Our teens get together with their friends on the last Saturday of each month for fun and games.  Sometimes a lot of fun and games.  This month, they came up with a whole new twist on the old pinball game – human pinball!  You’ll have to see this to believe it – watch the video human pinball teen night.

In May, the our teen leaders will put on a car wash to serve the community as well as raise funds for their next adventure;  June’s trip to Elitch Gardens!

Come join our amazing teens and join in the fun!  All teenagers are welcome  :D  More info coming soon about the car wash!

I wish that every boy and girl could have a chance to learn and grow up in such a safe environment.
Learn more: Teen Activities at Academy of Life and Leadership Taekwondo

Have you heard about our family self-defense class coming up?  It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn the basics of self-defense and go home with some great resources.  For all family members ages 5 and up!  Learn more here

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Here’s a few safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Be aware of your surroundings.  I love my ipod as much as the next expensive-gadget owner but no new music is worth my safety.  I make a point to notice everyone that walks by me and make eye contact and smile.  That way, I’m saying that I’m a good neighbor and friendly, even though I would rather listen to my music right this moment.

2.  Look behind you periodically.  When I’m walking (again, usually with my ipod firmly in place) I periodically look over my shoulder.  Not in a paranoid, everyone’s-out-to-get-me fog but to keep myself sharp and aware of who is around me and yes, who could be a potential threat.

3. If someone does give you the creeps, keep your distance.   Easy rule of thumb; keep distance and/or an object between you and the other person.  Often attackers, if they’ve been seen, will try to stop you, close the distance between you in a nice manner until they’re close enough to attack without attracting attention.  Not everyone is out to get us, however, there are some no-brainers.  The shady character calling to you from the alley as you pass by;  good one to avoid talking to and walk away from briskly.

4. If someone does invade your personal space or won’t leave you alone, make a scene. Get loud, say “leave me alone” very, very loudly and in a voice that would scare the dog and your kids.  Walk toward others, in to a lighted area and keep making a scene.   Put something between you and the other person, like a shopping cart, a car, etc.  That way, there’s a less likely chance they could grab or lunge at you.

These are just a few thoughts that we cover in our Family Self-Defense class and we invite you to be part of it!  The class is made up of basic, easy-to-learn and easy-to-use self-defense techniques as well as practical safety awareness.  The class is open to everyone 5 and up.  Families are encouraged to attend, as there are specialized lessons for the children and the adults.

You’ve heard that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure;  how true indeed!  Get more information and sign-up for our self-defense class coming  May 17th.

See you in class soon!

Visit our website | Learn more about the Family Self-Defense Class!

Written by Ms. Melissa Devolve
As a parent, what would you do if you heard your child yell the words, “Back off! Leave me alone!” Ifyou were at a demonstration for The Academy of Life and Leadership Taekwondo, you wouldprobably clap and give your child a thumbs-up.
In this day and age, abductions and crimes against children are more common than ever, so we areconstantly reminding our kids not to talk to strangers. But to Olympian Barb Kunkel, owner of TheAcademy of Life and Leadership Taekwondo, (A.L.L. TKD), this is only the tip of the proverbialiceberg. For example, would your children know whether or not to accept a ride from a friend’sparent? What if a teacher or coach offered to bring your son home? Do you have rules for when yourdaughter can answer the front door? Master Kunkel insists that all of her students’ training includephysical and mental safety exercises. At every level, each student must demonstrate self- defensedrills customized to his or her age and skills. In addition, they must memorize and practice age-appropriate safety rules.

It amazes me to watch how quickly and actively the children at A.L.L. TKD embrace this part of theirtraining – starting at white belt (beginner’s level)! Picture a five-year-old girl being grabbed and yelledat by a 180-pound man. Does she cower? Does she cry? No – she instinctively jumps away and,with her hand held up in defiance, yells, “Back off! Leave me ALONE! Help, this IS NOT MYDAD!!!!!”

