42nd CTI Superbowl is a Success!

The 42nd CTI Superbowl was on February 26-27 at Alameda International Junior and Senior High School in Lakewood, CO!

This year's CTI Superbowl was presented by Grandmaster James M. Sautel, 7th dan, Master Merinda J. Sautel, 6th dan, Master John T. Sautel, 6th dan and Master Erik R. Albrechtson, 5th dan.

Instructors and students from across the Colorado Taekwondo Institute converged for the two day event consisting of competitions in poomse, free-sparring, board breaking and more.  

This day was dedicated to the members of our United States Armed Services and we want everyone to come and celebrate the competitors achievements and sportsmanship.

Special guests Master Freddy Sautel, 5th dan (Missouri) and Mr. Abdu Kikhia, 3rd dan (West Virginia) were on hand to take part in all of the activities of the Superbowl weekend.

This year's under-black belt Grand Champions at the 42nd CTI Superbowl were:  Dakota Jesse, Josh Miller, Ed Stanton and Arkhip Saratovtsev

Here are the results from the weekend!

POOMSE

1st place
Dante Hulin        Kylie Bickford        Julian Marine        Devan Bagley
Cody Jacobson        Merrick Oleszek        Brynn Konrad        Elizabeth Hawkins
Lauren Smith        Ed Stanton        Rick Orton        Zuzanna Janowska
Mateo Piza        Sean Huntley        Gabe Zinser        Hudson Van Voorhee
Evan O'Fihelly        Taylor Tipton        Arkhip Saratovtsev    Caidan White
Miah Daley        Sean Jacobson        Andra Vieru        Owen Hughes        
Kylee Ryan-Rusher    Diego Quezada        Robert Haight        Helen Grenillo-Wea
Amadeo Sandoval    Dylan Wellensick    Kyle Janowski        Tyler Gibbs    
Jonah Olson        Ellie Stanton        Aaron Maloit        Aidan Sturm
Jack Weichert        Lillian Eichelberger    Ahas Weerapura    Rusty Martino
Jacob Hoenmans    Paul Paisley        Caleb Port        Tyler Brooks
Angeleena Amaducci    Collin Kreutz        Abdu Kikhia        Keet Holdridge
Theo Lincke        Tyler Murphy        Jennifer McKernan    Dakota Jesse

2nd place
Derek Simpson        R.J. Larson        Zach Bickford        Jonah Elstad
T.J. Tibbetts        Evelyn LaMorgese    Chase Wyngarden     Ethan Jacobson
Katie Dahl        Kaddie Williams        Melvin Marine        Josh Miller
Miette Jandreau    Evan Montoya        Shaydon Tuttle        Aidan Hutchison
Megan Garcia        Lars Den Hartog        Allison Jacobson    Brecken Lusk
Allison VonDer Heyd    Slyder Sedlacek        Isabella Sandoval    Ella Von Der Heyde    
Isabella Lasader        Caleb Romero        Craig Cardella        Nethika Suraweera
Carson Mack        Autumn Manuelito    Audrey Logan        Katelyn Minden
Parker Shuck        Jason Stencel, Jr.    Averie Chavez        Luke Vanni
Marley Griffin        Trenton Wheat        Allen Stanton        Alden Seashore
Everett Tompkins    Theryn Ochsner        Knox Den Hartog    Jillian Peck
Kevin Villa        Coghan Spery        Hope Morgan        Kenny Brancio
Natasha McKernan    Nathaniel McKernan    Rob Sarche        Devon Bilyeu

3rd place
Jakob Deverell        Alex Price        Nick Tibbetts        Jacobi Field
Treyton Jacobson    Logan Gill        Robbie Crandell        Nikki Garcia
Taryn Dwyer        Jason Stencel, Sr.    William Schwartz    Konner Evans
Ethan Girard        David Malec        Dalton Cole        Taylor Allen
Brendan Arink        Sophie Parker        Samantha Biesemeier    Jovan Moore
Aleen Jones        Darcy Stanton        Jackie Uchiyama    McKenzie Cress-Kernan
Lukas Chromy        Collin Tampa        Will Kennedy        Tegan Davis-Stenho
Waylon Keene        Cameron Shuck        Elijah Alire        Grant McKissack
Gavin Vahle        Campbell Copt        Cole Penny        Tyler Cobb
Benson White        Leto Ochsner        Anika Olsen        Aydon Lewis
Joshua Stencel        Owen King        Logan Brooks        Tristan Garcia
Carson Ayers        Kathleen Sautel        Brian Steward        Ryan Wyngarden
Justin Lautrup        Zach Greaves        Eileen Lindner        Elise Smith

