Courage!

By Shekina DeTienne, 2nd dan

Everyday takes courage.  After repetitive action, the courage, faith and comfort follows until it becomes normal.  Walking as a toddler, going to school as a kid, driving a car as a teen, starting a new job, the list goes on.  Everything takes some level of courage.

For some, the motivation and discipline is strong enough that they may not even consider taking action as courageous.  For others like myself, courage is not a strong suit.  I have always wanted to hide inside my shell, not leave a well-established comfort zone and just hang out.  I'm thankful everyday for parents that kicked me out of that bubble and demanded that I fight to become more.  There is not a single successful person who woke up one day and said, "Wow, success! How did that happen?"  They had to fight and push every day to make their dream a reality.  I'm learning that courage is one of the defining factors of success.  Risking failure for their dream is not even a question, it is payment.  The bigger the price, the bigger the prize.

But what is your prize?  What is your goal?  Why do you wake up and what do you work for?  These are questions that my mentors asked me and questions that I had to take a hard look at.  What drives someone with the spirit animal of a chicken to get out of their bubble and bust out of their comfort zone?  The realization that I can have everything and be everything that I only dreamed.  I can become a master instructor.  I can have a booming business and become debt and time free.  I can be the coolest sister and auntie on the planet.  I can be a multi-millionaire and use that to better everything around me.  I can be a leader.  And I will be.  But those results take action and courage.  With the prize in mine, those goals consistently in front of my face, courage to risk failure is a small payment.

Twenty seconds of courage is what it takes to make the first actions to push out and work to making the uncomfortable comfortable.  But the main key is action.  For most, fear is natural and courage is not.  Defeating apprehension with action is how courage is reinforced.  After repeated action, the new normal is established and the meaning of courage is redefined.  And then the next challenge is put in sight.  Long story short; fear is not real, it is a smoke screen and the best cure is courage and repetitive action to overcome.  Just pay attention, try your best and keep pushing forward.  Doing just a few simple things everyday will bring you goals and dreams into reality.

Taekwondo for Adults

By Tyler Murphy, 3rd dan

There are not very many activities that are good for exercise, fun, and encourage self directed learning.  Especially as an adult it is difficult to find a good way to exercise other than going to the gym and exercising aimlessly.  In Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo it is always easy to stay motivated and to have a direction in the way that we exercise.  Our adult martial arts classes consist of aerobic and anaerobic exercises, which contributes to our students being more rounded physically and mentally.   Every class is exciting, and we are always working toward the same goal as a class, while working toward our own individual goals.  The instructor is able to motivate and maintain a direction for the entire class, while giving each individual something to work and improve on.  Everybody is different, and in order to improve this individual attention to detail is essential for each student in the class.

Our classes are well organized and are centered around the Moo Sul Kwan basic routine. This means that every class will be a good work out, and that all campuses are on the same page regarding their training.  Since we are united as an organization, our events are more organized, and all students are able to learn effectively together since they are at similar points in their training. 

Another benefit of our basic routine is that, even though we are working as a class, each student is able to focus only on themselves for that period of time.  This is especially beneficial for adults.  After working all day and dealing with other concerns in life, students can focus on only themselves and what we are working on in class while letting everything else fade away for the class.  Our instructors are able to direct class in such a way that no other student we have to be concerned with anybody or anything else, which will lead to better improvement as a martial arts school, and as an individual as part of Taekwondo for Adults.  Every student is different so it is excellent that the instructors can focus on individual students and give them what they need.

Another great thing about classes at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is the continuous learning that occurs every class. We learn poomse, which stands for patterned movement. Every student is able to learn poomse at a pace that is right for them.  This constant learning is part of what helps our students to stay motivated, since there is always something more to learn, and work on.

Adult martial arts classes at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute take exercising to the next level with the many benefits that come from our curriculum and basic routine.

