One activity the whole family shares
Mile High Karate Thornton offers family martial arts classes at 3979 E 120th Avenue in Thornton, Colorado. Parents and children train together, set goals together and celebrate each new belt together.
A high percentage of Mile High Karate families have one or both parents training alongside their children. Instead of watching from the side, parents get their own workout, learn the same self-defense and character lessons their children learn, and share the same long-term goal.
Family training also makes practice at home easier: everyone knows the techniques and the expectations. Brothers, sisters and parents often move up through the belt ranks together, and some families earn their Black Belts together.
Everyone starts as a beginner. No experience or special fitness is needed.

Why families train together
Shared time, every week
A regular activity the whole family looks forward to.
Parents lead by example
Children see parents set goals, work hard and follow through.
Everyone gets a workout
Real exercise for every age and starting fitness level.
Belts earned together
Families move up the ranks together, some all the way to Black Belt.
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
Family class questions
- Can parents and kids take karate classes together?Yes. Mile High Karate Thornton offers family classes, and a high percentage of Mile High Karate families have one or both parents training.
- What age do children need to be for family classes?Call (303) 280-1839 to talk about your family. Children’s classes start at age 4, and the school will help you choose the right mix of family and age-group classes.
- Do parents need martial arts experience?No. Parents start as beginners, just like their children, and instructors adjust training to each student’s fitness.
- Is karate good exercise for adults?Yes. Classes combine conditioning, kicking and striking drills, forms and sparring, which build strength, flexibility and stamina.
- How often should a family attend?Two classes a week is the standard recommendation for steady progress.
More answers are on the Mile High Karate Thornton parent FAQ.
Other programs at Mile High Karate Thornton
Book a first class for your family
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.