4th place
Sarah Luper        Mia Rubio        Ashton Price        Jonah Sidwell
Sigourney Zager        Sean Konrad        Lydia Willis        Payton Reynolds
Susan Burgstiner    Luke Smith        Lee Tomjack        Adam Harkins
Lauren Dahlberg    Bryce Cole        Matthew Nguyen    Alice Warnick
Christian Beaman    Braden Zack        Simon Padilla        Bowen Meyer
Wyatt Ayers        Luis Gonzalez        Paul Tafoya        Alyssa Reinke
Linnea Zandin        Cheyenne Selbe        Sophia Sandoval    Reuben Lean
Tanner Scorscone    Collin Palminteri    Aidan Dalby        Sam Benjamin
Carly Rothgery        Emma Weichert        Elliot Logan        Owen Robertson
Adina Johnson        Preston Smith        Asher Sidwell        Keenan Dalby
Alex Schwartz        Ben Techmeyer        Aubrey Schreiner    Owen Frey
Konner Kielkowski    Kristin Dries        Allyse Nothstine    Bridget Sautel
Makayla Trapp        Lexi Johannes        Shekina DeTienne    Don Johnson
Kameron Evans

TIGER POOMSE

1st place
Jackie Penrod        Quinn Mahoney    Esme Bush        Silas Rees
Dameon Kielkowski    Cooper Ivie        Siri Seashore        P.K. Lamb
Daric Foss        Landon Pfalzgraff    Cole Massa        Lillyanna Eichelberger
Jaxon Penney        Alexis Chavez        Noah Gomez        Grant Maloit
Benjamin Eichelberger

FREE SPARRING

1st place
Natasha McKernan    Coghan Spery        Justin Lautrup        Bridget Sautel    
Andy McDaniel        Emily Brophy        Sean Konrad        Luke Smith
Evelyn LaMorgese    Jonah Sidwell        Lauren Lundeen        Ed Stanton
NIck Tibbetts        Ella Sidwell        T. J. Tibbetts        Kaddie Williams
Joshua Miller        Dakota Jesse        Chase Wyngarden    Brynn Konrad
Adolph Ordaz-Busto    Gabe Zinser        Brendan Arink        Simon Padilla
Mateo Piza        Braden Zack        Helen Grenillo-Wea    Diego Quezada
Caidan White        Yzzy Bellotti        Allison Jacobson    Robert Haight
Tayler Allen        Isabella Sandoval    Aaron Maloit        Joshua Stencel
Katelyn Minden        Channing Toal        Elliot Logan        Tyler GibbsS
Owen Hughes        Elijah Alire        Sydni Wilhelm        Leto Ochsner
Lukas Chromy        Autumn Mauelito    Logan Brooks        Luke Vanni
Ben Techmeyer    

2nd place
Lexi Johannes        Zach Greaves        Ethan Trapp        Hope Morgan
Bruce Dean        Allyse Nothstine    Devan Bagley        Derek Simpson
Elizabeth Hawkins    Mohale Mitchell    Trish Nguyen        Melvin Marine
Lance Schwartz        Anya Trilk        Alex Price        Katie Dahle
Nico Trilk        T.J. Gutierrez        R.J. Larson        Kylie Bickford
Arkhip Saratovtsev    Evan O'Fihelly        Bowen Meyer        Shaydon Tuttle
Christopher Cardella    Lauren Dahlberg    Evan Montoya        Kirun Agarwal
Kevin Villa        Brecken Lusk        Miette Jandreau    Jade Teegarden
Craig Cardella        Linnea Zandin        Tyler Brooks        Tyler  Cobb
Cameron Shuck        Adina Johnson        Rusty Martino        Sean Jacobson
Amadeo Sandoval    Jaxson Wheat        Theryn Ochsner        Trenton Wheat    
Paul Paisley        Anika Olson        Waylon Keene        Aidan Sturm
Jason Stencel, Jr.