Anger is Natural

By Deb Denny, red belt

Anger is a natural and powerful human emotion, one that needs to be channeled in positive ways to remain healthy. Pent up or out of control anger can result in problems – problems at work, school, home that can affect the overall quality of your life. Explosive anger can affect personal relationships as well as your health and wellbeing. Physiologic changes accompany anger states that can cause health problems if a person is continually agitated without a healthy release for the emotion. Like a pressure cooker without a relief valve, pressure builds up within until the pot explodes.

In nature, anger triggers aggressive responses necessary for our survival. In modern society where jungle survival is not the general rule, anger needs a healthy outlet to release the built-up pressure. Physiologically, anger is accompanied by a rise in blood pressure, blood sugar and release of chemicals such as epinephrine and cortisol. Continued exposure to these hormones can lead to decreased ability to fight disease, stroke, diabetes, insomnia, heart attacks and depression.

Anger management can be accomplished in a number of different ways. Relaxation, restructuring your thoughts, better communication, avoidance of triggers, and removing yourself from the stressful situation. However, exercise is the best way to change your outlook and increase the release of happiness chemicals such as endorphins into your system. MSK Taekwondo is inherently setup to help you manage anger in a number of ways.

The structure of MSK Taekwondo is designed to minimize injury and maximize exercise benefits. A robust stretching and warmup followed by intense interval workout will elevate calming endorphin levels in your bloodstream. The focus and intensity required will help to forget your problems and melt away all the stresses of our busy lives. Achieving this post-workout release will open your mind to solutions that you might not see in an agitated state.  As soon as you enter the dojang, you leave all your cares outside to focus intently on the techniques to be learned. The workouts instill a sense of well-being, and induce a deep, restful sleep that in itself will help in minimizing the need for angry outbursts in our daily lives.

The principles of MSK Taekwondo teach us the value of “HoShin” in life. Self-control is stressed and taught on all levels through the aims, objectives and tenets of the school. Training the body, mind and spirit ingrains these concepts so they reflect in our everyday lives. Every movement we learn from self-defense, sparring and poomse has a level of control to the technique. In class we learn to use power with the ability to stop before causing harm. This correlates with using self-control techniques in anger situations and will help you to diffuse anger.Teamwork and acceptance of our fellow students in classes, tournaments and symposia teaches tolerance and patience, necessary skills for dealing with other in daily relationships.

In conclusion, MSK Taekwondo teaches us to manage anger through the model concept in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains. By training the body, mind and spirit we learn to alter our behavior in life through one’s journey in the Moo Sul Kwan Colorado Taekwondo Institute.

Overcoming Dyslexia through the Tenets of Taekwondo

By Jonah Elstad, red belt, 13 yrs old

Dyslexia is a reading and spelling disorder that I struggle with every day.  Being a student at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute has helped me overcome dyslexia.  I have applied the five tenants of Taekwondo to my difficulties with dyslexia. The five tents of Taekwondo are; courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit . I have had to learn how to deal with my dyslexia and this is how the tenants of Taekwondo have helped.

First, courtesy has helped me to be polite to my teachers when I need extra help. Being polite to my teacher instead of getting frustrated helps both of us. If I was not nice to my teachers, then they would not be as eager to help me.  Showing courtesy to those who help me helps the process go smoother.

Second, integrity is super important to have.  Since I am not a good speller I often want to cheat.  I do not want to be a cheater or a liar and being at CTI reminds me of the importance of integrity.   I have never cheated before but sometimes I have wanted to because I have struggled, and it seems so easy to cheat.  I would rather be known as a bad speller than a cheater and I appreciate how Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo constantly reinforces that.

Third, perseverance means not giving up.  If I just give up I will be a horrible speller.  I do not want to be a horrible speller, I want to be a great speller.  I use the perseverance I learn at CTI and I strive to get better.  I will never give up no matter how difficult it is.  I want to be a good example to others who struggle to not give up.

