Chuck has the perfect balance of toughness and empathy. He makes all students earn their belts, our 7 year old son has thrived and gained tremendous confidence. I would hands down recommend Spirit Warrior for both adults and kids.

Great school with an amazing instructor and friendly members. Going for the past year makes me wonder how I went without it. It gets you in shape mentally and physically better than anything else. Take the two free classes and see for yourself.

My daughter has been attending Spirit Warrior for a few years now, and she loves it. We were really drawn to the instructors experience and teaching style and respect for the martial arts. And hes not going to just give you the next belt because you come to every class; he makes sure every belt is earned. Every student there looks out for each other no matter what rank youre in. Its truly a warrior family.

Our daughter is at the start of her third year at Spirit Warrior and I cant say enough good things about the school and the instructor. We initially enrolled her because we were hoping to help her to be more fearless on the soccer field. Almost from the start, we saw a dramatic improvement in her self-confidence that carried over into all areas of her life. My wife and I have backgrounds in education and we recognize Spirit Warrior as excellent quality teaching. And...our daughter loves it.

We enrolled our son there almost one year ago and have seen him flourish and develop his practice in a very short time! He has much more confidence and self-esteem because of Spirit Warrior. Sabumnim Chuck Niemi runs an amazing school- we cant say enough great things about it! You will not be disappointed.

This Is the greatest martial arts school Ive ever been to. The instructor is a very knowledgeable and isnt one who doesnt care about the teaching and only about the pay. This school teaches discipline like no other and is more concerned about your skill than your rank. Before I started this school, to me, martial arts was a stupid concept and I would never want to do it. Now martial arts is one of the best things Ive done in my life and has helped me through very tough times. This school will make you work hard and push you to your limits.

If you are looking for an amazing place for your child to grow in every aspect then, this is the place for you. My son has only been with Sabumnim Chuck for a few months and his attitude, dedication, attention and overall demeanor has changed. This place is the real deal! Your child will be held to a high standard which is great to see. Go check this place out you wont be disappointed.

My son and I have been attending Spirit Warrior for over a year now. The knowledge and passion that Sabumnim Chuck Niemi shares with his students is the main reason why we joined. Spirit Warrior stays true to traditional martial arts and teaches discipline through hard work and perseverance. I was new to Colorado before joining, and the atmosphere here helped me gain new friends and mentors; it’s a big family.From a parents perspective, my son (Age 8) is more respectful and hard working. Before, he just wanted to play video games and sit in his room. Now he has gained the confidence to do things outside that he was once afraid of. I am complimented continuously as well on his manners while speaking to adults.From an adult students perspective, I have seen growth in my own life. It’s helped me become more grateful and courteous for things in life and in my career. I’m more focused on tasks and patient with issues that arise.I highly recommend Spirit Warrior and encourage ALL to try it out.

Our son has been a student at SWMAA for about 10 months. We have seen such a difference in his confidence, self-awareness and respect to others in this short amount of time. We appreciate the leadership skills that are instilled in the higher belts and the responsibility they take upon themselves to help the newer kids - it really feels like a family. Our son would go every day of the week if he could - He loves learning the new forms and techniques in a firm but supportive environment. Highly recommend this program!

My son is in the class geared for below 7 year old age group. Prior to joining about a year ago, he had been to three other martial arts schools in the area. We left the other schools because we wanted a place that had more structure and discipline with regards to the techniques being taught. We also wanted to go somewhere where each child received proper attention and somewhere where they can learn from their mistakes and grow etc. We are delighted to say that we found everything we were looking for (and more) at Spirit Warrior. Sabumnim truly cares about each and every student, not only in their physical advancement but their mental happiness. It is truly a wonderful and family-like environment.

I have been at Spirit Warrior Martial Arts Academy for 3 years and switching from gymnastics was one of the best decisions that I have made. Doing taekwondo has given me a lot more self-confidence, self-discipline, and made me a better person in general. I really appreciate all that the instructor has done because he really helps you to be successful and to become the best version of yourself. I love this school and what it has done for me.

I have been with this school for over five years and think that no school could possibly top it. This school not only challenges (key word, challenge) your physical ability, but it challenges you mentally. Usually when you walk up to someone and ask what you do in martial arts, the answer is usually somewhat close to beating people up. Well, not at this school, kids are being disciplined and are always being courteous. We are taught that we are all brothers and sisters and should respect one-another. However, this school is not just a kids school, many adults are proud to be part of it. Some of these people have truly amazed me with their talents, and we actually earn our belts. Spirit Warrior is all about mind, body, and spirit. There is no better school out there, and I vow to never set my foot to train in another school.