3rd place
Gwen Gutierrez        Theo Lincke        Kenny Brancio        Jennifer McKernan
Eric Evans        Kathleen Sautel        Jonah Elstad        Dante Hulin
Elise Smith        Calvin Jensen        Sarah Dahle        Jason Stencel, Sr.
Ashton Price        Mia Rubio        Cody Jacobson        Susan Burgstiner
Devon Bilyeu        Kameron Evans        Treyton Jacobson    Meryn Probasco
Henry Rumph        Hudson Van Voorhee    Joe Beaman        Mathhew Ordaz-Busto
Ethan Girard        Libby Girard        David Malec        Darcy Stanton
Lars Den Hartog        Jovan Moore        Mariah Cordova        Samantha Biesemeier
Paul Tafoya        Andra Vieru        Knox Den Hartog    Jacob Hoenmans
Keenan Dalby        Kylee Ryan-Rusher    Owen Robertson    Aiden Dalby
Carson Mack        Kyle Janowski        Alex Schwartz        Ahas Weerapura
Jonah Olson        Averie Chavez        Caleb Port        Benson White
Everett Tompkins

4th place
Makayla Trapp        Collin Kreutz        Eileen Lindner        Don Johnson
Caela McCartney    Jacobi Field        Jakob Deverell        Nikki Garcia
Sarah Luper        William Schwartz    Zach Bickford        Uriah Hernandez
Konner Evans        Adam Harkins        Ethan Jacobson        Donovan Penrod
Robbie Crandell        Lydia Willis        Jaron Maclin        Aidan Hutchison
Dalton Cole        Christian Beaman    Megan Garcia        Sean Huntley
Jackie Uchiyama    Bryce Cole        Alice Warnick        Tayler Tipton
Cheyney Selbe        Tristan Garcia        Jack Weichert        Allan Stanton
Isabella Lasater        Aydon Lewis        Rutledge Denton    Reuban Lean
Colin Palminteri        Audrey Logan        Enzo D'Alessandro    Yosef Rutan
Asher Sidwell        Lucah Meyer        Campbell Copt

FIRST POINT WINS!

1st place
Kathleen Sautel        Eric Evans        Jennifer McKernan    Justin Lautrup
Zach Greaves        Natasha McKernan    Brynn Konrad        Donovan Penrod
Dakota Jesse        Josh Miller        Katie Dahle        T.J. Tibbetts
Ashton Price        Ella Sidwell        Trish Nguyen        Ed Stanton
Mohale Mitchell    Payton Reynolds    Dante Hulin        Jonah Elstad
Craig Cardella        Samantha Beisemeier    Mariah  Cordova    Caiden White
Kevin Villa        Darcy Stanton        David Malec        Libby Girard
Mateo Piza        Shaydon Tuttle        Brendan Arink        Evan O'Fihelly
Matthew Nguyen    Ben Techmeyer        Aidan Sturm        Autumn Manuelito
Logan Brooks        Paul Paisley        Ahas Weerapura    Theryn Ochsner
Elijah Alire        Carson Mack        Aidan Dalby        Elliott Logan
Adina Johnson        Keenan Dalby        Joshua Stencel        Tyler Brooks
Jaden Jesse

2nd place
Emily Brophy        Don Johnson        Hope Morgan        Kenny Brancio
Tyler Murphy        Lexi Johannes        Sigourney Zager        Robbie Crandell
Ethan Jacobson        Devon Bilyeu        Uriah Hernandez    Cody Jacobson
Zach Bickford        Mia Rubio        Lauren Lundeen        Rick Orton
Jonah Sidwell        Elizabeth Hawkins    Jakob Deverell        Sean Konrad
Paul Tafoya        Evan Zdechlik        Kristin Dries        Brecken Lusk
Lars Den Hartog        Alyssa Reinke        Evan Montoya        Aleena Jones
Christopher Cardella    Joe Beaman        Bowen Meyer        Henry Rumph
Arkhip Saratovtsev    Jason Stencel, Jr.    Lucah Meyer        Lillian Eichelberger
Waylon Keene        Jonah Olson        Trenton Wheat        Parker Shuck
Jaxson Wheat        Owen Hughes        Rutledge Denton    Rusty Martino
Ellie Stanton        Allan Stanton        Jacob Hoenmans    Aaron Maloit
Sophia Sandoval