Fourth, self-control is very important when having a learning disability.  Having good self-control helps me to focus better. If I didn’t have good self-control I would get distracted easily. So, I need to stay focused and not get side tracked.  Self-control also helps me in the other tenants of Taekwondo!

Fifth, having an indomitable spirit means being brave.  I show courage when I am scared to ask a question. If I am not brave enough to ask a question, then how will I ever know the answer?  Sometimes it is embarrassing to admit that I have dyslexia and need extra help.  However, learning to have an indomitable spirit has helped me overcome this.

In conclusion, Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute has been a great help to me to overcome the daily struggles of having dyslexia. I will always have dyslexia, but I have learned to cooperate.  The five tenants of Taekwondo can help you with your difficulties too!

Potential for Greatness

By Sarah Luper, 1st dan

Everyone has potential.  Potential is a hight that every person can strive for.  Potential is being successful in what you want to accomplish for yourself.  Each person has a different potential for greatness, but that does not mean that there are lesser potentials.  Each person must also unlock their own individual potential and overcome their obstacles to reach their potential.  Sometimes a person’s potential can lie hidden and unknown, but everyone’s potential can be realized if they pay attention and give it their all. 

For example, everyone has the potential to become a knowledgeable and well trained black belt. It could be you or me, or the kid sitting across from you at lunch or even someone nice you met at the library last Tuesday.  If anyone worked hard for it and payed attention, they could live up to their potential to be an awesome future black belt.

Realizing our potential for greatness does not always come easy.  One cannot expect to become their bettered selves simply overnight.  Sometimes, improvement can take quite a lot of dedication and hard work.  Just like an Olympic athlete is at the very top of their skill, they did not wake up one morning to find themselves with a gold medal around their neck.  They had to put years of work and effort to realize their potential to become the best. One must have a lot of perseverance and integrity and indomitable spirit to build their potential. 

It also must be understood that having weaknesses does not limit your potential in any way.  Not a single person is without weakness. Even though weakness might be difficult to overcome sometimes, they cannot prevent us from attaining our individual potentials.  We can work on improving our weaknesses so we can successfully work on achieving our potentials. Those who never try in spite of their weaknesses will never move forward to achieve anything.

Personal potential is what everyone should strive for in their lives.  Everyone has different potentials and everyone is special in their goals and abilities.  The difference in everyone’s potential is what makes each of us unique. We should all be on the journey to unlocking our potential for greatness. 

20th Lee H. Park Team Championships

Our 20th Lee H. Park Team Championships takes place on December 1st at Alameda International Junior/Senior High School!

This is a very special annual event celebrating the memory of Great Grandmaster Lee H. Park, founder of Moo Sul Kwan and the American Martial Arts Sports and Education Association (AMASEA). To make this a special day a CTI Hanmadang - most of the competitions are team events and demonstrations.

Our 10th CTI Hanmadang event includes:  Team Poomse, Team One-Step Sparring / Self Defense, Team Breaking, Team Creative Basics and Quinto Team Kicking.  Individual events include  CTI Basicis Challenge and Staff Sparring.

Usually CTI Championship Tournaments last two days, usually a  Friday and a Saturday.  But this event in on Saturday only.  The action begins at 7:00 AM with black belts.  Check your schedule for times.

Register now if you haven't already!

See what's happening at the CTI during September!

The 29th Denver Martial Arts Championships was fantastic!

The 29th Denver Martial Arts Championships was fantastic!

Beginning on Friday, September 7, at Alameda International High School, the annual fall event had students, instructors, family members and friends coming from all across the CTI.  Moo Sul Kwan Black Belts began the DMAC with poomse competitions.  There were many divisions of black belts of all ages performing intricate techniques in different patterns for the judging panels.  

After poomse, black belt sparring followed.  Black Belt competitors sparred well under the 1, 2, 3 and 4 point rules.  First Point Wins! was immediately after the regular free sparring.  In this event, whichever black belt scored first won.  

