Blog

The first color belt testing in taekwondo is one of the most important moments in a student’s taekwondo career. It’s the moment they go from a white belt to an orange belt and have taken the first bold step towards becoming a Black Belt.

When a new student first comes to learn taekwondo, they make the hard yet brave decision to try something new. Their parents are looking to get them involved in a new sport or activity, maybe because they lack confidence or discipline. They receive their uniform and their first belt, a white belt.

Coming into their first class is just a tiny step in their journey. They continue to show up and work hard in every class, learning new material that might be completely foreign to them. Their first form or Shimsan 1, is a series of moves that challenges them mentally and physically. They learn to chamber, kick, and punch, and block with proper technique.

Beyond the basics of Martial Arts training, they learn about bully self defense and stranger danger. They gain the knowledge on what to do if they are being bullied or if a stranger tries to take them. In addition, they are taught the eight life skills- confidence, perseverance, integrity, goals, respect, attitude, focus, and discipline. Not only do they know what they mean, but they use them in every single class. By attending lessons, they gain real world knowledge that is applicable in everyday life.

What does that have to do with their first testing? Their first testing is the opportunity to show everything that they have learned from coming to karate. They show their form, stranger danger, and bully self defense. They have to get a “parent stripe” which communicates with parents to make sure they have been using life skills outside of class. They get to take part in a huge testing with other students that have worked with them side by side everyday.

Testing for their orange belt keeps their momentum going and shows them they can earn something really amazing if they show up and put in the work. Students and parents are so proud of this accomplishment and it’s a victorious moment for everyone involved. Most importantly, it’s the first step towards getting their Black Belt, the ultimate goal.

While they still may be considered a beginner when they are an orange belt, they are part of something even bigger than themselves. They have been integrated into the life of a Martial Artist and can proudly call themselves one. At Mueller’s Martial Arts, we honor our white belt testers for sticking with something new and earning this great honor.
To get started on your or your child’s white belt journey, click here.

The strength of a dojang lies not within the four walls, rather, it lies within the hearts of the students. It is not necessarily how strong each student is, how hard they can punch and kick and if they can break tough boards. Instead, it is how much they are willing to do without giving up and to keep moving forward.

At Mueller’s Martial Arts, we welcome students from every walk of life. They are often people you would never expect to become Martial Artists because they have a disability, are overweight, or struggle with depression or anxiety. We train them to embrace the best parts of themselves, and to push the discomfort of learning new things.

By teaching them eight essential life skills- confidence, respect, focus, discipline, integrity, attitude, goals, and perseverance- they have everything they need to succeed in life. Built upon that foundation, we strengthen their minds and bodies to overcome any challenge that lies ahead of them.

Developing the strength and character of each student as an individual contributes to the dojang as a whole. A whole community of students is built with mental toughness, living in the hearts of each one. They inspire and encourage each other to never give up and to succeed on the highest level as Martial Artists.

As a whole, they are humble, kind, and always willing to help others. They know they can defend themselves and their loved ones in any situation. They show up for their family, friends, and community in a way that can not be compared. The strength of the dojang lies in the hearts of the students, to change the world for the better, one Black Belt at a time. Now that’s strong.

At Mueller’s Martial Arts, we would be nothing without the incredible people we work with everyday. We are proud to call them students as well as Martial Artists. We truly believe that our taekwondo dojang is the best one out there.

To learn more about our program, click here.

Five years ago I began experiencing horrible bouts of dizziness that did not go away. I couldn’t get a diagnosis, couldn’t get the help that I needed. Fast forward to 2020, and I was finally diagnosed with Vestibular Migraines, a brain disorder that results in chronic dizziness. I couldn’t do even the most simple tasks- standing in the shower, walking alone, or even driving. My whole world was flipped upside down.

Being married to a Martial Artist and taekwondo school owner, I always wanted to earn a Black Belt. I trained over the years, but never consistently and it took me nearly five years to get to my red/black belt. When the dizziness hit, I couldn’t imagine training in taekwondo ever again. There were risks of getting kicked in the head during sparring, balancing on one leg during kicks, and the many turns involved in forms.

In January of 2023, I decided I was going to go for it- to earn my Black Belt. Through years of healing I learned that the hardest obstacle I had to overcome was my own mind. I needed to believe that I was capable of doing anything that I set my mind to, including the challenge of becoming a Black Belt.

The training to get there was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do both mentally and physically. Being married to Mr. Mueller has its perks, we would go to the gym together three times per week, training two hours on those days. I would practice forms one through six back-to-back, over and over again to get them to the best of my ability. I attended class five days a week and practiced even more.

My body and mind were run down and beyond tired. Balance and mind body connection over the years of my health issues has been a constant challenge, but I pushed myself past what I thought I could do. Every day I got stronger and realized that I am capable of doing hard things. I noticed that I felt normal, not experiencing dizziness while training or throughout my day. I came to realize that I am healed.

