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Mile High Karate Thornton
Before- and after-school martial arts programs
Martial arts enrichment in the Jefferson, Adams and Brighton school districts, with funds raised returned to the schools.
Thornton, CO 80233(303) 280-1839Since 1983
Karate that comes to school
Mile High Karate runs before- and after-school martial arts enrichment programs in the Jefferson, Adams and Brighton school districts in Colorado, led from Mile High Karate Thornton at 3979 E 120th Avenue. Funds raised through the programs are returned to the schools.
School enrichment programs bring Mile High Karate’s curriculum to students where they already are. Children learn basic karate technique, courtesy, focus and safety habits in a structured, active class before or after the school day.
The programs give families an easy way to try martial arts, and give schools an enrichment option that supports them financially. Students who want to keep training can continue at kids karate classes at the Thornton school.
Schools, PTOs and parents interested in a program can call (303) 280-1839.
What school programs offer
Active, structured enrichment
Karate technique, focus and courtesy in a supervised class.
An easy way to start
Try martial arts at school before committing to a program.
Funds returned
Funds raised through the programs go back to the schools.
Bully prevention
Confidence, awareness and safety lessons that help at school and beyond.
A community partnership proposal for Denver-area elementary and middle schools
A no-cost, character-building after-school enrichment program — and an easy fundraiser. Download the complete package with the full proposal, lesson plans, district references, letters from PE teachers and principals, sample homework pages, FAQ and a ready-to-copy registration and permission form.
This is not a regular karate class held after school
It is a Positive Behavior enhancement program with emphasis on respect and discipline.
Our programs help build skills for dealing with bully problems, non-violent conflict resolution, and positive respect, discipline and focus — building real confidence that results in improved learning skills and a better environment for K–8 students. We have taught this program in Adams County, 27J, Jefferson County, Douglas County, Cherry Creek, Littleton, Boulder County and Denver schools, as well as charter and private schools.
There is no charge to your school. All teaching materials, homework hand-outs, support materials and awards are provided by us at our expense, and our Black Belt instructors volunteer their time. The program is entirely non-commercial: no participant is required to buy anything or enroll in ongoing lessons, and families receive no direct solicitation other than an offer for an additional month of lessons at no cost or obligation.
You have no risk. We provide all materials and registration forms, and carry full and complete insurance coverage, which covers your school and the district for any potential liabilities.
Stephen Oliver, MBA
Founder · 10th Degree Black Belt, Master Instructor
Two formats, one simple plan
Gym Teacher of the Day
Before the after-school program, we teach anywhere from 15 minutes up to your full class period for every student in your gym: why be a good student; learning skills (focusing eyes, ears, body and mind); how to deal with a bully through communication skills; and basic defense — defusing a conflict, a basic block and duck, and confident, safe communication. No offensive techniques are taught.
After-school enrichment program
Typically twice a week for three weeks, focused on respect, discipline and learning skills, communication, conflict avoidance and basic defense. Students get daily character homework such as “Respect for Teachers,” “Respect for Parents” and “Do It the First Time.”
100% stays with your school
Parents typically pay $30 for the program, and 100% of the fee is retained by your school or PE department for whatever special needs you have. Instructors and materials are free of charge.
Fully insured
Full and complete insurance coverage protects your school and district. All registration forms and permission slips are provided.
What each class covers
Focus and balance
Students learn the 4 Laws of Concentration and “The 6 Points of Body Balance.” Class closes with the first principle of the Student Creed: “I Develop Myself Physically and Mentally, Based on the Mile High Karate Spirit!”
Self-defense basics
Students learn “The 4 Self-Defense Techniques Every Child Should Know,” followed by more of the Student Creed: “I Achieve My Fullest Potential by Developing Knowledge, Honesty, and Strength!”
Building on the foundation
Communication skills, conflict avoidance and basic defense, reinforced by daily character homework. No offensive techniques are taught at any point in the program.
What it is
- A free, in-school character and Positive Behavior enhancement program built around respect, discipline, focus and anti-bullying skills
- Delivered by volunteer Black Belt instructors at no cost or effort to your school
- A simple, effective school fundraiser
What it is not
- Not a regular karate class — no offensive techniques are taught
- Not a sales pitch — no pressure to enroll or purchase anything
- Not a burden on staff time or budget — we bring the instructors, materials, homework hand-outs and awards
Trusted by Denver-area school districts
We invite you to check us out and ask any of these schools what they thought of the program. The complete reference list, with principal and PE teacher contacts, is in the downloadable package.