Then came black belt breaking! To accentuate the CTI's current mission of getting ready for the MSK's 50th Anniversary this year, special breaking rules were laid down for the 29th DMAC.  The breaking competitions for the black belt divisions were called, "The Quickest Breaking Combo in the West!"   Competitors had to successfully break all three targets to qualify for the quickest time.   At the end of the day, Eric Evans, 3rd dan from Westminster, broke his three targets in  .59 seconds!  Michael Sandusky, from Golden, was second quickest at 1.12 seconds and Andy McDaniel, from Littleton, was third quickest of the day at 1.31 seconds! Under 2 seconds on the day also were: Tyler Murphy, Natasha McKernan, Zach Greaves, Ethan Trapp, and Hope Morgan!

The DMAC action began the next day, September 8, at 7 AM with black belt Staff Poomse competitions.  After the exciting staff poomses, the purple, brown and red belts competed in poomse, sparring and breaking.  Younger students and older students from white through red belt competed the rest of the day in each of the 206 different divisions.

Congratulations to Kenny Brancio and Ethan Trapp for capturing the 29th DMAC Black Belt Grand Champion Awards.  

Special thanks goes to each of the scorekeepers and time keepers who helped during the day!  

See you at the 20th Lee H. Park Team Championships in December!

Here are the results:

POOMSE 

1st placeZach Greaves, Kenny Brancio, Peyton Brauch, Stephen SautelKonner Evans, Ethan Trapp , Eric Evans , Jennifer McKernanEvelyn LaMorgese, Lauren Smith, Ed Stanton , Deb DennyEva Carreon, Alexis Chavez, Mariah Cordova, Coco DaileyKnox Den Hartog, Lars Den Hartog, Zoe Economou, Philip HoenmansCody Jacobson, Logan Kecklyer, Gillian Boswell, Emily GreenHank Haubner, Lily Laird, Nate Larson, Christian LloydLindy Mandelbaum, Julian Marine, Katelyn Minden , Da Minh TranThomas Misiak-Kacsh, Courtney Moen, Tegan Moore, Liam MulliganMicah Nelson, Magdalynn Nelson, Kylee Odom, Caleb PortMarley Powers, Malachai Romero, India Ross, Justin RuizMason Rutz, Isabella Sandoval, Alex Schwartz, Grant ShirleyAlex Tan, Sam Wolfe, Aksel Schow, Paxton BarnettAbby Booten

2nd placeAnnie Abbink, Abby Artman, Lucas Brown, Chris CardellaJonathan Castro, Debra Chandler, Averie Chavez, Katie DahleSarah Dahle, Amy Daly, Roland Dander, Kim FreemanLogan Gill, Finnegan Handlin, Calvin Haubner, Jameson HealyJacob Hoenmans, Isaac Jensen, Nathaniel Keckler, Irene KimBella Lasater, Rowan Lasater, Sabrina Liu, Ryan MarineAdny McDaniel, Nathaniel McKernan, Tyler Murphy, Caiden MurphyTheryn Ochsner, Merrick Oleszek, Mitchell Oleszek, Brian O’ReillyColin Palminteri, Erick Rodriguez, Caleb Romero, Kayla RomeroCarter Schucker, Mark Scott, Gregory Smagala, Aiden SouleAllan Stanton, Jason Stencel, Sr., Lydia Tan, Makayla TrappJuan Verni, Bradley Wangberg, Jude Weaver, Maxwell WeaverAhas Weerapura, Andrew Wilcox, Kaddie Williams, Jackson BabcockColton Shirley, Payton Dahm, Grant Erickson