I never thought I would be able to perform the forms, spar, and break boards like that. When I finished testing, getting that belt tied around my waist, it was a moment of pure empowerment. I set my mind to something, worked hard to achieve that goal, and accomplished it. I overcame my fear of not being okay, not being able to do it, and crushed every part of it.

It just proves that no matter what you are going through, if you have true belief in yourself, you can accomplish anything. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support system and training of Mueller’s Martial Arts. Getting my Black Belt will be a moment I will remember for the rest of my life and will cherish forever.
To learn more about our program, click here.

Black Belt testing is this weekend! Red/black belts and black belts will get the opportunity to show off their skills and test for the next step in their taekwondo journey. It is an exciting time but also one of the most physically and mentally challenging things that these people will ever go through. That made us want to share what exactly needs to be done to test for a Black Belt.

Step 1:

Students need to be able to perform Shimsan 1-6 (forms) to perfection. They need to be able to show every hand move, stance, in the correct order and time. They earn “stripes” on their belts for each form they perfect and then an “all or nothing stripe” to show that they know all of the forms. At any point they will lose a stripe if they are not able to perform it and have to re-earn that stripe. They must also know all of the belt meanings.

Step 2:

Students have to perform for their community. They must show others what they have learned in Taekwondo and the skills they possess. They also must tell why they like to participate in Martial Arts, and why earning a Black Belt is important to them.

Step 3:

Testers must participate in 12 hours of community service. They must show care and commitment to their community by volunteering for community service. It is their choice, but many people pick up trash, work at a food bank, read to the elderly, etc.

Step 4:

Martial Artists testing for their Black Belts must write a speech to be performed in front of color belts. They must talk about their journey to becoming a Black Belt, why they should follow in their footsteps, and why becoming a Black Belt is important to them.

Step 5:

Students must learn and remember the 31 Korean words that relate to Taekwondo. They must learn about the history of Taekwondo and memorize the Hwa Rang Code of Chivalry. They must also choose a philosophy question and write an essay on it. Adults must write an essay about how Taekwondo has changed their lives.

Step 6:

Six weeks before testing, students must do a fit test three times per week and practice their forms every other day. The fit test includes one minute of burpees, jumping jacks, situps and pushups. They must also run one mile per week and finish in under 8 minutes. At the end of the six weeks, your scores and times on your fit test and running should surpass the previous weeks.

Step 7:

Students must write an essay to be spoken at Black Belt testing. It should recognize and thank everyone that was a part of their Taekwondo journey and helped them get to a Black Belt.

Step 8:

Testers must show their skills and pass along their knowledge to others by helping to teach in five classes to lower ranks.

Step 9:

The last step before testing for a Black Belt is completing all eight steps and getting final permission from their instructor. Then they go and actually test!

Testing includes performing all of their forms, being asked all the words and belt meanings, breaking boards, and giving their speeches. If they are able to do all of that, then they earn their Black Belt!
Three students from Mueller’s Martial Arts will be testing for their Black Belts on March 11th at Venture Martial Arts in Flatirons. Wish them luck!

The journey to a Blackbelt is not an easy road. When you first step into a taekwondo dojo you are filled with eager anticipation to learn how to kick and punch. You make the choice to dedicate to becoming a Blackbelt. It’s a journey that takes years to achieve and as it turns out, the hardest part is when you are almost there.

Along the way you learn so many new skills. You learn and embrace the eight life skills to give you what you need in and outside the dojo to succeed- perseverance, focus, attitude, confidence, integrity, discipline, respect, and goals. Every single day you become better and better until eventually you have them so ingrained in you that they are just a part of your personality.

The years it takes to get there are difficult. There are moments where your knuckles are bloody from punching so many bags. Or your feet are covered in blisters from running barefoot on the mats for so long. Your entire body is tired and sore. All you want to do is quit. But you don’t. Some people may wonder why. The answer is simple: Blackbelts don’t quit.

Then you think you are almost there. You achieve your red black belt. One more step and you can tie on that belt. This is actually the hardest step. The work you put in before is at least doubled. You have to truly show what you are made of every single day. You have to show up and prove that you are worthy of the title of Blackbelt.

Then it happens. You’ve learned it all (at least as much as you can for right now). You know all of the forms to perfection. You can break the toughest boards. You know how to defend yourself and your loved ones in any situation. You’ve competed in tournaments and won. It’s time- you’re ready to earn your Blackbelt.

You step into the dojo and test for your Blackbelt. You show off your skills and all that you have worked to get you here. You’ve shed blood and tears and it’s been one of the hardest things you’ve ever had to do mentally and physically. But that moment where you tie on your belt for the first time and are met with admiration and pride from yourself and your peers is unlike any other feeling. You climbed the mountain and never gave up no matter how hard it was. You know that you can carry that perseverance with you for the rest of your life.

The journey to a Blackbelt will change your life in every single way. It shows you who you are, what you are capable of. A new journey lies ahead, but you can take the lessons you learned along the way and carry it with you for they will be useful in the years to come.
Three students from Mueller’s Martial Arts will be testing for their Blackbelt on March 11th. To learn more about our program, click here.

