Listening, balance and a first goal
Mile High Karate Thornton teaches martial arts to preschool-age children at 3979 E 120th Avenue in Thornton, Colorado. Classes are short and active, and they are built around the skills young children need first: listening, following instructions, balance, coordination and taking turns.
Young children learn best in small steps. Preschool classes use simple kicks, punches and movement drills, and each one has a clear instruction to follow and a clear finish. Children learn to stand still when asked, answer clearly and make eye contact with the instructor.
Each child works toward a first stripe and then a first belt, and reaching that goal in front of family is a big moment. When children are ready they move on to kids karate for ages 4–6 and 7–12.
Parents are welcome to watch, and many Mile High Karate families later join family classes themselves.
The foundations young children need
Follow a short instruction
Every drill starts with a clear instruction, so children practice listening and responding.
Balance and coordination
Kicks, punches and stances build balance, body control and coordination.
Courtesy and respect
Bowing, answering clearly and taking turns are part of every class.
A first stripe and a first belt
Small, achievable goals that show a young child what effort earns.
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
Preschool martial arts questions
- What age can a preschooler start martial arts?Most children are ready at about 4, when they can follow a short instruction and take turns. Call (303) 280-1839 to talk about your child and whether they are ready.
- Is martial arts good for young children?Structured martial arts classes give young children clear rules, short achievable goals and regular recognition when they reach them. Those are the building blocks of focus and confidence.
- Is karate safe for preschoolers?Yes. Classes are supervised by trained instructors, drills are age-appropriate, and there is no hard contact. Children are taught that their skills are for self-defense only.
- Can I watch my child’s class?Yes. Parents are welcome to watch, and a high percentage of Mile High Karate families have one or both parents training too.
- What should my child wear to the first class?Comfortable exercise clothes such as a T-shirt and athletic pants, and a water bottle. Uniform details are covered at enrollment.
More answers are on the Mile High Karate Thornton parent FAQ.
Other programs at Mile High Karate Thornton
Book a first class for your preschooler
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.