3rd placeMax Babcock, Avery Barden, Devon Bilyeu, Charlie BootenLindsey Boswell, Mattox Bubenik, Susan Burgstiner, Adrianna CarreonCandice Chandler, Leo Clair, Tyler Cobb, Benjamin CrowleyWillam Crowley, Nate Florence, Liam Gilmore, T.J. GutierrezThomas Hurst, Miette Jandreau, Adina Johnson, Zoey KruppSam LaMorgese, Deb Larson, Eileen Lindner, Brecken LuskNina Madayag, Elsie McDonald, Warren McDonald, Hope MorganLeto Ochsner, Rick Orton, Bennett Parks, Sammy PowersEthan Price, Kylee Ruhser, Henry Rumph, Jordan RutzKathleen Sautel, Dylan Soule, Patrick Stolle, Aidan SturmNethika Suraweera, Taylor Tipton, Lee Tomjack, Judson Ver BeekEvan Weber, Lizzie Wilcox, Lydia Willis, Mia WolfeBrooks Wood, Colston Yoder, Sigourney Zager, Matthew JewettConnor Rhoden

4th placeTaneli Alahuhta, Dalton Cole, Lynne Dean, Evelyn FleetwoodTristan Garcia, David Gilsson, Alex Glisson, Anna GroseGwen Gutierrez, Dante Hulin, Sean Huntley, Sabrina JensenDon Johnson, Zane Kaulbach, Collin Kreutz, Amy KruppEverett Lasater, Kaylyn McEwan, Evan McEwan, Natasha McKernanMary Moen, Toby Palminteri, Jackie Penrod, Mateo PizaMaryn Probasco, Kayla Roberts, Bill Schwartz, Lance SchwartzEleanor Smagala, Ellie Stanton, Joshua Stencel, Atom TaylorDylan Wellensiek, Beth Wolfe, Ali Wolfe, Chase WyngardenBraden Zack, Evan Zdechlik, Liam Jewett, Julia ParrinelloCorrin Egan, Brecken Schubert

TIGER POOMSE

1st placeMaryn Rolfing, Alexander Newman, Rue Weerapura, Ava AlvaradoKora Wilcox, Dylan Perozzi, Kellan Barnett, Eddie GarnerJacob Mayberry, Roxy Codalbu, Seth McCallin, Nathaniel PierceGrace Bubenik, Oliver Garner, Rylan Wolfe, Keira HaubnerRay Clair, Chase Gentry, Hadley Wilkins

BREAKING (Black Belt)

1st placeEric Evans, Dante Hulin, Evelyn LaMorgese, Naatasha McKernan

Hope Morgan, Michael Sandusky, Ryan Wyngarden, Ethan Trapp

BREAKING (Under black belt)

1st placeLindsey Boswell, Mariah Cordova, Lars Den Hartog, Knox Den HartogTritan Garcia, Jacob Hoenmans, Cody Jacobson, Zane KaulbachBella Lasater, Brecken Lusk, Erick Rodriguez, Caleb RomeroHenry Rumph, Isabella Sandoval, Lauren Smith, Jason Stencel, Sr.Patrick Stolle, Nethika Suraweera, Layla Tran, Sam WolfeAdriana Carreon

STAFF POOMSE

1st placeNina Madayag, Stephen Sautel, Kenny Brancio, Michael SanduskyKatie Dahle, Ryan Wyngarden, Kathleen Sautel

2nd placeEthan Trapp, Merrick Oleszek, Andy McDaniel, Natasha McKernanCollin Kreutz, Devon Bilyeu, Nathanie McKernan

3rd placeDante Hulin, Kyle Feagans, Chase Wyngarden, Peyton BrauchJennifer McKernan, Makayla Trapp