Meditation has been around for centuries but over recent years has once again gained popularity. The reason being is that meditation has amazing benefits not only for mental and physical health, but also for manifesting desires and self awareness. Meditation reduces stress, helps with anxiety, improves attention span, can prevent dementia, improves sleep, reduces pain, and overall makes people healthier and happier.

Meditation is great and all, but did you know that Martial Arts training can be a form of mediation in itself? By definition, meditation is to think deeply or focus one’s mind for a period of time in silence or with the aid of chanting. It is to think deeply or carefully about something, or to clear one’s mind and look deep within oneself.

During sparring and forms practice, students are essentially meditating. When drilling techniques or practicing forms, students have to clear their minds and focus solely on their forms. They can’t think of anything else or they become distracted, losing focus and messing up their forms. Their mind has to be completely invested in each move every step of the way. When they become good enough at doing a form, their mind can actually go blank and they can do the moves without thinking about them. By clearing their thoughts and letting their bodies do the work, they are practicing a form of meditation.

Sparring is very similar. When sparring an opponent, Martial Artists can’t be thinking about the homework they have to do or something their boss said to them at work that day. If they lose focus, they will get kicked in the head! They have to stay completely invested in fighting their opponent. When they get good enough at it, they are able to clear their minds and once again let their bodies take control. They are able to spar not because they are thinking about every move, but out of complete instinct. Both ways of sparring are forms of meditation.

If taekwondo training is also a form of mediation, then it begs the question, does it have the same benefits of meditation? The answer of course is yes! Martial Arts training, just like meditation, has many benefits including lowering anxiety, greater physical health, improves memory and focus, and overall makes people that do it happier and healthier. Rather than sitting alone in the darkness and trying to clear your mind, you can get the same benefits from coming to class and kicking people in the head. Pretty cool huh?

To learn more about our program at Mueller’s Martial Arts, click here.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day is a special time to celebrate those that you love, but it can also be a moment to think about WHAT you love. We don’t know about you, but at Mueller’s Martial Arts, we love taekwondo!

Friendship:

Our friends are at taekwondo! Each day that we attend class, we get to see our friends. Some people make their best friends while training, and sometimes those friendships last their entire lives. It also gives students the chance to make new friends from different schools and backgrounds. Sometimes the most unlikely and best friends come from taekwondo.

Family:

Did you know that unlike many other sports, in Martial Arts you can train with your entire family? At Mueller’s Martial Arts we have a family class, which gives families the chance to train together. It’s all ranks and all ages so anyone can join. Training together gives families the opportunity to work towards a common goal and share a common interest. Families that train together stay together!

Community:

Our goal at Mueller’s Martial Arts is to be a welcoming place in the Lakewood community where everyone belongs. Our doors are open to everyone regardless of where you are in life. We just want to bring people together to learn some awesome stuff, and become better people along the way. In the studio we are all family and anyone that chooses to come in should feel the same.

In a world full of hate we want to take this Valentine’s Day to tell all of our students, we love YOU. Without our community of Martial Artists we couldn’t do what we do. We love to kick and punch, but we love training with you even more. Happy Valentine’s Day!

When the new year started at Mueller’s Martial Arts, we started our incredible 2023 competition team! Our comp team is made up of a select group of students of all ages who are chosen by invite only to join the group. The students are selected because they show outstanding commitment, leadership, and skill in every class that they attend. It is an honor to get selected onto the team, and they have to prove themselves worthy to be a part of it.

The competition team is required to attend comp team class every single Friday. If they miss a class, they are required to teach another class to make up for the lost time. They only get to miss one class a month or they are disqualified from the team. They are also required to attend sparring class every Friday, to get better at and practice their sparring.

The workouts are a step up from regular classes, they last longer and are much more challenging. It is a class that pushes students to their limits every single week that incorporates intense Martial Arts, but also strength training and running. They get extra time to work on their forms for, you guessed it, competition.

Students on the comp team are required to attend every tournament. They have to compete to stay on the team. That means not only working hard to do their best at tournaments, but also competing in every event that they can. That means forms, sparring, weapons, elevated, inventive- anything that they can prove themselves in. The goal is for color belts to win a State Championship title, and for Blackbelts to win a World Championship title.

Competition team is a place where students work extremely hard and push themselves, but it is also a place of friendship. The comp team often grows closer than any of the other classes because of the extra time they spend together. The team also does outings as a group, where they get together and do something fun like bowling, going to events, etc. The team pushes and supports each other to become the best Martial Artists they can be.

Mueller’s Martial Arts competition team will be competing at the tournament on February 11th. To learn more about our program, click here.

Call Us: (303) 968-5500

Call Us Text Us

Refer A Friend

Invite A Friend To Check Us Out!

First Testing in Taekwondo

Strength of a Dojang

Healing Through Taekwondo

Black Belt Testing

The Journey to a Blackbelt

Meditating Through Martial Arts

We LOVE Taekwondo

Competition Team