I have been a student of Universal Taekwondo for 17 years and would easily say, I was raised here. There has never been a place that made me feel more accepted, respected, appreciated and loved. At the core of these emotions stands the owner of the school, Master Michael Preisendorf. He embodies the meaning of Tae Kwon Do and in doing so has the most unique ability to connect to each and every student on an individual basis. As I've heard him say many times, "I love everyone equally", this becomes apparent within class. He pushes everyone- no-one is singled out, no student is favored. He finds the strengths of each student and motivates and encourages them to share their skill with others. In doing so this gives the student confidence and the ability to communicate with others - life skills that some never find without an incredible influence and role model to follow. I believe in the saying "Practice what you Preach" and Master Michael does just that. He utilizes the 5 tenants of Taekwondo in his daily life whether it is his personal life or within the school. This has given myself and many other students a strong constant in our lives (one which I am sure kept me out of trouble as a teen). Every student has their own story and comes from different backgrounds. Universal is a place where those are all put aside and each student can feel like they are accepted, understood and valued. Master Michaels teachings, and attitude spreads to his students and as a result, all of our students encourage one another, work together well and respect one another. It is a very positive and desirable environment for persons of any age, size, shape etc.. to enjoy! I would recommend Universal to any individual or family looking for a challenge. Whether that challenge is mental or physical, or even better - not known yet... You will always be pushed, motivated and encouraged to conquer your personal challenges inside and outside of the school. Universal is a great place to learn about self and apply what is learned to create a life of constant growth and accomplishment. Instructor Kasey read more

Hello, Our names are Mike and DeAnna and we are blessed to be the parents of two daughters, Elizabeth and Amanda and 1 son, Adam. Adam is our youngest at age 13 and has tried to walk in his sisters paths of soccer and baseball. Adam never really enjoyed playing these sports so we tried Tae Kwon Do at another organization to see if this was something he would enjoy. Adam enjoyed it and was anxious to learn but unfortunately had a hard time advancing at this particular organization and began to lose self confidence that he could do this. We started looking for another Tae Kwon Do school Adam could perhaps get a different experience at. We walked into Universal Tae Kwon Do on a Tuesday evening and we were won over in less than a minute of watching a class. There was lots of encouragement happening during the class along with clear & positive constructive instruction. Master Mike took the time to speak with us and another family after class. Master Mike spelled out all the details clearly of the responsibility and commitment it took for a student to participate. We appreciated Master Mike's honesty and clear passion and heart for teaching, we wanted Adam to have a better experience and it was clear he would get that at Universal after talking with Master Mike. We didn't even have think about it, we started class at Universal with Adam the following week. Adam has advanced from a white belt to a purple belt in just a few short months. Adam really enjoys going and is disappointed when he can't make it. He loves it there. He is encouraged with positive and constructive instruction and really respects and admires his instructors. We would recommend Universal Tae Kwon Do to friends, family and strangers. A great place for your kids, teenagers and even adults to learn, respect, confidence, self control, courtesy, integrity, perseverance and responsibility with a great work out too. Go check it out! read more

While I knew martial arts would instill in my young child's formative years characteristics that would serve him well throughout life (e.g., self confidence, respect, etc.), I put a priority on searching for a school with the "right teaching environment" regardless of style/discipline. Subsequently, I knew very well following our first introductory meeting that Universal Taekwondo was that school, in no small part due to Master Michael, the owner/head instructor. The consummate teacher, he is invested in the progress and achievements made by his students, not only in their physical and technical proficiency but their mental and emotional growth as well. A great example of this are the philosophical lessons he infuses into what would otherwise be your typical schoolyard game of freeze tag (i.e., the importance of always having a back up plan, being flexible to whatever life throws your way, etc.). Most notably is the overall positive atmosphere that Master Michael cultivates throughout each and every single class session: there is no negative criticism, scolding or berating of any students by him or any of the other instructors on hand. While this may at first glance appear to be somewhat counterintuitive to the traditional culture of martial arts--at least from my own "old-school" personal experience--the influence of the uplifting tone and example he sets can readily be seen throughout the room in a cascading fashion in how the the higher-ranked belts encourage the lower belts and so on. Moreover, each and every single class ends with all the students shaking hands with Master Michael and one another. I am extremely proud of my son's continuing growth a student of Universal Taekwondo--not just as a practitioner of martial arts, but also as a person. read more