What do you want for Christmas guys? I asked my boys December 2013, and my 8 year old says how about karate dad... great got an idea. The next day, well maybe it was 2 days later, I am at the dentist and I hear a mother and son talking about Spirit Warrior Martial Arts Academy, impressive how much her son respected his school... So I decided to visit, check it out, I like what I hear and buy my boys uniforms and a year of Martial Arts for Christmas. Little did I know that would turn into a lifestyle change for the whole family. I signed up shortly after. This school is different, maybe every school says the same, but here you have to experience it to get it. Just call and set up a time to visit, you will see, its not your regular cookie cutter school, its hard, its true and it is a philosophy of mind and body synergy... check it out for yourself... better yet just commit to signing up and commit to the lifestyle change you need...

We love coming to Spirit Warrior! Our son has been going for 6 months now and is 5.5yo. He’s improved greatly from the time we started and we are excited to see his continual progress as he grows within himself and at the Dojang. Mr Neimi is wonderful at teaching this age level and we occasionally get to watch the older kids, where he is just as skilled at teaching them. We highly recommend Mr Neimi’s classes for anyone who’s interested in the martial arts, more specifically, taekwondo. His classes are well structured and disciplined. The children are there to learn and they have fun at the same time. Definitely come here for classes!

I have been practicing martial arts for 30 plus years. When I decided to join a school again I looked at many options in Colorado that met my criteria of discipline, focus and a family atmosphere. Spirit Warrior Martial Arts was the only school that met all of my criteria and I have enjoyed practicing with a great group of people and instructor. I highly recommend Spirit Warrior Martial Arts to anyone that has been practicing for a long time or thinking about starting.

SWMAA is a no nonsense school. Sabumnim Chuck takes his teachings and students seriously and really helps to push the students to reach their highest potential. Highly recommended if you want to learn discipline, martial art, and to be challenged on how far and hard you can push yourself.

Our oldest son has been attending Spirit Warrior Martial Arts Academy for over a year.We can not say enough great things about the Academy, its community and the owner, Chuck Niemi.The dedication to the students and professionalism that Chuck puts into every class is admirable.This is by far one of the best educational choices we have made for our son.

I haven’t been a student at any other martial arts school, but I know I ended-up at the right one. What drew me to Spirit Warrior and keeps me at the school is that it’s challenging. It’s more than a sport and doesn’t just focus on the physical or martial ability aspect of martial arts. There’s a focus on bettering yourself (mind, body, and spirit) and then using what you learn to help others.

My son loves this school! Everything he is learning is going to change his life for the better. This place is the real deal.

My eight year old has been with the program for nearly a year and I have seen great improvement in his coordination, flexibility and attitude. This is a great school for more than physical gain. The instructor does a wonderful job of teaching the kids discipline and respect as well.

My Son started here when he was 5 yrs and is looking forward to the 7 yr old class soon. I wouldnt send him to any other martial arts place anywhere in this state. Its a actual school, not one of those store front gigs where they pass out belts and stripes like they are candy. The students have to earn their ranks here which makes me secure to know my son is truly learning the art.The instructor, Sabumnim, is a true Master and has the experience to work with each individual student for discipline and improvement in their everyday life within and outside the school itself.

Best martial arts school in the area! I’ve watched my little sister grow and improve both inside and outside of the dojang, over the past six years, and in the year that I have been there have also learned much more than just self-defense, but also pushing my limits to grow stronger in other areas of my life.

Great school to know yourself and your strengths. An instructor who has dedicated his life for this school and for the well bieng of his students. Great place to begin a new way of life that will keep you intact. Highly recommend Sprit Warrior Martial arts school to anyone!!!

We love this school!After a ho-hum and unprofessional experience at another well known school, it was so refreshing to join Spirit and truly experience what it means to learn technique, discipline, and experience high expectations. Sabumnin Chuck has loads of experience, patience, and pushes his students to perform the best that they can. His straight forward, no-nonsense approach is very effective and impactful, my son took his lessons very seriously, and in turn was so proud of himself with every new skill he learned. I am very impressed by the school, the teacher, and the students. Highly recommend!

I generally dont write reviews, this is probably very first or second one. The reason I choose do so so now, is that I have always been a martial arts enthusiast all my life, and it is painful to see a martial arts school or teacher suffer because he is trying to hold his students to the almost levels of quality and integrity in martial arts . In these days when many schools are on this so called fast track to Black Belt scheme just for business reasons, Mr Chuck Nemi sticks to the very roots of martial arts principles and runs his school without trying to sacrifice quality for money. My son has been his student for 7 years now, and I can personally attest to my son benefiting from all that quality martial arts training instills in a person, including, but not limited to, confidence, poise of mind and body, and above all, a well balanced personality, so very much needed in todays world. I would recommend Spirit Warrior Martial Arts to any kid or adult if you are looking to benefit from everything that Taekwondo has to offer.