We have also worked with schools throughout Cherry Creek, Boulder County and Denver Public Schools.
What PE teachers & principals say
“It’s refreshing to have a fundraiser that actually benefits the students’ behavior instead of the kids working to get a toy or some candy… The instructors had the attention and respect of the kids at all times during the lessons.”Mark Vallejos, PE Instructor, North Star Elementary
“A 6-class after-school intramural program was offered at a cost of $20 per student. I had over 75 enthusiastic students pay for the privilege… My budget for the year had tripled due to over $1,500 raised by the program.”Doug Bierzychudek, PE Teacher, Dutch Creek Elementary
“I believe their program was great for our students. This was also a very easy fundraiser… I was impressed with the instructors’ ability to manage 60 kids who all seemed to be actively engaged.”Travis Crouch, PE Specialist, Skyview Elementary
“We have combined the core of the Mile High Karate program strengths — bullying, ABC’s of conflict avoidance, and self-defense skills — with our own Positive Behavioral Support program… At present we have raised over $2,000 for our PE department.”Francis Cutty, PE Instructor, Pinnacle Charter School
“As a PE Teacher for the last 11 years, I have seen fundraising programs come and go. Usually, there is too much work and too little payoff… These guys run a first class operation, do all the work, and they are great with the kids!”David E. Dotson, MA, PE Teacher, Wyco Drive Elementary
“The kids that you taught were awesome. They improved so much over the three-week course. And all of the other teachers found an improvement as well.”Mrs. Nazaryk, PE Teacher, Stukey Elementary
It started with a school flyer
“In February 2015, Mile High Karate visited my daughter’s school, Silver Creek Elementary. Sara was 9 at the time and in 3rd grade. She brought home a flyer and said, ‘Mom, I want to do Karate!’ … I had no idea that my life was about to change forever.”Carly Hallock, parent, Silver Creek Elementary family
“Karate has made me more focused. I always had trouble staying focused in school… Now it is easier to listen in class and get homework done… PE at school is much easier because I am much stronger and don’t get tired as fast.”Sara H., age 9 when she started
Next steps for your school
Fall, mid-year and end-of-year timelines all work; we recommend scheduling several weeks ahead of your target start date. The registration and permission form for your front office is included in the school package (PDF).
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
School program questions
- Which school districts does Mile High Karate serve?Mile High Karate has run before- and after-school enrichment programs in the Jefferson, Adams and Brighton school districts in Colorado.
- How do schools benefit?Funds raised through the programs are returned to the schools.
- What do students learn in a school program?Basic karate technique, courtesy, focus, and safety and bully prevention habits, in a structured and supervised class.
- Can my child continue after the school program ends?Yes. Students can continue at Mile High Karate Thornton, 3979 E 120th Ave, in classes for ages 4–6 and 7–12.
- How can our school start a program?Call Mile High Karate Thornton at (303) 280-1839 to ask about availability for your school.
- Does this cost my school anything?No. We provide the instructors, materials, homework hand-outs and awards at our own expense. Your role is limited to distributing flyers, providing gym space and time, and collecting registration forms.
- What about liability and insurance?We carry full and complete insurance coverage for the program, protecting your school and district. Registration and permission forms are collected for every participating student.
- What ages or grades is the program for?The program is designed for K–8 students and has been taught in elementary and middle schools throughout the Denver metro area.
- Can we start with a short preview instead of the full program?Yes. The Gym Teacher of the Day preview class runs from 15 minutes to a full class period, with no commitment beyond that session.
More answers are on the Mile High Karate Thornton parent FAQ.
Other programs at Mile High Karate Thornton
The Mile High Karate curriculum is overseen by Grand Master Jeff Smith, 10th Degree Black Belt and Chief of Instruction, a 1974 PKA World Light-Heavyweight Champion. Mile High Karate was founded in Colorado in 1983 by Grand Master Stephen Oliver, a 10th Degree Black Belt who earned his Black Belt from Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, and has promoted more than 1,000 Black Belts. Meet the leadership · The nine qualities of a Black Belt
Bring Mile High Karate to your school
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.