Taekwondo for Kids & Adults

By Henry Rumph, 1st dan

If you're thinking about getting started with Taekwondo, then you want to find a school that safe, has a quality program, and has a structured program for both kids and adults. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI) is exactly what you are looking for. And CTI has many various campus in the Denver  metro area, making them conveniently located for your family. They are safe, they build character, and they are amazing with kids and adults.

One of the things that the CTI taekwondo classes does an exceptionally good job at is promoting development, both physical and mental, in their students. They do this through a variety of rules, expectations, and responsibility. When a student joins CTI, the first thing they will be introduced to is the rules that they are expected to follow. All of these rules center around either respect for their teacher, respect for the room, safety, or respect for their fellow students. These rules, and the fact that the instructors hold the students accountable for following them, prompt discipline and a respectful attitude in the students at the campus. Furthermore, every class that the student attends will begin with exercise and stretching, and then the class itself is also extremely physically active, though the instructors tailor it so every level of physical ability is able to participate and join. This results in not only mentally strong students but physically strong students who have learned to respect their peers and act in a responsible manner. Yet classes can only achieve this feat because of their wonderful instructors.

Every instructor at CTI is an experienced, high-level black belt who has not only had years of training in taekwondo classes but years of experience teaching it as well. Even more so, each instructor is experienced and capable of teaching any age group, from the youngest of children to the oldest of adults. There are classes for every age group, from toddlers, to children, to teenagers, to adults. These wonderful instructors have had experience teaching all of these age groups, and it is clear that they deeply care for each of their students of all ages. In fact, it is not uncommon for them to go out of their way to help their students if they are not meeting the goals that are set for them. They often do this either by helping them before class, after class, or, if necessary, they are also willing to offer private lessons so that no one person falls behind.

One of the biggest pros for attending the CTI taekwondo classes is that there is nearly no risk for injury in any of their classes. CTI is a taekwondo organization, which means that, though they teach a martial art, there is a significant emphasis on first understanding form and body language before a student is allowed to begin doing anything that may result in injury to another student. Furthermore, all students are required to wear proper pads and equipment when sparring, which has resulted in an injury rate of almost zero over their more than 30 years of teaching. Furthermore, each and every instructor is fully aware that their top priority is the safety and well-being of their students, and they will all go to great lengths to keep their students safe while still turning them into competent and effective martial artists. When one takes all of this into consideration, the chance of your child getting injured at the CTI is almost nothing, while all the while they will be growing both as a person and as a martial artist.

Overall, as martial arts organizations go, CTI is easily one of the best choices because of their convenient location, safe atmosphere, effective character building, and amazing instructors. All of these things make certain that CTI is a trustworthy institution that is everything anyone could ever want in a martial arts organization.

Why Families Choose Our Taekwondo Classes

Choosing a martial arts school is about more than finding a place to punch and kick, it’s about trust, values, and education. Classes at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute develop the whole person, not just physical skill. This has guided our school from the very beginning and continues to define why families choose us year after year.

The Most Established School in the Area

As one of the longest established taekwondo schools in the Denver metro area, we bring decades of experience, stability, and proven success. Longevity matters. It means our curriculum has been tested, refined, and strengthened over time. It means generations of students have grown with us, some returning as parents who now enroll their own children.

Our taekwondo classes aren’t trends or shortcuts. They are rooted in tradition, discipline, and thoughtful progression.

Professional Instructors Who Teach

Our instructors are professional educators as well as skilled martial artists. We don’t simply show techniques; we teach them. Every class is led with intention, clarity, and care, ensuring students understand not only how to perform a technique, but why it matters.

Education is at the heart of our taekwondo classes. Students learn goal-setting, perseverance, respect, and self-control alongside physical skills. These lessons extend far beyond the mat and into school, work, and daily life.

Structured, Dynamic, and Engaging

We believe the best learning happens in an environment that is both structured and dynamic. Our taekwondo classes follow a clear, consistent format so students always know what’s expected, but they are never boring. Classes are energetic, engaging, and designed to keep students focused and motivated.