SPARRING 

1st placeMichael Sandusky, Bridget Sautel, Josh Miller, Gwen GutierrezChase Wyngarden, Lynne Dean, T. J Gutierrez, Chris CardellaJonathan Castro, Zoe Economou, Sabrina Jensen, Cody JacobsonSam LaMorgese, Lindy Mandelbaum, Tegan Moore, Toby PalminteriCaleb Port, Kayla Roberts, Atom Taylor, Layla TranJude Weaver, Lydia Willis, Susan Burgstiner, Gwen GutierrezFinnegan Handlin, Philip Hoenmans, Adina Johnson, Debra LarsonBrian O’Reilly, Marley Powers, Caleb Romero, Kylee RuhserLauren Smith, Ed Stanton, Darcy Stanton, Shaydon TuttleMaxwell Weaver, Evan Weber, Colston Yoder, Taneli AlahuhtaAbby Artman, Eva Carreon, Sarah Dahle, Isaac JensenLogan Keckler, Julia Parrinello, Sammy Powers, India Ross|Henry Rumph, Brecken Schubert, Dylan Soule, Allan StantonJohua Stencel, Bradley Wangberg, Ahas Weerapura, Weston Wolfe

2nd placeKenny Brancio, Mattox Bubenik, William Crowley, Kyle FeagansNate Florence, Calvin Haubner, Zoey Krupp, Mary MoenHope Morgan, Tyler Murphy, Erick Rodriguez, Colton ShirleyMax Babcock, Paxton Barnett, Charlie Booten, Averie ChavezTyler Cobb, Shekina Detienne, David Glisson, Lily LairNate Larson, Ryan Marine, Bennett Parks, Jackie PenrodMateo Piza, Taylor Tipton, Sam Wolfe, Kirun AgarwaAndrei Amihalachio, Vivi Brown, Amy Daly, Evelyn LaMorgeseKim Freeman, Tristan Garcia, Logan Gill, Liam GilmoreDante Hulin, Irene Kim, Bella Lasater, Rowan LasaterSabrina Liu, Dean Loux, Brecken Lusk, Elsie McDonaldTim McNamara, Courtney Moen,  Theryn Ochsner, Kylee OdomMeryn Probasco, Malachai Romero, Aiden Soule, Jason Stencel, JrDa Minh Tran, Makayla Trapp, Andrew Wilcox, Brooks Wood

3rd placeAnnie Abbink, Dalton Cole, Roland Dander, Deb DennyAlex Glisson, Everett Lasater, Nina Madayag, Liam MulliganMerrick Oleszek, Justin Ruiz, Isabella Sandoval, Carter SchuckerEleanor Smagala, Ellie Statnton, Jason Stencel, Alex TanEthan Trapp, Judson Ver Beek, Lizzie Wilcox, Kaddie WilliamsBeth Wolfe, Debra Chandler, Alexis Chavez, Benjamin CrowleyPayton Dahm, Jacob Hoenmans, Katelyn Minden, Leto OchsnerMitchell Oleszek, Rick Orton, Rylan Wolfe, Ryan WyngardenKeira Haubner, Lindsey Boswell, Gillian Boswell, Peyton BrauchLars Den Hartog, Corrin Egan, Hank Haubner, Sean HuntleyChristian Jezek, Christian Lloyd, Warren McDonald, Jennifer McKernanCaiden Murphy, Micah Nelson, Kathleen Sautel, Aksel SchowAlex Schwartz, Nethika Suraweera, Soren Vanderstek, Dyan WellensiekMia Wolfe

4th placeAvery Barden, Katie Dahle, Amy Krupp, Julian MarineColin Palminteri, Knox Den Hartog, Konner Evans, Nathaniel KecklerGregory Smagala, Devon Bilyeu, Abby Booten, Thomas BurdenAdriana Carreon, Coco Dailey, Eric Evans, Kameron EvansOliver Garner, Zach Greaves, Emily Green, Miette JandreauLiam Jewett, Zane Kaubach, Jennifer Kautz, Evelyn LaMorgeseKaylyn McEwan, Natasha McKernan, Thomas Misiak-Kacsh, Donovan PenrodConnor Rhoden, Kaya Romero, Mason Rutz, Jordan RutzLance Schwartz, Patrick Stolle, Andra Vieru, Rue WeerapuraAli Wolfe, Evan Zdechlik

FIRST POINT WINS!