BREAKING

1st place
Abdu Kikhia        Lexi Johannes        Hope Morgan        Collin Kreutz
Kathleen Sautel        Kenny Brancio        Nathaniel McKernan    Allyse Nothstine
Tyler Murphy        Jennifer McKernan    Bridget Sautel        Erik Albrechtson
Brecken Lusk        Arkhip Saratovtsev    Adolph Ordaz-Busto    Chris Cardella
Robert Haight        Mariah Cordova        Devan Bagley        Ed Stanton
Katie Dahle        Derek Simpson        Sarah Luper        Dakota Jesse
Elise Smith        Josh Miller        Kylie Bickford        Zach Bickford
T.J. Tibbetts        Bowen Meyer        

STAFF POOMSE

1st place
Abdu Kikhia        Lexi Johannes        Hope Morgan        Collin Kreutz    
Kathleen Sautel

2nd place
Brian Steward        Natasha McKernan    Eric Evans        Tyler Murphy
Jennifer McKernan

3rd place
Bridget Sautel        Justin Lautrup        Zach Greaves        Nathaniel McKernan
Eileen Lindner

4th place
Andy McDaniel        Coghan Spery        Kenny Brancio        Shekina DeTienne

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!

Kids Karate and Martial Arts Programs

By Shekina DeTienne, 1st dan

When a parent calls looking for a children's karate program for their kid, it is always important to make sure that they find the perfect program to fit their child's needs. At the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, we address more than just the physical aspect of a child's self defense training, we also teach them discipline, respect, leadership and self control.

Taekwondo, like many other martial arts such as karate, has a strong physical facet. Having a curriculum that also addresses their mind and spirit is essential to a well-rounded martial artist. Even at the youngest age, being able to connect and teach a student not just how to kick and punch but to also control their emotions and actions will help them in every area of their lives as they grow and mature.

Teaching tigers, students between the ages of 2 and 5, we use physical rewards to reinforce good behaviors. New material, fun kicks and games help us teach them respect, focus and discipline. Seeing other older, more experienced students acting in these fashions helps new students learn the routines and maturity. They in turn pass the focus, respect and discipline on by becoming an example themselves.

As juniors, we are able to teach more advanced ideas such as how to handle a bully, some leadership roles and to be an example at school, home and everywhere in-between. When teaching juniors, typically between 5 and 11, keeping them working hard on a physical front as well as teaching positive qualities maximizes their learning. This keeps them progressing through the program as well as growing in maturity. Being aware of each individual students needs and abilities is key to having a successful class and helping them become stronger physically, mentally and emotionally.

The kids karate program at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute helps it's students to learn self defense and become stronger physically. We also strive to teach kids of all ages and abilities to grow into well rounded mature young men and women. Having curriculum that addresses their physical training as well as their mind and emotions helps us to work effectively towards this goal every kids karate class.

8 Reason Your Child Should Join a Martial Arts Program

By Hope Morgan, 2nd dan

In a culture that seems to glorify violence in everything from movies to video games, the proposition of enrolling your child in a martial arts program may not seem like the best idea. However, you might be surprised at how beneficial kid’s martial arts can really prove to be. At the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, we are dedicated to providing your child with the absolute best instruction and guarantee they will experience and gain numerous positive benefits.

1) Encourages physical activity
Our weekly classes largely focus on encouraging, building, and maintaining physical health. Enrolling your kids in children's martial arts discourages a sedentary lifestyle by giving them an enjoyable activity that inspires them to keep moving. We address all parts of physical health, ranging from flexibility to cardiovascular fitness to eye-hand coordination. The sooner your child learns and understands the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, the easier it will be to retain those habits as they grow older.

2) Fosters confidence and increased levels of self-esteem
Our children’s martial arts program cultivates a positive learning environment for all kids and encourages them to develop their personal confidence. It takes courage for a child to step into the workout area and attempt techniques and activities they’ve never experienced. Instructors are with them every step of the way. We teach children that with 100% effort, they are capable of anything and before long, they will develop astounding levels of self-esteem.