This balance helps students build confidence while maintaining discipline, making progress measurable and meaningful at every level.

Taekwondo Classes for All Ages

We proudly offer taekwondo classes for all ages, from preschoolers to grandparents. Each program is thoughtfully designed to meet students where they are developmentally, physically, and emotionally.

• Younger students build coordination, listening skills, and confidence
• Teens develop focus, leadership, and resilience
• Adults gain fitness, stress relief, and personal growth

No matter the age, every student is treated with respect and encouraged to grow at their own pace.

A School with a Conscience

Above all, our school operates with purpose. We care deeply about our students, our families, and our community. Success for us isn’t just about belts earned. It’s about character built, confidence gained, and lives positively impacted.

Because we are consistent, professional, and deeply committed to education, our classes continue to stand out. If you’re looking for taekwondo classes that value structure, growth, and integrity, you’ve found the right place at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. 

The Taekwondo Program Offered at the CTI

By Tyler Murphy, 2nd dan

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

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

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

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

Taekwondo and Karate Training at the CTI

By Justin Lautrup, 2nd dan

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute provides ideal Taekwondo and Martial Art training for everyone. The Colorado Taekwondo Institute provides Taekwondo training to anyone above two years old. The training provided by the Colorado Taekwondo Institute will assist children with focus, motivation, and anger release, all safely and in a secure environment. Taekwondo and karate training offered to adults develops and maintains physical health, positive mental stimulation, and of course, self defense skills.

One of the benefits of Taekwondo training is the cultivation of focus. Having something to direct attention to and work towards improves overall focus skills that can be applied in school, other sports, and at home. Taekwondo training also improves motivation at school and other activities by helping students to set goals. By earning belts and learning that putting in the work will get you the results, children become more motivated for long term goals such as good grades and health. Taekwondo training teaches kids self defense and the ability to control their body. This is useful in bullying situations because kids are taught to protect themselves physically as well as mentally through a positive assertive attitude.

The Martial Art training offered to adults involves workouts that will improve and maintain physical health. Aerobic endurance is developed and maintained through jumping jacks every class, and constant exercising involved in Martial Arts through the class. Anaerobic strength is developed and maintained through push ups, sit ups, and other exercise involved in training for martial arts. Flexibility is increased and maintained from Taekwondo training by fully stretching all muscles that will be used before the work out in order to lower the probability of injury. Being flexible also lowers the chance of injury outside of Taekwondo. Stretching will increase the possible motion on techniques learned from Taekwondo training.

Taekwondo training develops positive mental effects. Having a higher belt to work towards provides increased goal setting skills. These skills can be applied to work, other hobbies and at home. The self defense skills learned from not only provide the obvious self defense, but also increase confidence and self control. The Taekwondo training, similar to Karate training, has positive effects on children including anger release and self motivation. This is developed through earning belts, providing a goal to work towards, and safe exercise, which are all involved in Taekwondo training. These areas are important skills that can be used in school, at home, as well as other extracurricular activities. For adults, Taekwondo training is important and useful because of the Aerobic, Anaerobic, and flexibility developed and maintained during Taekwondo training. Taekwondo and karate training also provides extra skills that are not initially expected such as self control, perseverance, and courtesy.

Taekwondo training can be surprisingly fun, and is a good way to meet new people and it is a great community. These benefits are well worth the time put in and will assist you throughout your whole life.

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute: Littleton School

By Andy McDaniel, 4th dan

Are you looking for a locally based Taekwondo, Karate, or general martial arts school in the Denver area?  Look no further than the Colorado Taekwondo Institute!  Based on the traditions and       philosophy of Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo as set forth by our founder Great Grandmaster Lee H. Park in 1969, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute offers a full set of innovative curriculum in Taekwondo.  We have campuses in Lakewood, Littleton, Golden, Westminster, and Conifer.

