Benefits of Children Learning Martial Arts

By Zach Greaves, 1st dan

When young children are thinking about learning martial arts or karate, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is the place to be!  Developing self defense, self control, and self confidence is something we work on every class. With our program we guarantee a fun interactive environment where children can learn and strive to be black belts and world-class leaders.

Colorado Taekwondo Institute is a great place for your children to learn martial arts. They start and learn the basic martial arts techniques from white belt. They strive to gain complete control of their body and position of every single technique, they also learn to keep their eyes up, focus and stand still. For kids, especially those with lots of energy, this a great skill to have through all of life, to listen and act upon when information is given. It's a discipline that will help young children succeed and push their limits in school, music, gym class, and everything.

Martial arts or karate classes is a great outlet, physical setting, and social setting. Through personal experience I have grown up with Colorado Taekwondo Institute and it has given me a place to show true colors and express who I really am and want to be. Opportunities are always given to become a really well rounded person through extra activities that we do in Taekwondo. For example, we have a martial arts summer camp where the kids have a chance to get away from their families and get to make friends in a new, safe environment. When they go through that entire fun-filled week they realize that is probably one of the best weeks they have ever had. As parents, you probably remember the first time you went away to camp and how scared you were. Then at the end of it all you realized that you made priceless memories and maybe even lifelong friends. We dance, we play, we ride bikes and we sweat practicing our Taekwondo martial arts.

Through our every day classes we work on anti-bullying and self defense.  We want children to understand that they can defend themselves and also prevent the community from bullying. We are also pushing children to understand opportunities and keep their eyes open to world and to stay away from the bad to preserve the good.  We like to dive into different cultures and our black belt team travels around the world. Last year we went to South Korea, the home of our martial art, Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo. So in every class we use Korean words for our techniques to keep their origin and tradition alive. After each class we say a Korean word which means, "Self-Control before Self-Defense". We make each other understand instructor to student, student to instructor and student to student that we will use our self control first. This whole mentality and word really eliminates conflicts outside of the school and within the school.  It's makes us better as a community and makes us better in our community. Through learning martial arts we can help children to protect their mind and body.

So when you or your child is thinking about learning martial arts or karate class, the CTI is a great way to get them into something physical and fun that they can enjoy their entire life.  It helps them with confidence and discipline at school and at home.

Martial Arts Teaches Excellence in Leadership

By Eric Evans, 2nd dan

“Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.” - Booker T. Washington

One thing that many parents will notice when watching their children participate in a kid's karate class taught at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, are the leadership skills being instilled in their children. Goal setting, focus, discipline, and integrity are just some of the many wonderful benefits students learn from the martial arts classes being taught.

As we teacher leadership within the CTI classes, we are consistently striving for excellence. This is not something that we are born with. It takes dedicated effort. We cannot stand by and wait for someone to tell us what to do, we must take responsibility and put forth our own effort. Waiting for someone to tell you to practice or do your homework will lead to complacency and failure. Success is gained by self examination, self direction and self improvement.

Throughout history, remarkable men and women achieved greatness by knowing what they wanted and then doing something about it to achieve their goal. We would not have many of the things we take for granted in our lives if the leaders of the past sat idly by and waited for someone to tell them to try.

It takes 10,000 hours of dedicated effort to master something. In your training that requires you to put forth effort outside of class, on your own. If you only practice Taekwondo twice a week for an hour a class, it would take you 96 years to reach 10,000 hours. If you make one extra class a week and the yearly tournaments, the duration is almost cut in half. However, if you consider what would happen if you practiced 5 hours a week outside of class. The duration is drastically reduced to 20 years. Interestingly enough, 20 years is the minimum time in rank to reach 5th dan.

Excellence in Taekwondo can be achieved by anyone. It requires dedicated effort, self motivation, flexibility and perseverance. If you're looking for an activity for yourself or looking for kid's karate or martial arts classes, then you've found a great place at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute.

MSK Summer EXPO XXXI

A fantastic weekend is coming!  It's the Moo Sul Kwan Summer Expo XXXI!