We researched many, many martial arts schools before deciding on Spirit Warrior Martial Arts Academy for our children. Currently they are 7 and 10 and have been going there for over 2.5 years. We really love Sabumnim Chuck Niemis philosophies regarding teaching and rank advancement. He is adamant with regards to RESPECT and DISCIPLINE and he makes sure the students (both children and adults) EARN their ranks. We have seen huge improvements in our childrens behavior, attitudes and self-confidence.

I have been with Spirit Warrior Martial Arts Academy for about 3 to 4 years now. I started this because I was getting bullied in chinese school every Sunday. I had night terror(which is when you cry in the night without knowing) and it kept on happening. My dad was looking for a taekwondo school and found Spirit Warrior Martial Arts Academy. It boosted my confidence, Boosted my self esteem, and stoped the bullying and night terror. After that I became more passionate about taekwondo and kept on doing it. Its a good physical activity and it is also challenging.

A masterful teacher who inspires with his no nonsense dedication to the art. Leave your excuses at the door.

I am so grateful to have found Spirit Warrior Martial Arts Academy, it has had such a positive influence on my kids. This school has improved their physical strength and confidence, but more importantly it has taught them a sense of personal responsibility and integrity. It provides an opportunity for kids to experience the achievements that come with perseverance and hard work. My son learned that failure can also be a part of the journey, but what matters is how you deal with it in order to succeed the next time. The instructor, Sabumnim Niemi, creates a community of students that are willing to go out of their way to help each other. He truly cares about each student and shows them the path to find their personal best.

My experience with Spirit Warrior Martial Arts began over 3 years ago when my son (now 12) started taking Tae Kwon Do. We have been with the school as it has started to blossom into what it is today. Chuck is a person that has a big heart and loves what he does. He is very passionate about martial arts and making sure his students know what martial arts is. It is not just about advancing rank and getting a new colored belt. If you are looking for a school where you can just pay your monthly fees and be advanced without putting the effort into it. This is not the school for you.After several years of my son attending classes at this school this school, I decided that I would join. This was completely out of my comfort zone and something that I would have never seen myself doing 5 years ago. He is passionate about getting things right and getting your basics right. He has supported me each step of the way as I continue to get outside of my comfort zone and learn to be a martial artist.However if you are looking at a school with a leader who is deeply committed to his students success. This is the place for you. If you are looking for a place where you are part of a family that cares for each other. This is the place for you. If you are looking to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. This is the place for you.My son and I now attend this school and we could not be more thrilled with our experience. I am still young in my learning, but after watching my son for several years at this school I had to join.Do yourself a favor and try this school if you are even remotely thinking about starting with martial arts.

My daughter has ADD and ADHD to the point where it is difficult for her to connect and make many friends at school. She is lucky enough to have a few good friends but still doesnt feel like she fits in. My wife and I have tried to help her find an activity she can do outside of school, but she never really gravitated to anything. Last April that all changed and she told us she wanted to try martial arts. As a former martial artist, I was very happy to hear her say that as I know how beneficial it is to both mind and body. My daughter is typically not one to respond to discipline, however she has surprised us greatly by how she acts in Sabumnim Chucks classes. She has truly benefited by the challenges, discipline and positive feedback while attending Spirit Warrior Martial Arts Academy. Sabumnim Chuck is very knowledgable and challenges his students to be their best every day, while instilling a sense of discipline, respect and pride. My daughter continues looking forward to going to class and is really enjoying it.