The Littleton martial art school of CTI is one of the longest continuously operating Martial Arts schools in the front range area.  Conveniently located on Simms Street in the Foothill Green shopping area between Bowles and Belleview, we the offer a complete martial arts and self-defense curriculum. We proudly serve the southwest Denver suburbs.

The Littleton campus was founded in 1994 by Grandmaster James M. Sautel, 7th degree black belt.  The Littleton CTI currently has two master instructors actively teaching classes along with several instructors ranked 1st to 4th degree. Upper belts in every class assist the instructor to give students one-on-one time with an upper belt to focus on new techniques and areas in need of improvement.  Master John Sautel (6th Dan) and Master Clayton Garner (5th Dan) ensure that the school is teaching using the time tested teaching methodology that all of the campuses in the CTI use. Master Sautel is currently a Jefferson County middle school teacher with a master’s degree in education.  He brings that educational training and experience to the Colorado Taekwondo Institute to provide superior classes to all of our students.

The Littleton campus has over 3800 square feet of workout area that is split between two large rooms.  Both have custom built suspension floors that are carpeted and padded.  Students have space for their workout bags on shelves in the workout area.  The workout areas, private dressing areas, and restrooms are kept clean and well lit.  Our pro shop carries all of the equipment needed for our programs including student manuals, uniforms, sparring gear, and belt racks.  We also carry fun items like key rings, t-shirts, and stickers.  Parents and loved ones can watch the classes from the viewing areas we have in both workout areas.  We have a large TV in the main lobby that shows videos of past events like expos, tournaments, and symposiums.

Here at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, we make the educational aspect of martial arts an important part of our program.  We offer three adult manuals ranging from white belt through black beltplus a manual specifically for the junior students.  A written and physical test are required at each belt level.  Above and beyond the regular classes, we offer four interschool tournaments every year as well as our yearly Expo.  The Expo is an entire weekend dedicated to martial arts learning and is open to all students.  Additionally, we offer a Symposium every year for the upper belts to study advanced topics like how to teach and judge as well as advanced physical aspects of our martial art.

The curriculum includes three sets of Poomse (pattered movements) including the Taegeuk, Chang-Hon, and Palgwe sets of poomse.  We also have four sets of self-defense that incorporate Taekwondo, Hapkido and Judo.  We offer classes for studentsaged two years old and up.  We offer classes focused on the youngest (Little Tigers), junior students, and adults.  Classes are scheduled in the evenings every day of the week.  We also offer a Friday morning class for adults and a class on Saturday for all ages.  Please see the calendar for the karate classes in Littleton at: http://www.coloradotaekwondo.com/littleton-taekwondo-martial-arts

We at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute strive to produce high quality black belts that can contribute to society on many levels including family, school and community.  We have over thirty years of experience and success in accomplishing that goal.  We believe that we can provide the highest quality education based martial arts in Littleton experience to you and your family.

For more information about the Littleton campus and the Colorado Taekwondo Institute in general, please visit our website at www.ColoradoTaekwondo.com or give us a call at 303-979-2621.

Taekwondo Training at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute

By Jennifer McKernan, 1st dan

When does "workout" become "training"?  Perhaps when one's goal changes from "getting in shape" to excellence in a sport or art like the martial art of Taekwondo!

No doubt about it, a quality martial arts class is a great way to get in shape.  After all, it takes energy and physical fitness in order to kick and punch effectively, practice self-defense, do pattern movements (poomse), and eventually break wooden boards.  The classes that are held at Colorado Taekwondo Institute are carefully designed so that anyone, no matter what age, previous experience, or level of physical fitness, will be able to get "in shape" to do martial arts.

Working out in class is fun!  Meeting others, being challenged at your speed and level, and then, improving your level of fitness so that jumping jacks, sit ups and even push-ups becomes part of your regular routine, has you on your way of mastering skills  in martial arts that you never had before.  As one progresses through the levels of belts, starting with white belt, then yellow belt, then several other colors all the way up to the black belt, workouts start to soar into training.  The reason is because, in addition to advancing in skills and being promoted to the next belt level, there are also the tournaments!