Taking place in Breckenridge, Colorado, May 29 - 31, at Beaver Run Resort, the 31st Expo features three days of training for students and instructors of all ages and belt levels.

Special guests Great Grandmaster Bong Yul Shin and Grandmaster Charles F. Hildebrand are travelling from St. Louis to be on the Summer Expo Teaching Staff.  Joining them will be Grandmaster James M. Sautel, Master Merinda J. Sautel, Master John T. Sautel and Master Erik R. Albrechtson and other excellent instructors!

The Expo begins on Friday evening and goes through Sunday at noon.  Dynamic classes, seminars, events and much more await the Expo participants.  There is training in all areas of martial arts training - poomse, sparring, self-defense, one-step sparring, breaking, staff and much more!  There are even complimentary classes for our parents, family members and friends that come for the weekend in self-defense, cardio kickboxing and how to help your students at home!

Great Grandmaster Shin, a pioneer in introducing martial arts to the United States, will be teaching everyone at different points during the weekend.  He will also have a special discussion with the black belts on philosophy and history of the martial arts.  In addition to the fine Expo Staff, Grandmaster Charles F. Hildebrand, President of MSK and the AMASEA, will also have the chance to teach each student and instructor that attends this year's Summer Expo.

The theme of the weekend is, "Make it Matter."  This idea, a hallmark of Moo Sul Kwan martial artists, will be present in each of the classes and events during Expo weekend.  To top off the great weekend, there will be a fun Expo Saturday night party featuring entertainment provided by all of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute locations.  There is also the favorite Amazing Moo Sul Race XI for all the students and instructors!

Sign up today for this very special weekend!

A CTI Testimonial

By Shekina DeTienne

When I moved to the Littleton area four years ago, I wanted to find a martial arts school that would keep me active as well as address other issues like self defense, education and weight control. I looked at several different styles like karate, aikido, kung fu and judo but none of the other schools caught my attention like the Colorado Taekwondo Institute.

The head instructor, Master John Sautel, called me back right away and took the time to answer several questions about the program and style. He answered questions about what I would do in class, how the belt system works and scheduling a trial class. We set up a time to meet for an orientation class. During the class, we went over a few stretches, basics and I got to see some of the other activities from a typical class.

The following night, I joined the adult class. The work out area was nice and big and even though there were quite a few students, we all got personal attention from the instructor several times throughout the class. Everyone was friendly, respectful and helpful. It felt good to sweat and learn in a constructive, positive environment.

I have worked out at the Littleton campus ever since and enjoyed every minute of it. The instructors are well educated and continue to hone their Taekwondo and teaching skills every week. The head instructor, Master Sautel, has his masters degree in education. They offer classes six days a week for anyone who wants to learn. Beginners courses all the way up to advanced classes keep our students progressing at a rate customized to them. Every class is fun and unique and encourages each student to push hard for their own goals. The Littleton location is definitely a little bit of home for me. If you're looking for a karate school or a martial arts school, I highly recommend the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. They have five locations in Denver, including Lakewood, Westminster, Golden and Conifer. I look forward to practicing Taekwondo there for many years to come.

2015 All-City Championship Results

The 2015 All-City Championships took place on April 24 and 25 at Alameda International High School.

There were competitions for all ages and belt levels in poomse, sparring, First Point Wins! and board breaking.  Black Belts began on Friday evening with black belt competitions including staff poomse, blind-folded breaking, poomse, sparring and more!  The action resumed on Sa
turday morning for all belt levels and ages.

On Saturday, at the All-City Championships halftime, there was a special demonstration given by the students and instructors who journeyed to this year's AMASEA National Convention at Southeast Missouri State University.

Congratulations to this year's All-City Grand Champions:  Erik Ondrejko and Natasha McKernan.