Prior to joining this school, my son was constantly bullied at school for 2 years and he was hiding it from us. He was experiencing night terror and we were never able to figure out why until we pushed him to tell us. He was only 8 at that time. His confidence and self esteem was very low and as parents, we needed to do something quick.I have learned martial arts before in my younger days and I know a good teacher can do wonders to help build up self esteem, self respect and confidence. It took me 3 months to research for a good martial arts school in a 10 mile radius from our house (and there are many) and none really stands out as I feel all they want to do is dished out belts advancement faster and easily without much emphasize on character building. I finally found Spirit Warrior Martial Arts by chance right next to a Chinese restaurant (where it was located back then). I observed Sabumnim Chuck teachings and decided to send my son in for a free 2 trial class and see how he copes.Fast forward 2 years, the whole journey has been a very rewarding experience for him. His self esteem, self respect and self confidence are way up; no more night terrors and the bullying has completely stopped. He is more discipline, focus, responsible and fitter of course. Sabumnim Chuck is very strict and teaches his students on how to apply the principles of martial arts into their everyday life; this helps build character!! I believe this is very important. Also, it is not easy to gain advancement as there are very strict guidelines before he even lets you take a test. For instance, my son had to write an essay on how he utilizes the tenets of Taekwondo in his everyday life which he needs to handover to Sabumnim Chuck first before he decides if he qualifies for the test. Sabumnim Chuck also delegates responsibilities to my son as a mentor to new students as he advances and if he feels he is ready to do so. I believe this trait (mentoring) will do him good as he grows older and hopefully will translate into a better future for him.If you are looking for an easy belt advancement in martial arts, this school is definitely not for you. But if you want a school that helps build your childs confidence, character, self esteem and focus, you cannot go wrong with Spirit Warrior Martial Arts.

I don’t recommend this school, especially for adults. I was a student for just under a year. Instead of listing pros and cons, which are all relative based on your individual needs, I’ll share my personal experience of the arrogant, disrespectful and unprofessional behavior of owner/teacher Chuck Niemi which prompted me to find a better school.First, it’s important to note that he runs his business like it’s 1982, i.e. he doesn’t accept credit cards, locks you into 1-year contracts, doesn’t allow you to roll over unused classes, and – to the point of my story – doesn’t allow you to check his attendance records for accuracy, which are prone to error. Once I started keeping my own attendance records for comparison, I noticed a big discrepancy between his attendance totals and mine, where I wasn’t being given credit for 6 classes I attended. This is important because attendance is a prerequisite for rank advancement tests that must be met before any subjective factors are considered for test eligibility.So, I politely asked him for a private discussion so we could compare records and identify the source of the discrepancy. This is a valid and simple request with a simple solution, and any teacher who cares about integrity would be eager to resolve the issue. Instead, he rudely dismissed me out of hand, asserted that his records were always right, and refused to discuss it with me. Any parent asking the same question about their child’s attendance records would be appalled if a teacher responded this way. But it gets worse.The following month the discrepancy had grown larger, so I asked again. Again, he rudely dismissed me, and this time he took it a step further and tried to “teach me a lesson” by encouraging the class of teenage and adult students to essentially “gang up on me” on the matter. It was akin to a bullying tactic and I certainly wouldn’t want a teacher setting that example for my child. But it gets worse.My third and final attempt was to write a polite email, again requesting the courtesy of a simple discussion, and citing 2 tenets of taekwondo, courtesy and integrity, to illustrate why my request was in line with the spirit of the school and the values he purports. I even offered to help him avoid this problem in the future by recommending several free apps that would simplify the process and provide transparency for parents and students. His response was, and I quote, “Do you think you can throw the tenets of TKD in a black belts face and get ANY response from him? I’m going to make an assumption that you really are this clueless, and then just maybe you can work this out. You have two choices, and only two…” which were, and I paraphrase, shut up or leave.He chose to escalate a small valid concern to the point of lashing out, name calling, bullying tactics and ultimately losing business, rather than admit the possibility that he might have made a mistake or deal with a perceived criticism. This is a textbook example of a thin-skinned narcissist, or “fragile narcissism,” which I observed consistently during my year as a student. He often proudly proclaims that his school is a dictatorship. While that might work fine as a teaching style for students who lack discipline, it doesn’t work as a business management style and, unfortunately, he’s incapable of separating the two roles. He might know a lot about martial arts, but so do many other teachers in the area who run their business professionally and with integrity, and treat you with courtesy and respect. Look elsewhere.

My daughter decides she wants to study Tae Kwon Do so I research martial arts schools in the highlands ranch area. Having studied martial arts I had a feel for what I was looking for. I chose Spirit Warrior because I wanted a small school with reasonable class sizes where a qualified black belt personally trains my daughter each and every class. I needed to find the right guy - I did. Sabumnim Chuck Niemi has an extraordinary balance of passion, compassion and depth of knowledge. Our school is a special place where I am proud to train with my daughter. Mind Body Spirit - Spirit Warrior!

I started martial arts 3 and a half years ago thinking, oh, its just another fun activity for me to do over the summer. I didnt know then how wrong I was, and how much more than that it actually is. This taekwondoe school will leave you thinking how you survived without it before you joined. This school will give you the perfect combination of mind, body and spirit. The instructor, Sabumnim Chuck Neimi, is truly a master at the art of taekwondoe, and how to teach it. He knows what every student needs, and how to help them get there. He demands the best out of ever student he teaches. This is one of the things I like the best about this school: it is very challenging. Every class you go to, you will be pushed to your limits. So, if you are looking for a tough, well rounded martial arts school, do yourself a favor and try out Spirit Warrior Martial Arts Academy.