3) Promotes teamwork and positive social interaction
Children who don’t always thrive in social environments often find it easier to connect to peers when they’re in a room filled with students who share a common interest. While taekwondo is largely individually based, we do place a lot of significance in the notion of teamwork. Kids martial arts teaches students how to work together in order to achieve certain goals. Our active curriculum and collaborative environment helps the youth develop character and necessary teamwork skills.

4) Improves focus and listening skills
At the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, we understand the true worth of superb listening skills. Students who aren’t always adept when it comes to paying attention or focusing can greatly benefit from the instruction children’s martial arts provides. Kids are expected to concentrate on the task at hand and utilize various listening abilities to improve focus in the classroom, at school, and at home.

5) Encourages non-violent conflict resolution
Martial arts is stereotyped with promoting violent behavior as a source of conflict resolution. However, along with you, that is the last thing we want. While we teach children self-defense skills, we also discuss and reiterate the situations in which those skills should be employed. Our kid’s martial arts teaches non-violent resolution skills along with numerous ways of avoiding physical altercations altogether.

6) Instills an attitude of respect
One of our most reviewed concepts in kid’s martial arts is respect. Students are immediately taught to respect their instructor, each other, and themselves. Alongside of that, we children carry that respect into all facets of their lives, including at school and at home. This is one reason martial arts differs from other youth sports. A child’s social behavior is directly linked to their progression in their class. Our youth program is emphasizes personal growth and becoming a better person.

7) Provides opportunities for every child
Unlike many sports in today’s culture, Taekwondo offers full inclusion. Your child will be participating just as much as any other student and will be offered just as many opportunities to succeed. We believe every child is capable of reaching their black belt, and for this reason, we will do whatever we can to assure their achievement.

8) Nurtures educational development
At the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, our children’s martial arts program utilizes fun and effective methods to inculcate the importance of education. We whole-heartedly believe that the education aspects that martial arts provides are just as substantial as the physical ones. Our students complete monthly homework, each with a characteristic theme that teaches kids about the multitude of qualities they should always employ – qualities like self-control, goal setting, perseverance, and integrity. Students also take written tests as part of their belt testing process. We believe that by stressing the usefulness of education, children will be much more successful both in and out of kids martial arts.

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.

42nd CTI Superbowl

The 42nd CTI Superbowl is February 26-27 at Alameda International High School in Lakewood, CO!
The CTI Superbowl is presented by Grandmaster James M. Sautel, 7th dan, Master Merinda J. Sautel, 6th dan, Master John T. Sautel, 6th dan, and Master Erik R. Albrechtson, 5th dan.

Instructors and students from across the Colorado Taekwondo Institute will converge for the two day event consisting of competitions in poomse, free-sparring, board breaking and more.  Competitors of all ages and belt levels will vie for coveted CTI Superbowl awards in the many exciting divisions.

The CTI Superbowl has grown over the many years and celebrates the end of the CTI-year with exciting competitions and demonstrations.  This is also the only CTI Championships where under-black belts compete for the Grand Champions Awards!  Points are tallied for each competitor in each of their competitions, and the highest scores win.

As always, families and friends of the CTI students and instructors may come and watch for free!  This day is dedicated to the members of our United States Armed Services and we want everyone to come and celebrate the competitors achievements and sportsmanship.

Last year's under-black belt Grand Champions at the 41st CTI Superbowl were:  Trish Nguhen, Rob Sarche and Arkhip Sartovtsev

Who will capture the top awards this year?

For more information, click here!

Celebrating, Taekwondo Style!

By Alice Meyung, 5th dan

Did you know that the Colorado Taekwondo Institute hosts and runs birthday parties?  If you or your child wants to have a birthday party at a taekwondo school or a karate school, you are in luck!  A martial arts birthday party is a fantastic and active way for the kids who attend the party to burn energy and have a great time!  Here at our taekwondo school, the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, we work hard to provide the most fun and exciting birthday celebrations for our students and anyone else looking to celebrate!  We welcome anyone to book a party at our taekwondo school!  The parties are complimentary and can take place at any of our five campus locations.  We usually run the parties on a weekend during the day, but our schedules can be flexible.