Here are the results:

Poomse

1st place
Tyler Murphy Collin Kreutz Jennifer McKernan Erik Ondrejko
Benjamin Cotton Katie Dahle Keet Holdridge Devon Bilyeu
Brynn Konrad Emily Artman Ethan Price Chase Wyngarden
Cody Jacobson Julian Marine Elise Smith Rob Sarche
Trish Nguyen Derek Simpson Caela McCartney Devan Bagley
Phillip Hoenmans Natasha McKernan Akram Alghanmi John Tompkins
Jacob Hoenmans Audrey Logan R. J. Larson Levi Burkgren
Dean Gunther Teryn Carter Quynn Cotner Aiden Seashore
Aiyana Godwin Kylee Ruhser Caleb Thompson Everett Tompkins
Zach Farr         Kevin Villa Declan Gunther Darcy Stanton
Evan Strickfaden Taylor Allen Evan Montoya Jonah Elstad
Grady Burkgren Matthew Nguyen Taylor Tipton

2nd place
Nathaniel McKernan  Peyton Brauch Kyle Feagans Hope Morgan
T.J. Tibbetts Irene Kime Gwen Gutierrez Connor Brauch
Nina Madayag Elizabeth Hawkins Kelsey Smith Sean Konrad
Trevor Rainey Grant Haverkamp Dakota Jesse Melvin Marine
Mya Field Micco Waisanen Jakob Deverell Chance Smith
Vinny Constantino Emily Brophy Debbie Denny Ed Stanton
Emily Chavez Lenox Jacobo Lance Schwartz Elijah Alire
Anya Trilk Lucah Meyer Kyle Janowski Colston Yoder
Andrew Meyers Nolan O'Donnell Elliot Logan Joshua Stencel
Daniel Ferguson Colten Blake Miette Jandreau Kirun Agarwal
Hunter Nicholas Joy Farr Metio Piza Carter Reyes
Bowen Meyer Arkhip Saratovtsev Angeleena Amaducci

3rd place
Zach Greaves Eric Evans Theo Lincke Caleb Feagans
Zayne Lineberger Lynne Dean Ryan Wyngarden Mike Dean
Lydia Willis Devon Lewis Lydia Lincke Merrick Olesek
Mitchell Oleszek T.J. Gutierrez Dean Loux Christina Manna
Sarah Luper Dante Hulin Jacobi Field Jack Eller
Kathleen Sautel Lauren Smith Jason Stencil, Sr. Patrick Konrad
Logan Shepherd Sean Haverkamp Sam Benjamin Nick Tibbetts
Greg Rodgriguez, Jr. Jaxson Wheat Aydon Lewis Sophia Laws
Kaileh Rainey Katelyn Minden Campbell Copt Race Sober
Keira Jacobo Caiden White Paul Drago Brynn Stevens
Liam McCoy Peyton Beard Aspen Hawkins Katelynn Ward
Ethan Girard Delaney Williams

4th place
Shekina DeTienne Elieen Lindner Coghan Spery Meryn Probasco
Susan Bergstiner Zuzanna Janowska Evelyn LaMorgese Logan Gill
Uriah Hernandez Robbie Crandell Noah Sisk Rick Orton
Jameson Healy Sarah Dahle Lauren Lundeen Jeffrey Bowen
Julianne Todd Nancy Fanning Ellie Stanton Amadeo Sandoval
Alex Schwartz Jason Stencel,, Jr. Jack Henning Waylon Keane
Violet Banks Aidan Sturm Kaylyn McEwan Juju Behrens
Gave Zinser Brecken Lusk Gregory Rodriguez Braden Zack
Libby Girard Jaden Wood

Tiger Poomse

1st place
Owen King Caiden Murphy Kaden Henning Everett Hoedl
Tait Shamus Jackie Penrod Luca Vlassis-Lowe Enzo D'Alessandro
Matthew Hamel Allan Stanton Trenton Wheat Scarlet Banks
Sabrina Jensen Patrick O'Donnell Cash Estes Jackson Vanolfer
Quentin King Autumn Manuelito Zoe Economou Dylan Wellensiek