Master Kunkel is very serious about her students’ ability to defend themselves. “At Life andLeadership Taekwondo, we have studied many ways of engaging kids in their own safety,” shesays. “After viewing a video created by Mr. John Walsh, I developed a strong curriculum that is easyand fun for kids to learn and remember. We categorize people into three groups: 1) Safe-Side Adults(parents/grandparents/guardians); 2) Don’t Knows (you cannot talk to a Don’t Know unless yourSafe-Side Adult is with you; and 3) Kinda Knows (you can talk to a Kinda Know, but you cannot goanywhere with them without your Safe-Side Adult’s permission).” It’s important to note that in mostabduction cases, children are taken by a ‘Kinda Know’ versus a ‘Don’t Know.’ ” In conclusion, sheaffirms, “My goal is to give kids the skills to be the first tier in their own safety, with their parents asthe second line of defense.”
“As a result of this curriculum,” Master Kunkel continues “two instances come to mind that show howsuccessful our program is. A mother stopped me one day to thank me for the safety rules I had beenteaching her five-year-old son. Earlier that day, she had been shopping with him and he wanderedoff a bit. But he quickly returned to her side saying, ‘Mom, I’m sorry I wasn’t being a 10.’ The mom,who hadn’t noticed he had done anything wrong, asked what he meant. He replied, ‘I was in theother area and you couldn’t see my whole body. I’m sorry!’ ”
“The second story is funny,” Master Kunkel recounts “but it shows just how ingrained our safetyrules become. Two brothers, ages 6 and 15, had been students of mine for a while. The youngerbrother saw his older brother leaving our school with another adult friend. The younger brotherasked his mom, ‘Is that one of my brother’s Safe Side Adults?’ She laughed, but realized that heryoungest son really did understand the concept.”
To Master Kunkel and the rest of the staff at A.L.L TKD, taekwondo is so much more than kickingand punching. It provides an opportunity to reach out to our children and improve their awarenessfor whatever lies outside their front door. Whether dealing with strangers on the street or the bully inschool, they will be prepared to defend themselves.
Our Taekwondo Family says. . .START TODAY with3 valuable SAFETY RULES:
Keep my Safe Side Adult (SSA) within visual sight!(My parents should be able to see my whole body.)
Don’t speak to a “Don’t know” unless mySafe Side Adult (SSA) is with me.
Keep my distance and use my Voice!SCREAM: “Help! This is not my Mom!”OR “Help! This is not my Dad!”OR “Back off! Leave me alone!”

Learn more about Taekwondo | Visit our website!

Ever thought of raising a family of 10?  Now in Colorado, we have some large families, but ten?  Yes!  That’s exactly what John and Kelly thought their amazing family size needed to be.

Homeschooling their eight children was no easy task, to say the least.  They took a few classes at Collegium Study Center and were introduced to Taekwondo.  At first, the children were enrolled in class but soon, the parents were enjoying what they saw so much, they decided to join in too!

They have been doing Taekwondo together as a family now for over three years and are currently on their way to earning their Black Belts together this May.  We are very proud of them;  each one working hard to be their best from their 9 year old, all the way up the ladder.

Doing Taekwondo together is something special for the family, says dad, John, as “It’s an activity the whole family of ten can do together.”  For the parents, Taekwondo has been a meaningful part of their schedule to have a regular activity where they can get a good workout as well as the kids.

The kids love the challenge Taekwondo presents in learning new forms and self-defense.  Little Penny says she wants to grow up to be very good at Taekwondo, like Master Kunkel and kick strong.  Mom loves watching the kids improve from belt to belt, even the girls kicking strong and learning to be strong and confident.  Being part of a place where their family rules were being reinforced and taught through the curriculum in class each week is another great benefit that the parents have enjoyed.

In the words of the children:  ”I wish we would have started this earlier!”

We love having the Schwabs as part of our Taekwondo family and wish them all the best during their Black Belt test coming up!

Here’s an amazing family of ten, yes, 10 enjoying Taekwondo.  As a matter of fact, all ten are testing for their Black Belt with this group!    Click on the video above to hear their story.

Learn more about Life and Leadership Taekwondo

Last time we talked about making a goal for yourself.  Just one.  A big one.  One you can accomplish, given the time.  It will take time.  Anything worth having takes time.

Cliche truth #2:  We live in an instant society;  everyone wants everything right now!  Instant gratification isn’t a horrible thing;  I like to look at it as celebrating small accomplishments.  Maybe my goal is to achieve my Black Belt.  Well, that’s a pretty big goal and it will take about 3-4 years to accomplish.  How do I hang in there that long?!

I first start at white belt.  One week, I learn my kicking set.  I celebrate with my teammates when I get that green stripe on my belt.  Next week, I learn the blocking set and practice that at home.  Again, I celebrate when the orange stripe is earned.  By sticking to the plan of going to class twice weekly, practicing with my teammates outside of class and practicing at home, I gain experience that I can build on to get me to my goal.

