Business Details
48 Years
experience
Expert Martial Arts Training in Fort Collins
Karate West has been dedicated to martial arts instruction in Fort Collins since 1978. Our team of black belt instructors brings decades of combined experience in Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Golden Gloves boxing to every class. We offer age-specific programs for children, teens, and adults, emphasizing discipline, self-respect, and physical fitness through structured curricula. Our custom-built facility in Midtown Fort Collins provides an ideal environment for martial arts training, featuring dedicated spaces for sparring and a well-stocked pro shop. We prioritize individualized attention, particularly for younger students, while maintaining high standards for technical proficiency and character development.Our instructors undergo rigorous training and hold advanced ranks under recognized masters in their disciplines. The curriculum balances self-defense techniques, sport applications, and traditional martial arts principles while encouraging lifelong learning. We maintain flexible scheduling with multiple class times daily to accommodate diverse student needs. Our Demonstration Team and instructor training programs extend opportunities for advanced students to develop leadership skills. The facility's design and equipment selection reflect our commitment to creating a comprehensive martial arts training environment tailored to both beginners and experienced practitioners.
Services
Peewee Classes
Youth Martial Arts
Teen Karate
Adult Tae Kwon Do
Fitness Kickboxing
Black Belt Preparation
Instructor Training
Demonstration Team
Martial Arts Pro Shop
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer age-specific martial arts programs developed over 45+ years of teaching experience
- Our instructors hold advanced black belt ranks under internationally recognized masters
- Custom-built facility designed specifically for martial arts training
- Pro shop provides convenient access to uniforms and training equipment
- Family-owned business serving Northern Colorado communities since 1978
Services
Martial Arts Classes
Structured martial arts programs for all ages and skill levels teach discipline, self-defense, and physical fitness. Classes follow progressive curricula that develop technical proficiency in Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Students learn forms, sparring techniques, and character development principles while building strength, flexibility, and confidence through regular practice.
Fitness Kickboxing
High-energy fitness classes combine martial arts techniques with cardiovascular conditioning. Trained instructors teach proper striking form while providing full-body workouts through bag work, mitt drills, and calisthenics. Classes use dynamic music and group training to create motivating environments that improve coordination, endurance, and stress relief while teaching practical self-defense skills.
Black Belt Preparation
Specialized training programs prepare students for black belt examinations through intensive technical drills and character development. Instructors provide personalized feedback on forms, sparring, and self-defense applications while emphasizing mental discipline and perseverance. The program builds comprehensive martial arts proficiency across multiple domains including sport competition, traditional forms, and practical self-defense scenarios.
Instructor Training
Advanced students develop teaching skills through structured instructor training programs. Participants learn curriculum delivery methods, student assessment techniques, and class management strategies while refining their own martial arts proficiency. The program emphasizes effective communication, leadership development, and maintaining technical standards through practical teaching experience under senior instructor supervision.
Demonstration Team
Selected students participate in public demonstrations that showcase martial arts techniques and promote community engagement. Team members refine their skills through choreographed performances that highlight forms, sparring combinations, and self-defense applications. The program develops stage presence, teamwork, and leadership while representing the school at local events and community functions.
People
Kim H. Yee
Owner/Chief Instructor
7th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do with over 40 years teaching experience. Holds 2nd degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Combines traditional martial arts instruction with modern teaching methods to develop well-rounded martial artists.
Lou Anne Yee
Co-Owner/Manager
6th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do with expertise in curriculum development and instructor training. Oversees demonstration team operations and provides leadership in character development programs. Applies social psychology background to enhance student learning experiences.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We primarily teach Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with elements of Golden Gloves boxing incorporated into our fitness programs.
What age groups do your classes accommodate?
We offer programs for children as young as 4, teens, and adults of all ages with age-appropriate curriculum modifications.
Do you provide equipment for new students?
We have a pro shop with uniforms, belts, and training equipment available for purchase, or we can special order specific items.
How often should students attend classes?
Most students attend twice weekly for optimal progression, though we offer flexible scheduling with multiple daily class options.
Are there opportunities for advanced students?
Yes, we offer black belt preparation, instructor training, and demonstration team participation for dedicated students.
What makes your facility unique?
Our purpose-built martial arts facility features specialized training areas and equipment designed specifically for optimal martial arts instruction.
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