determination and confidence at work. In fact, Taekwondo is a fantastic medium for different ages and abilities to work together towards a common goal, allowing the development of friendships and comradery to push on another to new limits.

Taekwondo is a fantastic way to improve physical health and wellness through consistency and hard work. Both aerobic and anaerobic exercise are vast networks within Taekwondo, helping to build strength, quickness, and endurance. Altogether, Taekwondo is one of the best sports for physical fitness in terms of consistency, as classes occur year round unlike many other sports and activities, and consistent practice is unquestionably the best way to improve your ability. Additionally, the physical developments of martial arts for teens will translate wonderfully and complement many other sports and activities. Whether it be through the consistent training of Taekwondo, or the extremely tough exercise at an event or test, the physical nature of the body will always benefit in some way when practicing Taekwondo.

However, one of the primary aspects that makes Taekwondo and martial arts so beneficial is the focus on promoting knowledge and education alongside the physical elements of the sport. Participating in martial arts for teens not only improves physical abilities, but mental ones as well through the development of leadership, respect, and our five tenets of Taekwondo: perseverance, indomitable spirit, self-control, integrity, and courtesy. Our instructors work hard to impart these qualities upon our students, and make sure that their training complements their education. These mental growths will help in every other part of your life, assisting in improving yourself at home, school, work, and wherever you may go.

Joining the Colorado Taekwondo Institute will also open up a large avenue at making new friends, attending exciting events, and stepping out of your comfort zone. We hold a multitude of events throughout the year, whether it be tournaments, expos, symposiums, or summer camps and day camps, all of which are excellent ways to complement one's training and meet new people. Furthermore, these events, along with test for the next belt, offer a great challenge to the student that must be overcome, further assisting in improving their mental willpower and determination.

So, if you are looking to join teens martial arts lessons, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute will be a great fit for you, no matter what you age or abilities are. Come along and join the fun!

Why Individual Sports, Including Martial Arts, Are Valuable for Teenagers

From the time they are born, children are constantly growing physically and mentally each day into the adult that they will one day become. They learn and grow as toddlers, children and as teenagers. Much research shows that children are developing well past their teenage years. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, "the brain doesn’t look like that of an adult until the early 20s."

So the teenage years are a valuable time for children to continue to learn life skills, such as perseverance, self-reliance, confidence, focus and physical fitness. Team sports often can provide the same benefits, but often they are not as beneficial because they have to rely on the team. If they aren't the best on a team, they won't play as often as the "super stars" on the team. With an individual sport, such as Karate or Taekwondo, each teen puts in their own effort and they receive what they put into it. Martial arts for teenagers are so wonderful and they develop so many benefits, including:

Perseverance: "The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places." - Author Unknown -- One great thing with martial arts, such as Taekwondo or Karate, is that they have a belt system which teaches students to persevere. Each belt has certain requirements that the teen must learn and master before moving on to the next belt. The process to get to black belt will take many years and a teen will have to persevere to obtain that goal. Luckily with the each of the small goals along the way, they learn how to push step-by-step to work hard until they reach their goal.

Self-Reliance: "Youth athletes in individual sports learn to be self reliant. Their success is entirely dependent on their own efforts. If they want to win, they can’t count on someone else carrying them through the competition. If they lose a match, individual sport athletes can’t blame anyone else for their failure. This teaches them to be responsible for their own action and decisions." -Sports Signup

Confidence: "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." -E. E. Cummings -- Often times children will start to become more shy or reserved during their teen years. But it is also the time when they need to learn to speak up and have great self-esteem. Speeches in high school, job interviews and public speaking are all right around the corner for them, and this is an important time for them to learn to have high esteem for themselves and to be confident.

Focus: “Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.” -Zig Ziglar -- Teenagers are often stereotyped as being lazy and lacking focus. As above, the teen years are important for their development for the "real world" after high school. Martial arts classes, such as those taught at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, are a great way for teens to develop their focus. Classes are structured and students need to focus on the task at hand to learn and develop their moves as they prepare for their next belt or an upcoming tournament.

Physical Fitness: "Approximately 12.7 million, or 17 percent, of children and adolescents are obese." -American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry -- This is an alarming statistic. Almost one out of 5 American children are obese, not just overweight, but obese. More and more children are eating less healthy and getting less excersise. Teen martial arts are great for developing physical fitness. Jumping jacks (cardio), push-ups & sit-ups (muscular strength & endurance), all through kicking, punching and blocking are a great, and fun way, for teens to keep themselves in shape and become much more healthy.

As you can see, individual sports are great for the development of teenagers. Teen martial arts is something you should consider for your child. With five Denver-metro locations, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is bound to have a class and program that will work for your family. Give us a call today and see what we have to offer your family.

-------------
SOURCES:

1- http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-teen-brain-still-under-construction/index.shtml

2- http://blog.sportssignup.com/blog/bid/120786/5-Benefits-of-Individual-Sports

3- http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Obesity-In-Children-And-Teens-079.aspx

The Uniqueness of Classes at the CTI

By Sean Lawlor, 1st dan, 15 years old

One major thing that sets CTI apart from other local martial art schools is the routine that classes go through almost every time.

Everyday classes at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute seem like a well-oiled routine for people that are just starting out. But the routine that is practiced in every class is what builds the foundation for everything else that you will learn later on in your Taekwondo career. This includes warming up, stretching, and basics.