Breaking

1st place
Natasha McKernan Coghan Spery Erik Ondrejko Bridget Sautel
Cody Jacobson Akram Alghanmi Debbie Denny Caiden White
Arkhip Saratovtsev Zach Farr         Jonah Elstad Peyton Beard
Dakota Jesse Mya Field Rob Sarche Devon Bilyeu
Jack Eller         Ryan Wyngarden Devan Bagley Katie Dahle
Nina Madayag Derek Simpson Chase Wyngarden Jennifer McKernan

Sparring

1st  place
Kathleen Sautel Erik Ondrejko Coghan Spery Bridget Sautel
Eric Evans Kirun Agarwal Taylor Allen Miette Jandreau
Jonah Elstad Mike Dean Zuzanna Janowska Brynn Konrad
Logan Shephard Jacob Hoenmans Aiyana Godwin Amadeo Sandoval
Campbell Copt Joshua Stencel Kylee Rusher Alex Schwartz
Chloe Churchill Kyle Janowski Aspen Hawkins Lauren Smith
Arkhip Saratovtsev John Tompkins Donovan Penrod Race Sober
Evan Montoya Evan Strickfaden Bowen Meyer Sean Konrad
Dante Hulin Lydia Lincke Vinny Constantino Ryan Wyngarden
Charlie Smith Lauren Lundeen Julian Marine Devon Lewis
Rob Sarche Dakota Jesse Trish Nguyen Sean Haverkamp

2nd place
Natasha McKernan Tyler Murphy Theo Lincke Shekina DeTienne
Mark Scott Darcy Stanton Joy Farr Juju Behrens
Caiden White Kenny Brancio Gwen Gutierrez Lydia Willis
Cash Estes Aiden Sturm Sophia Laws Aydon Lewis
Jason Stencel, Jr. Nick Tibbetts Ellie Stanton Quynn Carter
Audrey Logan Jesse Rainey Libby Girard Debbie Denny
Ethan Girard Akram Alghanmi Zayne Lineberger Luke Smith
Peyton Beard Trevor Rainey Braden Zack Grant Haverkamp
Jakob Deverell Katie Dahle Jeffrey Bowen Konner Evans
Jacobi Field Sarah Luper Mitchell Oleszek Chase Wyngarden
Rick Orton Sam LaMorgese Emily Artman Lance Schwartz

3rd place
Allyse Nothstine Zach Greaves Collin Kreutz Jennifer McKernan
Don Johnson Kiera Jacobo Tayler Tipton Brecken Lusk
Jaxson Wheat Devon Bilyeu Evelyn LaMorgese Nina Madayag
Elliot Logan Violet Banks Colston Yoder Dean Gunther
Everett Tompkins Kaileh Rainey Allan Stanton Patrick O'Donnell
Alice Warnick Nancy Fanning Matthew Nguyen Ed Stanton
T. J. Tibbetts Zach Farr         Ben Cotton Liam McCoy
Robbie Crandell Derek Simpson Lynne Dean Jack Eller
Nico Trilk Devon Bagley Elise Smith Merrick Oleszek
Ethan Price T. J. Gutierrez Elizabeth Hawkins

4th place
Emily Brophy Jack Eddy Angeleena Amaducci Eileen Lindner
Kyle Feagans Jaden Wood Declan Gunther Lenox Jacobo
Caleb Thompson Elijah Alire Zoe Economou Waylon Keane
Jason Stencel, Sr. Meryn Probasco Cody Jacobson Daniel Ferguson
Hunter Nicholas Colten Blake Noah Sisk         Micco Waisanen
Kelsey Smith Sarah Dahle Logan Gill         Melvin Marine
Jameson Healy Mya Field Connor Brauch Casey Feagans

First Point Wins!