A typical party runs around two hours.  All of your guests gather at the taekwondo school to try out a class and have some party fun!  A certified Colorado Taekwondo Institute black belt instructor runs a short version of a Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo class.  Anyone can participate, even the parents!  The special birthday child gets a unique position during this class and gets to lead some very special activities for their guests.  The class consists of warm-ups and stretches to prepare our bodies for martial arts fun.  We will then learn the basics of taekwondo and learn how to perform punches, strikes, blocks and kicks in a safe environment and with expert help.  After the group is warmed-up and feeling confident with their new techniques, the party shifts to taekwondo-centric games and entertainment!  At a party at our taekwondo school, the games are designed to use the martial arts techniques and skills we just learned to have fun and expend energy.  Some great games we've played at past birthday parties include fun with rope drills, a kicking-version of Shark Attack, learning how to evade objects or attackers in a fun and safe environment, a taekwondo version of musical chairs, speed contests, gladiator-style taekwondo games and many, many more amazing activities!

After we are all exhausted from working out hard and exercising both our minds and bodies, it is time for cake, snacks, gifts, and anything else special that you might want to add to your celebration!  The birthday celebrant gets to cut the cake in a very special and unique way that is sure to impress all of the guests and their families.  After your party is over, you won't believe how much fun you and your friends had!

While having your birthday at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute is incredibly delightful, it is also a great way to introduce your friends (and maybe yourself, too!) to the fantastic opportunities a taekwondo school or karate school has to offer.  You and your guests get a taste of the incredible mental and physical benefits of taekwondo as well as having the time of your lives!  If you've been thinking about having a party at a taekwondo school or karate school, call the Colorado Taekwondo Institute or speak with your instructor today!

Responsibility

By Hope Morgan, 2nd dan

When I think about responsibility, I gravitate towards thinking about my responsibilities to others. I think about the various things I’m expected to do at school, work, and home. I think about the roles I’m expected to assume and the ways in which I’m expected to act. And while the concept of responsibility in this sense is incredibly important and worth discussing, hardly ever do people think about their responsibilities to themselves. This, in my opinion, is most important.

There is a blunt simple truth that begs to be mentioned - no one, despite how amazing they may be, has the true power to change your life. Can they be impactful? Of course! But the real power… That is something that completely resides in one’s own self. YOU are virtually responsible for everything in YOUR life. Someone lacking will will find it eminently difficult to change anything about their lives. It is all dependent on your personal responsibility.

This realization of all of my personal responsibilities hadn’t completely hit me until I had tested for my 1st degree Moo Sul Kwan black belt and it really came to settle in when I began college. My success was completely dependent on the amount of work I was willing to put in. Taking responsibility for myself has given me the power to create exactly what I want to create in life and achieve exactly what I want to achieve in life. I am responsible for attaining what I desire.

This notion quickly becomes clear to everyone in the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. CTI is one of the few places where one can experience all angles and facets of what responsibility is, but a strong personal responsibility is what really makes a student shine. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful group of people - students and instructors ready and willing to support others. I love knowing I have classmates who will push me in every class and an instructor ready to urge me forward. But my real salvation comes in knowing that despite all of that wonderful support, my success is my responsibility. I’m in charge of pushing myself and I’m responsible for taking the necessary steps in order to attain my goals. Just knowing that my progress rests on my shoulders gives me the most motivation. I want to be the best that I can be for myself.

This way of thinking has transcended into everything I do and I have only benefited from it. College operates on the same basis a CTI Taekwondo does. Spend the time and make the effort and your grades and learning will reflect that. If you can adopt this way of thinking, you will find yourself more successful. Take responsibility for yourself.

The Colorado Taekwondo Institute: Westminster School

Are you looking for karate or martial arts in Westminster, CO? Well then look no further- the Colorado Taekwondo Institute Westminster location offers dynamic classes for all ages and abilities. Each class provides hands on instruction from our black belt instructors. Students learn the Korean martial art of Taekwondo while developing self-control, self-esteem, self-defense skills and of course physical fitness. At the Westminster location our students are offered goals and challenges to complete throughout their training.

The Westminster school was founded in 2005 by Master Erik Albrechtson, 5th degree black belt in Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo. Each class is taught by a certified AMASEA black belt instructor, that started with the CTI as a white belt. There are also upper belt students 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 Albrechtson brings a level of educational training and experience to the Colorado Taekwondo Institute to provide superior classes to all of our students.