So, break down your big goal in to small, measureable goals, just as my Black Belt goal can be broken down in to different color belt goals and those in to portions of curriculum or stripe goals.  When you reach one of your mini goals along the way, celebrate!  The joy of achieving a small goal will serve to fuel your fire as you blaze the trail to your big goal!

Learn more about A.L.L. TKD

I have exercised two or three times per week for most of my adult life. I was at my optimal weight in my mid-20s. By my late 20s, I had gained several pounds, though mostly muscle mass. Then, over the next decade, I got married and had kids. My weight fluctuated during this time, and, when the dust settled, I was in the “high normal” range for my height and age. I got to a point in my mid-40s where I briefly reached a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25, the start of the “overweight” range.

I couldn’t reconcile myself to that self-image, so I took off a few pounds just to keep under that dreaded category. However, I had no compelling reason to lose any more weight. As long as I was healthy and in the “normal” range, though barely, I considered it unnecessarily self-indulgent and vain to spend any more time on my weight than working out a few times per week. Also, I didn’t want to change my eating habits, so there my weight stayed.

Although I had dabbled in the martial art of taekwondo for a semester or two when I was in college, I took it up “for real” at the age of 47 at The Academy of Life and Leadership Taekwondo. I let the curriculum that Master Barb Kunkel had in place carry me along; I worked out two or three times per week. When I became an advanced color belt student, around the time I turned 49, I knew that a Black Belt degree was on the horizon and that, to make it through the Black Belt physical test, I needed to step up my practice and intensify my training.

Not only did I gradually increase the frequency and vigor of my training, but I finally changed my eating habits, too: high fiber, whole grain breakfasts, less refined sugar, more fruits and nuts and veggies, plenty of lean protein. I focused on drinking primarily tea and water. I didn’t allow myself to get overly hungry. However, I did allow myself dark chocolate covered peanuts on a regular basis!

The real question is why did I change? I changed because I was being asked to do something above and beyond my “usual” for a goal that was, to me, way beyond “ordinary”. Over time, at A.L.L. Taekwondo, my “good” had gotten “better,” but now my “better” wasn’t good enough; I required my “best” to get to Black Belt. Coach Kunkel, an Olympian herself, had kindled the warrior within me. And, even beyond that, I was accountable to my Team to be the best I could be – for them, for me, for us. Every-day nutrition was no longer good enough; I needed great nutrition to keep going when I felt ground down. Ultimately, I changed because I was not focused on losing weight, I was focused on gaining a Black Belt. Losing weight was no longer about self-indulgence, it was a side-benefit of a larger mission.

Although I didn’t break any land speed records, I started to lose about a pound per month. By my 50th birthday, I had lost eleven pounds while having built up significant muscle mass. At that age, it was mind-boggling to discover that I had the outlines of a “four-pack” of abdominal muscles, something I had never seen before in my life, even when I was swimming competitively as a teenager! I had become not only fifty, but Fit and Feisty, as well.

The month I turned fifty, I earned my “Red Executive” Belt, the last one before Black Belt. Now it was a crescendo of effort over several months culminating first in the Black Belt curriculum test, and then in that grueling, but oddly rewarding, final qualifier, the Black Belt physical test. Finally, a week later, it was “Show Time!” as we put on our demonstration in front of a large audience at Liberty High School and concluded with the graduation ceremony where we received our Black Belts.

By the demo/graduation, I had shed a total of 17 pounds and my BMI was 22, close to optimal for me. Also, as an unexpected bonus, my husband took off 22 pounds, realizing some fitness goals of his own. During the holidays, five pounds crept back on. I knew that might happen, given decreased exercising and all the Christmas goodies I allowed myself (including my delicious home-made “Teddy Bear”-shaped breads!) I also know that the gain stops here. By the time this article is published, the seasonal goodies will be banished and we will be eating wisely and exercising more consistently again.

I am in the process of reconciling my self-image to my slenderer self. This will help me keep off the weight. Although keeping “Black Belt fit” is my main fitness goal, until my weight has truly stabilized at or below this level, I must wage the “maintenance” battle now. I have seen enough people in our taekwondo school (“dojang”) lose weight to know that it is not a rare event, especially for those people who are serious about reaching Black Belt. Many of them have kept it off, too. The six ladies who just tested for Black Belt with me lost over forty pounds combined, in getting to that goal!

My advice to anyone seeking to lose weight, find a goal that truly inspires and motivates you, something that is worthy of your time and passion. Then, turn your Inspiration into Perspiration!