Warming up is the first thing we do in a typical Taekwondo class and for good reason. By warming up you increase the blood flow to the working muscles which results in decreased muscle stiffness. Warming up every class before we get down to learning techniques helps reduce the likely hood of getting injured. Warming up and Stretching are usually done together. Stretching assists you in loosening up your muscles in preparation of all of the different things at are going to happen in class. If you don't stretch in or before class you raise your chances of hurting yourself or limit yourself on certain moves like how high you are kicking. Stretching allows you do everything in class to the best of your abilities as long as you are conscious about your limits and know when to hold back.

The benefits of this cardiovascular and flexibility training also help students in other aspects of their lives. Students develop healthy habits that will help adults lose weight and our younger students do well in other sports and activities.

The next Taekwondo classes these are helping students master key forms and motions that you will need in order to succeed and rise through the ranks. Spending significant amounts of time practicing  the foundations of techniques allows you to have an easier time learning new things. When learning a new forms for example; having to learn the moves in entirety from start to finish would take forever and be quite confusing. But if you already know how to kick and how to do the techniques that are in the forms all you need to do is learn the pattern of which the moves follow along. Much like with math, a strong foundation to build upon will help mastery of higher levels later on.
part of of typical class at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute consists of practicing our basic techniques. In

CTI belts are earned though trying your best and the work you put into it. This isn't a place where you can “buy your way” through the ranks that you might be able to do at other campuses. But having to work through your experience of Taekwondo classes creates a feeling of satisfaction in what you accomplish here. It's a long journey from white belt to black belt and you have to work hard the entire way. Receiving something you earned is much more fulfilling than just buying it.

It's more than just the name that set CTI apart from other local martial arts schools.

Benefits of Teen Martial Arts

By Theo Lincke, 1st dan, 14 years old

The teen years have considerably been the most active (physically and mentally) years of a child’s experience. The change in education, maturity and understanding of the natural world greatly affect a child’s perception of others and life around them. There is no doubt that the effort that teens fabricate in their day-to-day lives is the ne plus ultra of emotional and physical capabilities. Often, stress and anxiety pursue a teen’s brain wi
th constant change. New social norms begin to mold to the child and the teen must be able to accept various social rules made by others. Because of this, a child is benefited in an activity that stimulates them in a way that purges deleterious emotional responses. An activity that makes them fit into a system or lifestyle, and one that speeds the maturity of youth years.

The human brain is a complicated product of the body. The trite emotions of any child through adult is in effect to the various chemicals found in the brain. Studies have shown the scientific and medical benefits of exercise, including the increase of the acid 5HIAA, which is in charge of tryptophan production. Tryptophan is a common soother of the brain by producing serotonin, the main “calming agent” for anxiety and anger. The studies show that the more mental stimuli, or intense brain activity (such as khiapping, and channeling of anger through physical exertion) the more effect on serotonin production. Taekwondo, however tough and physically challenging, is a proven meditation method. Every intense workout is another step towards the war against anxiety and anger. “Psychology Today” claims that the most influential emotion in teens is generally anxiety which leads to immense amounts of anger and drastic mood “attacks”. Thus, it is medically proven that martial arts for teenagers is beneficial to the child’s mind which mends social interaction.

As someone who as experienced teen martial arts, I often find myself imitating taekwondo attributes outside of classes. Quickly responding to teacher requests, Obeying specific demands without much explanation. I have come to realize the lifestyle that taekwondo gives children and students. Taekwondo may be defined as a sport, all physical movement, however, the sport shapes understanding of confidence, leadership and opportunity. One can safely say that Taekwondo is a lifestyle because of this manifestation of leadership and confidence. Seth Mullins states in his article Teenagers and Struggle for Identity, “One of the biggest challenges that they face during the transition between childhood and adulthood is this struggle with their own sense of identity”. Understanding who you are is an extreme problem facing teens and being apart of a lifestyle lets a teen understand how they interact personally and socially. As a personal lifestyle, they are often more autonomous and self directed because they are not limited to set rules of more abstract lifestyles. By being so, they are able to understand who they are better because a teen will know their own needs in education, athletics, and emotions.

Any young child will struggle with constant “downers” towards important characteristics in maturity. Many studies have proven TV to be the #1 affect towards irresponsible extroversion. The use of mature topics in television manipulates children’s needs. Many role models have come from sketchy television characters. Television is not the only factor however. Many more factors such as irresponsible companionships, unfit teachers and frankly an open mind all affect this ability to be drawn into lies. The reason children fall into this manipulation is the level of maturity they posses. Children are not experienced in the world so they do not know what goes on, only what they have seen which is absolutely incorrect. Being lead by an experienced teacher may seem like this manipulation, however, the child will have experience following a leader. The difference between a leader and a manipulator is the manipulator’s keen ability to play with emotions. A leader purely gives the follower facts and a good leader knows exactly what to honestly tell their followers. Being lead by an experienced leader is a beneficial part of a teens life because the leader will become a role model due to the teens ability to pick role models, sometimes bad and sometimes good. In taekwondo, the role models are the more important and life changing ones. As a child picks leaders out in taekwondo, they learn and become leaders themselves. Everything a teacher has in themselves is translated down to the student if it is sincerely honest. Martial arts for teenagers often learn these valuable skills such as leadership and confidence and further obtain opportunities in their social life.

There is so much a student can learn when engaging in teen martial arts. A teen is able to gain valuable attributes from valuable leaders. By joining taekwondo, every skill adults have is transmitted towards the teen and this is how a teen thrives with taekwondo.

-------------

Sources: 

http://articles.familylobby.com/355-teenagers-and-the-struggle-for-identity.htm