We offer a wide variety of martial arts classes for students of all abilities and ages. Students start classes as young as two years old and we even have students in their 60s working out. Classes are divided by age, so each class can be taught at the appropriate level for each of the students.

Located near 88th Avenue and Garrison, the Westminster location is conveniently located and provides classes for students in North Arvada, Westminster and Broomfield. The Westminster school is in the corner unit of the Lake Plaza Shopping Center, which houses a Diamond Shamrock, Global Thrift, Lake Plaza Barbers, Applauze Salon, Maitri Yoga, Sano's Amadeos Italian Kitchen, and Sideways Sports Lounge.

Here at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute, we make the educational aspect of martial arts an important part of our program.  We offer three student manuals ranging from white belt through black belt plus 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.

Come stop by for our summer special for new students. We are located on the southwest corner of 88th Avenue and Field Street, next to Applauze Salon. We have new student specials that allow you to experience our program without the stress of a long term commitment. Stop by or give us a call at 303-428-5377 and we'll provide you the best in karate or martial arts training in Westminster, CO.

Martial Arts = Self-Control for Children

By Bridget Sautel, 3rd dan

One quality that every parent wants there child to have and hold onto throughout their life is self-control. There are many ways this quality can be instilled in a child from early on, but there are some ways that work better than others and have more of a lasting effect. Taekwondo, which is a Korean martial art, is one of the most effective ways to teach a child self-control and self-defense. There are many reasons why children, and adults, need Taekwondo in the first place but it is also necessary to see how martial arts will change a person in the process. The outcomes and permanent changes that become very apparent make all the reasons why kids martial arts is so fundamental to a children’s life very clear.

There are a lot of reasons why a child would benefit from the martial art of Taekwondo and these same reasons apply to adults. One of the most obvious reasons to begin something like this would be to be able to stay fit and in shape. While strengthening the mind and thinking skills, the body is also being worked out and is physically being strengthened from day one. This way the body is kept healthy, and a person will be able to control their body and habits in better ways. Another important reason for taking part in Taekwondo would be the level of respect that the student is taught from the very first class. Not only are the students taught to respect their instructors and other adults, but also their fellow classmates and all types of people, ages, and belt ranks. The most influential reason is that aspect of self-control. This applies to being able to control the body, but also the mind and spirit. The child will learn and practice how to have a longer attention span while they are doing something they are learning to love. There are only a few reasons and explanations of the benefits from children's martial arts.

There are many changes and differences that a person will notice about themselves or their children after being in martial arts for even a short period of time, but especially long-term. One of the most credible differences seen will be that the self-control carries over to school, work, and social settings. It also contributes to interactions with people and how certain situations are dealt with, with the additional knowledge. The lessons that are learned at Taekwondo will be used in other situations that may have been difficult or hard to deal with before, but now have logical reactions and ways of dealing. Another difference is a good sense of consistency, meaning that every week the student will come to Taekwondo class and participate no matter what is going on in the outside world. Along with this is that quality of perseverance and learning not to give up when times are hard or you’re feeling a little exhausted. This especially will carry over to work and school and being able to persevere through these hard times and follow through. While doing a martial art, it will always be very visible to see how you’re improving as a person and the best thing about it is there is also room to improve and move up. The changes and differences in an individual’s actions and ways of life will be very obvious.

The outcomes and changes that will become apparent include not only self-control, but also self-discipline. It will be noted that doing the hard things like giving a speech in front of a big group, or meeting new people, will become a whole lot easier than before. Taekwondo improves confidence levels immensely and along with that comes the self-directed learning. This will also improve school work and every day work dealings. The changes will be noticeable from the start of practicing kids martial arts and will continue throughout the whole length of the training because the learning possibilities are never-ending.

Not only does Taekwondo teach a child self-control, but also self-defense, self-discipline, integrity, courtesy, perseverance, and many other countless qualities that a child needs in order to become successful. Self-control will be applied to every part of everyday life and used everywhere, not just in a Taekwondo setting. This way, a martial arts student is able to acquire every angle of the quality of self-control and hold onto it throughout an entire lifetime.