Learn more:
Come to our FREE Orientation and Introductory Class to Martial Arts
offered weekly at The Academy of Life and Leadership Taekwondo
Call for reservation 719-260-4700 or email Rebecca at Rebecca@alltkd.com
Visit us at www.family-taekwondo.com

Post Script:  Ms. Barb is currently training for her 2nd Degree Black Belt test and is set to graduate May 28th!  Come celebrate with her and the rest of her teammates and be sure to tell her how amazing 52 looks!!

Website | Learn more about Taekwondo

If only we could hear scary music in the story of life when someone dangerous comes along!  Alas, it doesn’t happen that way.  There are, however, some very simple ways to distinguish (without all the drama of a movie) the people we will run across in life and how to safely interact with them.

It’s generally safe to say that anyone a child does not know, or a don’t-know, is someone they should not talk to unless a parent or guardian is with them.  If you are introducing your child to an acquaintance of yours, that’s perfectly normal but if someone they don’t know at all starts talking to them without their parent/guardian present, they should go and find their parent immediately!

How about the people children kind-of-know like neighbors or family friends?  Of course, they can talk to these people, but never go anywhere with them without their parents’ permission.  Statistics show that over 60% of abductions are done by people the child knew versus a stranger.  So, what about when there is an emergency and my child is with someone the parents trust?

Parents, it’s a wise thought to assign three other adults that your child can go places with and trust in the instance that something were to happen to you.  Make sure your child knows who these three other adults are, what circumstance would warrant immediate action and how to respond to these trusted guardians.

Talking about these ideas will help your child understand better how to interact safely with those around them without fear and know how to handle situations that may come their way….without the need for cued up drama music!

Time indeed will pass.  Sometimes it seems slow, but the days become one more week gone, the weeks become a month and before you know it, it’s the same time next year.  What do you have to show for your time passed?

Making goals for yourself is an amazing step to redeeming your time and help you make the most of your resources.  Start by writing down just one goal you have.  Something measureable and tangible like earning your Black Belt.  Don’t let the enormity of the goal weigh you down;  you’ll get there, one step at a time.

Master Kunkel at A.L.L. TKD tells us to dream big!  Go ahead, shoot for the moon!  Even if you miss, you will land among the stars.  You’ve heard that one before, but it’s a cliche for a reason – it’s true!

What will happen if you don’t set a goal for yourself?  Well, another day will pass, another week, another month.  Life is so much more rewarding when you have something of value to show for your efforts.  Time will pass; but will you?

“People with goals succeed because they know where they are going. It’s as simple as that.” – Earl Nightingale

Enjoy the ride!

Learn more about Taekwondo | Contact us

written by Jan Speights and Rebecca Cremo

Now, more than ever, families are feeling the pressure of dealing with conflicting schedules and priorities. We know we need family time, we know we need to take care of ourselves, and we know we need to help our kids build positive attributes through extra-curricular activities. We also know that our time and finances are limited and that it’s a challenge to find ways to accomplish all these things.

After talking with parents at the Academy of Life and Leadership, we’ve become convinced of one very lucrative way to combine all these needs. Plan a meeting with your whole family. Make a date to consolidate, and include your children in the decision-making process! This helps develop good habits for planning and budgeting in their future. Let them help you brainstorm about what is available. A good place to start is by looking at the multitude of activities offered by the churches in Colorado Springs. Another great location is the Go section of The Gazette. Many organizations offer family discounts and some of these may be found by searching online!

Our favorite option to consider putting on your list is The Academy of Life and Leadership Taekwondo (A.L.L. TKD), which offers many ways to consolidate your priorities, and they have an outstanding family DISCOUNT:
•Family members are able to train together in the same classes
•Physical Exercise aids overall health and stress management for all ages
•Mental Growth is encouraged for all ages by learning the Korean language as well as focus, balance, self-discipline and determination
•High School students can gain leadership skills and community service hours for college and work resumes
•All ages gain significant Life Skills by studying home rules, safety rules, self-defense, CPR and 1st Aid
•Family activities are offered at least once a month.
•Teen activities are offered once a month.
•Youths work with excellent role models and strengthen desirable traits such as respect, courtesy, integrity and perseverance
•Everyone has a chance to build new friendships and join our Taekwondo Family
Learn More:
Email: rebecca@alltkd.com
www.family-taekwondo.com

Website:  www.alltkd.com