1st place
Natasha McKernan Erik Ondrejko Peyton Brauch Hope Morgan
Kyle Feagans Kirun Agarwal Joy Farr Taylor Tipton
Caiden White Kenny Brancio Casey Feagans Lydia Willis
Logan Shepherd Elliot Logan Aiyana Godwin Aydon Lewis
Dean Gunther Joshua Stencel Ellie Stanton Alex Schwartz
Chloe Churchill Kyle Janowski Aspen Hawkins Debbie Denny
Arkhip Saratovtsev Ed Stanton T .J. Tibbetts Luke Smith
Evan Montoya Evan Strickfaden Kevin Villa Noah Sisk
Jakob Deverell Lynne Dean Vinny Constantino Ryan Wyngarden
Charlie Smith Sarah Luper Julian Marine Devon Lewis
Rob Sarche Dakota Jesse Elizabeth Hawkins Sean Haverkamp
Emily Chavez Greg Rodriguez, Jr.

2nd place
Julianne Todd Zach Greaves Caleb Feagans Shekina DeTienne
Eric Evans Darcy Stanton Keira Jacobo Juju Behrens
Jonah Elstad Trish Nguyen Brynn Konrad     Zuzanna Janowska
Aidan Sturm Ethan Schock Sophia Laws Colston Yoder
Nico Trilk               Devan Bagley Caela McCartney Mitchell Oleszek
Campbell Copt Nick Tibbetts Kaileh Rainey Quynn Carter
Allan Stanton Jesse Rainey Alice Warnick Lauren Smith
Matthew Nguyen Jason Stencel, Sr. Zayne Lineberger Zach Farr
Peyton Beard Ben Cotton Braden Zack Sean Konrad
Merrick Oleszek     Melvin Marine T. J. Gutierrez Devon Bilyeu
Dante Hulin Kelsey Smith Jack Eller         Lance Schwartz
Jack Henning

Staff Poomse

1st place
Natasha McKernan Collin Kreutz Erik Ondrejko Tyler Murphy

2nd place
Emily Brophy Caleb Feagans Hope Morgan Jocelyn Wallen

3rd place
Kathleen Sautel Peyton Brauch Zach Greaves Kyle Feagans

4th place 
Eric Evans Jennifer McKernan

Black Belt Grand Champions

Adult - Erik Ondrejko
Junior - Natasha McKernan

National Anthem – Ryan Lindner                   Demonstration – AMASEA National Convention Demo Team

Adult Martial Art and Self-Defense Training

By Tyler Murphy, 1st dan

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

Students of All Ages Learning Self-Defense

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet the CTI: Lakewood School

Are you looking for taekwondo, karate, self-denfese or any martial arts classes for yourself or your child in the Denver/Foothills area?  The Colorado Taekwondo Institute has 5 campuses located in Littleton, Westminster, Golden, and Conifer.  The Colorado Taekwondo Institute Lakewood location, near Green Mountain, is located next to Starbucks on Alameda Parkway. This location, just off of Union, is conveniently located to serve nearby neighborhoods.

The Lakewood school opened in 1991. Students come from Lakewood, Golden, Littleton and Wheat Ridge to train with the most experienced and hardest working black belts in the foothill area. Our dynamic classes provide the best in martial arts lessons for toddlers, kids, teens and adults. The Lakewood location of the CTI has 7 fully accredited 1st degree black belts, who all began at this campus as white belts, and now assist or instruct, as well as continue their training, at the Lakewood school. The head instructor at Lakewood is Grandmaster James M. Sau
tel, 7th degree black belt in Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo, the highest ranking and most experienced black belt in the area.  With over 30 years’ experience as a martial arts instructor, his teaching in Lakewood has ensured that this campus has the best of everything.

Afternoon and evening martial arts classes are offered for all ages at this location. Our students range in age from 2 to 60.  We have students who train together as a family in our family classes.  Many of our young students have encouraged their parents and siblings to join classes suited for their ages.

The custom suspension floors in our workout room provide support and cushion for your joints.  Some of the large windows in the workout room look out into the lobby, with a spacious viewing area where supportive parents watch their children learning new and increasingly difficult moves.