I was searching for a challenging workout that would get me back in shape and keep me coming back. At Spirit Warrior Academy of Martial Arts, I found so much more.Having started and quickly stalled out in Tae Kwon Do once before, I was skeptical starting again. The differences were apparent from the first day I walked in. Sabumnim Chuck Niemi is the owner and the foundation of the academys environment of integrity, respect, and personal growth. If the student brings her heart and mind to class, Sabumnim will more than match it. This is also evidenced in the competence and character of the school’s students with higher belts.In both the youth and adult classes, students start with varying levels of abilities. A lifetime amateur and weekend athlete, I came with my share of old injuries. Sabumnim has given specific direction to strengthen weaknesses and thus minimize the potential for additional injury.Like many, my work schedule is wildly variable, making exercise difficult to fit in. The academy offers flexibility to support a consistent practice. The longer I am with the school, the more I find myself making time to participate. Beyond the benefits of the exercise, the martial arts journey has already positively influenced my life. I would highly encourage anyone who wants to explore their own personal capacity for growth to give this school consideration.

My son and I have been students at Spirit Warrior Martial Arts for over a year and we both absolutely LOVE it! Sabumnim Chuck Niemi is an amazing instructor and you couldnt be in better hands!Martial arts is more than just learning the fighting style - its about discipline, respect, focus and other positive tenets that you integrate into your life, personality and behavior. Sabumnim does a phenomenal job not just with teaching TaiKwonDo but with developing the other tenets as well.My son was 5 years old when he joined and it has been an absolute joy to see him grow in terms of confidence, respect and his love for TaiKwonDo! It takes a special skill to teach that age group!The adult classes are also phenomenal - in this time where lack of directness is almost fashionable, Sabumnim encourages us to go outside our comfort zones to help us develop both physically and mentally.Absolutely Love the School and would strongly suggest anyone to join!!

I studied martial arts 30 years ago in another state with an incredible instructor. So when I started looking for a school here in Denver for my son, I was pretty picky. What I didnt want were the babysitters, or birthday partiers, or the flashy tournament sport guys. I wanted a school that would teach my son the art of Tae Kwon Do - including the underlying fundamentals of courtesy, integrity, self control, perseverance, indomitable spirit. I wanted a school that would require him to earn his belt while teaching him to grow as an individual. Well, I found that school. Sabumnim Chuck Neimi teaches every class himself, gives each student the personal attention they need, requires his students to practice and improve, teaches respect, courtesy and self control and expects that out of every student. His student body has a healthy mix of children and adults - many of them women. He encourages participation in tournaments, but it is not required. He maintains disciple in class and demands respect from his students, which directly stimulates excellence. I was so impressed with the school that I decided to join myself at 46 years old and couldnt be happier. Everyone here wants you to succeed. If you are looking for a well rounded, more traditional school, then this is it.

I took up martial arts at the young age of 55, and it has been one of the best investments Ive ever made for myself. I was looking for a program that would be good for me physically, mentally, and spiritually. When I meet Sabumnim Chuck Niemi, 4th Dan, for the first time, I knew I had come to the right place. Being slightly older than I am, he encouraged me to pursue martial arts, saying, If I can do this, you can too. You are not old, you are mature. He was right!The classes are demanding and will challenge you physically, but they are also fun and much more interesting than boot camp or working out at the gym, in my opinion. As an elite plan member at Spirit Warrior Martial Arts Academy (SWMAA,) you are welcome and encouraged to attend as many classes as you like for your belt rank; I typically attend five or six per week (there are multiple classes per evening.) I feel great and my energy level has soared since I started some two and a half years ago.Mental focus is very important in becoming a good martial artist, and students have an opportunity to develop theirs in every class and exercise. Breaking a board or learning a new technique is not so much physical as it is mental! Disciplining your mind to focus on the task at hand is powerful and the practice you get in class will help you in all aspects of your life.Meditation, Qigong, and Taekwondo Forms are just a few of the techniques utilized at SWMAA to help you to shed the ego and get in touch with your true self, your spiritual being. This promotes a sense of well being and contentment. Really!Last, but not least, the camaraderie at SWMAA is exceptional. The higher belts are great about mentoring and encouraging you to succeed, and it doesnt take long to feel like a member of the SWMAA family.So, if you have been thinking about martial arts, give SWMAA a try! What do you have to lose?

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