Fitness, self-defense and leadership
Mile High Karate Thornton teaches martial arts to teenagers at 3979 E 120th Avenue in Thornton, Colorado. Teens build real fitness, learn practical self-defense and develop the confidence and leadership that come from working toward a Black Belt.
Teen classes are demanding. Students work on conditioning, kicking and striking technique, traditional forms and controlled sparring with padded safety equipment, alongside practical self-defense and awareness.
Teens also learn to set short-term, intermediate and long-term goals and to follow through on them. Many take on leadership roles in class as they advance, helping instructors and setting an example for younger students.
No experience is needed to start. Teens progress through the belt ranks toward the Black Belt, which takes about 48 months of consistent training.
What teens get from training
Strength and conditioning
Real, varied exercise that builds strength, flexibility and stamina.
Practical skills
Awareness, avoidance and practical techniques for situations teens actually face.
Setting the example
Advanced students help lead drills and set the standard for younger classmates.
The Black Belt
A clear long-term goal, with the discipline to reach it one belt at a time.
A Black Belt school since 1983
Mile High Karate Thornton is owned and operated by Amanda and Stephen Christensen, who have led Mile High Karate in the Thornton and Westminster area since 2003. The school belongs to the Mile High Karate organization founded in Colorado by Grand Master Stephen Oliver on August 6, 1983, with Grand Master Jeff Smith as Chief of Instruction, in the lineage of Grand Master Jhoon Rhee.
- More than 1,000 Black Belts promoted by Mile High Karate, ages 5 to 76
- Well over 30% of active Thornton students are Black Belts
- Well over 120 intramural tournaments hosted in Thornton
- Black Belt testing finishes at a three-day retreat in Breckenridge, Colorado
Teen martial arts questions
- Can a teenager start martial arts with no experience?Yes. Most teens start as beginners. Instructors meet each student where they are and set a first goal at the introductory lesson.
- Is karate good exercise for teens?Yes. Classes combine conditioning, kicking and striking drills, forms and sparring, which build strength, flexibility, coordination and stamina.
- Do teens learn real self-defense?Yes. Practical self-defense is one of the three foundations of the Mile High Karate curriculum, alongside personal development and traditional forms.
- Can teens compete?Students can compete in the school’s own intramural tournaments, of which well over 120 have been hosted in Thornton, and in open tournaments if they wish.
- How long does a teen take to earn a Black Belt?About 48 months of consistent training, finishing with informal, formal and written tests and a three-day retreat in Breckenridge, Colorado.
More answers are on the Mile High Karate Thornton parent FAQ.
Other programs at Mile High Karate Thornton
Book a first class for your teen
Call to book an introductory lesson. The instructor meets the student, teaches a few basics and sets a first goal. Wear comfortable exercise clothes and bring water.
(303) 280-18393979 E 120th Ave, Thornton, CO 80233 · Directions
© Mile High Karate, LLC and Stephen Oliver – All Rights Reserved. Mile High Karate® is owned by Mile High Karate, LLC, Stephen Oliver – Founder, CEO.