The pro shop area carries the newest offerings in sparring gear, student manuals, event patches and belt racks.  We have t-shirts, key rings, and many other items to personalize your experience at Lakewood location of the Colorado Taekwondo Institute.  The large TV in the lobby, screening DVDs of past events offered by the CTI, allows friends to see our students in action, achieving awards, sparring and competing in those events.  Registration fees for tests and events are also accepted at this location, by cash, check or credit card.

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

For more information about the Lakewood Campus of the CTI, go to www.ColoradoTaekwondo.com or give us a call at 303-989-7542.

2015 All-City Championships

The 2015 All-City Championships is taking place April 24 and 25 at Alameda International High School.

There are competitions for all ages and belt levels in poomse, sparring, First Point Wins! and board breaking.  Black Belts begin on Friday evening with black belt competitions including staff poomse.  The action resumes on Saturday morning.  (Check the times for the different ages and/or belt levels.)

On Saturday at the All-City Championships halftime, there will be a special demonstration given by the students and instructors who journeyed to this year's AMASEA National Convention at Southeast Missouri State University.

During the day, another exciting twist will be in the First Point Wins! competitions.  Competitors will have an obstacle in the ring that they will utilize as they try to score the first point of the match.  There will also be some blindfolded breaking for the adult black belts and other stimulating action for our students and instructors.

Come to our final tournament of the season which will help us prepare for the upcoming Moo Sul Kwan Summer Expo XXXI on the last weekend of May in Breckenridge, Colorado..

Last year's 2014 All - City Champs Grand Champions were Zach Greaves (Westminster) and Collin Kreutz (Green Mountain).

Family members and friends of the CTI who are spectators are always free!  Come and have some fun watching the competitions, skills and sportsmanship of our Moo Sul Kwan martial artists!

Register here!

Finding the Best Martial Arts School

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

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

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

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

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

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

Large workout area with floating floors

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

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

Convention Afterthoughts

By Lydia Lincke, red belt, CTI Black Belt Club Member

Going to the AMASEA National Convention was a huge deal for me, mostly because I had never been out of the state without my family before. However, it only took me a few hours into the bus ride to Missouri, to realize that although I had left my parents and dogs and house behind, I was with my second family: my Moo Sul Kwan family.

The entire trip was like a huge family reunion, and I got to meet cousins and second cousins I had never seen or been around before, and I got to learn so many new and interesting things about the people that do the exact same thing I do, just a little bit differently. It was amazing to see that everything that all the Grandmaster and Great Grandmaster black belts had built, and all the history that comes with it, especially the legacy of Lee H. Park that is maintained. During Convention, Great Grandmaster He-Young Kimm taught a class on self defense, and just from an hour under his instruction, it was easy to see that someone of his age and rank in martial arts really knew what they were talking about.

Being around someone like Great Grandmaster Kimm or Great Grandmaster Bong Yul Shin was incredible, and a little overwhelming. They have so much more knowledge and understanding about the way of life than the average seventy-some year old, just because they took the time in their lives to perfect and explore not just one, but two or three extremely expansive arts.

It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite part from Convention because it all happened so quickly. There was hardly a chance to sit back and simmer in the fascination I feel now after reflecting and looking back at everything we did.  One big thing I learned from Convention was that everyone that joins Moo Sul Kwan, whether they do it in Missouri, or Colorado, develops so much passion and respect for what they do. Even though different areas of expertise have more emphasis placed on them between the two states, every student in Moo Sul Kwan has the same positive energy driving them forward, pushing them to do more and to learn more about their art. This is what sets Moo Sul Kwan martial arts apart from other martial arts schools: the mentality of the organization is that of sincerity and the desire to learn and teach rather than achieving the highest possible status in the shortest amount of time possible.

Going to The AMASEA National Convention was eye opening, not just because I was exposed to several new techniques in Taekwondo, Hapkido and Judo, but because of the experiences I shared with my second family and the concepts I can now apply to every single aspect of my life.  I now have one hundred times more respect for what I do, and am inspired to explore and delve into my martial art as much as I can in my own lifetime.