I'm a parent of a taekwondo family that moved to Denver area last year, looking to continue training. We found this school in June of 2015, after several false starts. It is a most excellent school that reaches every level of student, focuses on building a strong community and truely understands that this is an art not just a sport. My children s skill levels and abilities are greatly varied. While my eldest and I completed training elsewhere, my younger two daughters had little experience. Master Mike took the time to assess each of ours skills and suggest a fit that worked well for the individual. He understands the physical and mental challenges people have and encourages them in overcoming those, focusing on effort. The little dragons class is an excellent basic skills class for younger children and builds skills and confidence. Belt classes are arranged by skill level and follow a thoughtful curriculum with set standards that are judged by a group of blackbelts. Students progress at their own pace, with the support and encouragement of all the instructors. Finally, master Mike conducts business and relations with an honesty and humility that truely echos the concepts behind what he teaches and is carried through all his assistant instructors. It's nice to find a martial arts studio that focuses on character, not just cool. One couldn't ask for a better school to continue training or start learning. read more

Hello, My name is Instructor Laine Bradford, and over a decade ago I made the most important decision of my life. My journey of self-improvement began when I first stepped foot inside Universal Taekwondo. Though blood, sweat, tears, and years of persistence; I've earned my 3rd degree black belt. The process wasn't easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. Universal Taekwondo has become my second home. At the school I've: formed lifelong friendships, had my favorite memories, repeatedly surpassed my preconceived mental and physical limits, and sculpted the man I am today. Of course, I had help and guidance every step of the way. You'll never find a group of such amazing and supportive people as the instructors at Universal Taekwondo. There is something about Universal Taekwondo that breeds excellence. If you told me, before I joined Taekwondo, that I could have obtained the achievements that I have; I never would have believed you. Now, through this incredible voyage; I would retort "Aiming too high? I think not!" With power and honor, Laine Bradford read more

Master Micheal is one of the most knowledgeable, funny, kind and motivating instructors I've ever met. I've been a teacher for 14 years and and his interaction with an entire class is memorable! He really sees each child for all their strengths and encourages them to make mistakes. His ability to break down complex movements gives every student an opportunity to learn. Master Micheal has incredible class control and when you first walk in, you can see every child standing at attention, yelling, "Yes, Sir" and keeping their focus on the instructor. My son has been taking TaeKwonDo from Master Micheal for the last 8 months. Since, he has been able to control his body more (he lots of extraneous physical movements), he has been able to build confidence, his grades have greatly improved, and he LOVES going to class. I would recommend Universal TaeKwonDo for anyone aged 4-74! read more

Our son just started his 6th year at Universal Tae Kwon Do. We originally chose Universal based on a recommendation from a friend, but as soon as he took his first class we knew it was a great fit for him and for our family. Master Michael is a phenomenal leader, teacher, and mentor. As a teacher in the Adams 12 school district I have been very impressed with the level of personalized instruction students receive at UTKD. On the surface, the learning outcomes are focused on the self-defense skills, but underlying everything is the focus on the whole student (body, mind & soul). Students walk away with new physical skills and the life-long lessons about courtesy, integrity, indomitable spirit, perseverance, and self-control. Learning just doesn't get better than that! read more

Our kids love UTD. We moved to Denver and our daughter studied at a similar class elsewhere. She was able to quickly catch up and progress with the rest of the class. I love that Master Michael uses the various higher belts to teach the lower belts, and teaches leadership skills as a result. All of the black belts as extremely knowledgable and patient with the kids. Even the little kids' class is enjoyed by our youngest child. It's been a great way for her to do physical therapy, learn balance, concentration and various other skills that are all age appropriate. Highly recommend! read more

I have competitively trained Tae Kwon Do for many years back in Peru, I have thoyght Tae Kwon Do in Florida and in Colorado, visited many different schools until I found Universal Tae Kwon Do in which I have met great training partners and Master Michaels wonderful way to mold his teachings to each individual student from the youngest one to the oldest one. His classes have a moderate impact level which allows the student to either take it slow for a low impact or just push the little extra to get a hugh impact wprk out. I love training at Universal Tae Kwon Do read more

I was nervous about starting Taekwondo as an older adult. Universal TKD and Master Mike have been amazing in their ability for acceptance and willingness to adjust to my needs while still demanding the most from me. I look forward to each class. I never thought it was possible to be training for my black belt, yet here I am. My grandson started here over 4 years ago, is now a black belt, and has really grown as a person exhibiting all the tenets of TKD. Thank you! read more