At CTI, 4 tournaments are held every year.  They are the DMAC or Denver Martial Arts Championships, the Lee H. Park Team Championships, the CTI Super Bowl, and the CTI All-City Championships. (More information about our tournaments: http://www.coloradotaekwondo.com/denver-martial-arts-tournaments).   The friendly competition allows everyone to compete at their skill level and age division.  Specific practicing and increased conditioning helps improve the chances of winning and training then becomes more desirable.  Competition is great because it brings out mental challenges and sportsmanship that isn't gained from just attending classes.

There are also other taekwondo and karate training programs beyond the weekly workout classes that are offered at CTI.  They are the Black Belt Club that meets during the week and the Masters Club and LeAD Team which meets on Saturday.  These classes are more detailed where students implement a variety of educational material from additional self-defense techniques to role-playing teaching scenarios and judging techniques.There are other events, too, such as the MSK Summer EXPO, MSK Camp and the Black Belt Symposium  where everyone gathers at a resort or ranch in the mountains and experiences excellent additional training, and also the Master’s Seminars on a specific topic a few times a year.  (More information about our martial arts conventions: http://www.coloradotaekwondo.com/major-events)   There are a lot of programs to increase one’s training, that’s for sure!   It is a whole lot of fun, too!

Taekwondo training at the CTI goes beyond the physical workouts and weekly classes.  With dedicated instructors and quality programs, there is much emphasis on education, self-directed learning and character growth such as self-discipline, self-control, perseverance and integrity.  No wonder it's called training and not just workouts!

Benefits of Martial Arts for Families

By Hope Morgan, 2nd Dan

Sharing physical activities with your kids, parents, and siblings isn’t just a fun way to get your heart pumping. It’s also a great way to build family bonds, and a great taekwondo program provides the perfect opportunity to share the many benefits taekwondo offers for families. It’s quite rare to find a sport that involves the entire family, and more often than not, someone is left just sitting on the sidelines observing. Taekwondo, however, allows the entire family to join in. Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo offers classes tailored for all age groups, so whether you’re a younger sister or a grandfather, our taekwondo school will suit you and guarantee you reap all of the benefits, making it simple to participate in a family activity.

Currently, our taekwondo program is home to several families, and all of them agree that working out together makes things not only more interesting, but overall more engaging. Even when you’re not working out in the same class as your loved one, you are still experiencing all of the same fun, and that doesn’t even include all of the exciting events held every year ranging from tournaments to expos and camps. Our taekwondo school prides itself on being very family oriented and is therefore a safe, positive environment for your family to experience fun activity.

It’s the specialization of this taekwondo school that really makes it unique. As an adult or parent, it’s most likely that you are not looking for the exact same benefits in a sport that your child. That’s what is so amazing about this martial arts school – your whole family can participate while still meeting all of your individual needs. In their class, your younger family member will learn the importance of education, good decision-making, and teamwork while developing their confidence, focus, responsibility, and respect. While practicing all of the same material, adults are able to expand their physical fitness abilities, learn positive and healthy actions, and broaden their concentration capabilities. Taekwondo is also a great stress-reliever. What better way to unwind than to work out at a constructive and encouraging taekwondo school.

One thing our taekwondo program really tends to focus on is the significance of setting goals, something we believe is important for both younger and older students. Not only does martial arts permit the whole family to work-out together, but it’s a long-term commitment rather than just a seasonal activity. Family can really help encourage their relatives to set goals for themselves, and when your family is also involved, it makes it easier to push each other towards success. You constantly have someone to help you by practicing at home, providing you an extra layer of support and a feeling that you are engaged in their learning experience. A new level of understanding comes with mutual participation in a sport and makes sharing each other’s successes that much more special.