1st placeKenny Brancio, Ethan Trapp, Nina Madayag, Kyle FeagansHope Morgan, Tyler Murphy, Merrick Oleszek, Katie DahleChris Cardella, Jonathan Castro, Zoe Economou, Cody JacobsonSabrina Jensen, Sam LaMorgese, Lindy Mandelbaum, Tegan MooreToby Palminteri, Caleb Port, Kayla Roberts, Atom TaylorLayla Tran, Jude Weaver, Lydia Willis, Mattox BubenikWilliam Crowley, Nate Florence, Calvin Haubner, Zoey KruppMary Moen, Erick Rodriguez, Colton Shirley, Annie AbbinkDalton Cole, Roland Dander, Deb Denny, Alex GlissonEverett Lasater, Liam Mulligan, Justin Ruiz, Isabella SandovalCarter Schucker, Eleanor Smagala, Ellie Stanton, Jason StencelAlex Tan, Judson Ver Beek, Lizzie Wilcox, Kaddie WilliamsBeth Wolfe, Avery Barden, Katie Dahle, Amy KruppJulian Marine, Colin Palminteri, Lucas Brown, Aidan SturmLydia Tan

2nd placeSusan Burgstiner, Gwen Gutierrez, Finnegan Handlin, Philip HoenmansAdina Johnson, Deb Larson, Brian O’Reilly, Marley PowersCaleb Romero, Kylee Ruhser, Lauren Smith, Ed StantonDarcy Stanton, Shaydon Tuttle, Maxwell Weaver, Evan WeberChase Wyngarden, Colston Yoder, Max Babcock, Paxton BarnettCharlie Booten, Averie Chavez, Tyler Cobb, Shekina DetienneDavid Glisson, Lily Laird, Nate Larson, Ryan MarineBennett Parks, Jackie Penrod, Mateo Piza, Taylor TiptonSam Wolfe, Debra Chandler, Alexis Chavez, Benjamin CrowleyPayton Dahm, Jacob Hoenmans, Katelyn Minden, Leto OchsnerMitchell Oleszek, Rick Orton, Rylan Wolfe, Ryan WyngardenKeria Haubner, Knox Den Hartog, Konner Evans, Nathaniel KecklerGregory Smagala, Candice Chandler, Jameson Healy, Collin KreutzEileen Lindner, Evan McEwan, Tina Vo, Sigourney Zager

Black Belt Grand Champions: Kenny Brancio and Ethan Trapp

Martial Arts for Every Generation

By Katie Dahle, 1st dan

TRY IT, YOU'LL LIKE IT!

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

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

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

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

Your Local, Friendly Martial Arts School: Conifer Campus

The Conifer corridor, including Conifer, Aspen Park, Morrison, Pine, and Bailey, is a unique foothills location southwest of Denver. Residents here enjoy hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, four wheeling, camping, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, sledding, and of course, TAEKWONDO. We are fortunate to have the Conifer campus of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute located in the Staples shopping center on Highway 285 at Pleasant Park Rd teaching the best in Conifer karate. 

Mountain folk are family and community oriented, which is seen in the many families who study together at this campus. It is common to see tigers, juniors and adults all taking classes at all times of the day. There is a deep sense of community and pride seen as all students help each other to succeed in belt promotions, demonstrations, and competitions.

The Conifer martial arts location of CTI was founded in 2007 by Grandmaster James. Morning and evening classes are taught by CTI President James M. Sautel, 8th dan, Stephen Sautel, 3rd dan and Eileen Lindner, 2nd dan.

What makes the Conifer martial arts Campus unique? Is it the warm brown eyes of the elk, deer, bear, and fox who gaze longingly through the windows at our custom-built suspension floor with the cushiest carpet ever? Or is it the overwhelming sense of cooperation and unity among the students? Perhaps it is just the amazingly skilled, caring instructors we have.