Stephen Oliver’s Mile High Karate
Building confident kids & strong families through martial arts since 1983
Kids, teen, adult and family classes at Mile High Karate Thornton, 3979 E 120th Avenue, Thornton, Colorado.
Thornton, CO 80233Since 19831,000+ Black Belts
Colorado’s Black Belt school since 1983
Mile High Karate is a Colorado martial arts school founded by Grand Master Stephen Oliver in Lakewood, Colorado, on August 6, 1983. It has promoted more than 1,000 Black Belts, and today teaches children, teens, adults and families at Mile High Karate Thornton, 3979 E 120th Avenue, led by Amanda and Stephen Christensen.
| Founded | August 6, 1983, Lakewood, Colorado |
|---|---|
| Founder | Grand Master Stephen Oliver, 10th Degree Black Belt |
| Chief of Instruction | Grand Master Jeff Smith |
| School | Mile High Karate Thornton, 3979 E 120th Ave, Thornton, CO 80233 |
| Phone | (303) 280-1839 |
| Hours | 9 am–9 pm, seven days a week |
| Class times | Monday–Friday 3–9 pm; Saturday 9 am–3 pm |
| Schedule and enrollment | ThorntonMHK.com |
| Serving | Thornton, Northglenn, Brighton, Westminster |
| Style | American Freestyle, in the lineage of Grand Master Jhoon Rhee |
Classes for every age
Kids karate, ages 4–6 and 7–12
Character lessons in every class and the Black Belt as each child’s long-term goal.
Preschool martial arts
Short, active classes that build listening, coordination and focus.
Teen martial arts
Fitness, self-defense and leadership for teenagers.
Adult martial arts and self-defense
Conditioning and practical self-defense for any starting fitness level.
Family classes
Parents and children training together.
Bully prevention
Confidence first, physical skills last.
Before- and after-school programs
Enrichment in the Jefferson, Adams and Brighton school districts.
What families say
The best decision we made for our sons. Consistent character, leadership and personal development. Sustained athletic and intellectual growth. Owners and adult leaders who genuinely care about your kid.Elizabeth Galentine · Parent, Thornton · Google review
I was a student at MHK when I was a kid and the life lessons I learned stuck with me as I got older. When I became a parent, I wanted my son to have those same life lessons. … I am 45 and still training, I like to try to keep up with the kids!Mindy Davis · Parent and former student, Thornton · Google review
Family run, with that unique old school touch that makes you feel welcome and at home. … They’ve been able to learn structure and discipline in a fun way.Julian Romero · Parent, Thornton · Google review
This program helped teach my son leadership skills, public speaking skills, self confidence, and how to set and achieve any goals he creates for himself.Marc Nemeth · Parent, Westminster · Google review
Quoted as written, shortened where marked. Read more than 300 reviews and stories.
More than four decades of Mile High Karate
The history of Mile High Karate
From one Lakewood school in 1983 to five schools in 18 months, and more than 1,000 Black Belts since.
The Jhoon Rhee lineage
How American Freestyle grew from Grand Master Jhoon Rhee’s Tae Kwon Do.
The Mile High Karate Classic
Denver’s NASKA World Tour tournament, promoted by Stephen Oliver.
Facts and history
Quick facts about Mile High Karate, and the archive of historic documents.
Inside Mile High Karate
Resources
- Resources for educators and school administrators
- Mile High Karate information and outlines (PDF)
- Building Successful Kids program
- Student login
For billing, classes, attendance, events or rank testing, contact Mile High Karate Thornton at (303) 280-1839.
Mile High Karate questions
- What is Mile High Karate?Mile High Karate is a Colorado martial arts organization founded by Grand Master Stephen Oliver in Lakewood, Colorado, on August 6, 1983. It has promoted more than 1,000 Black Belts, and today teaches children, teens, adults and families at Mile High Karate Thornton, 3979 E 120th Ave, Thornton, CO 80233.
- Where is Mile High Karate located?Mile High Karate Thornton is at 3979 E 120th Ave, Thornton, CO 80233, and serves Thornton, Northglenn, Brighton, Westminster and the north Denver metro. Call (303) 280-1839. The school is open 9 am–9 pm, seven days a week, with classes Monday–Friday 3–9 pm and Saturday 9 am–3 pm; the current schedule is at ThorntonMHK.com.
- Who founded Mile High Karate?Grand Master Stephen Oliver, a 10th Degree Black Belt in the lineage of Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, founded Mile High Karate in 1983. Grand Master Jeff Smith is Chief of Instruction.
- What ages does Mile High Karate teach?Preschool children, kids ages 4–6 and 7–12, teens and adults, plus family classes. Mile High Karate has promoted Black Belts from age 5 to age 76.
- What style of martial arts does Mile High Karate teach?American Freestyle, which grew from Grand Master Jhoon Rhee’s Tae Kwon Do and combines Korean kicking, traditional forms and practical self-defense.
- How long does it take to earn a Black Belt at Mile High Karate?About 48 months of consistent training, finishing with informal, formal and written tests and a three-day retreat in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Book a first class
3979 E 120th Ave, Thornton, CO 80233. Open 9 am–9 pm, seven days a week; classes Monday–Friday 3–9 pm and Saturday 9 am–3 pm.
(303) 280-1839© Mile High Karate, LLC and Stephen Oliver – All Rights Reserved. Mile High Karate® is owned by Mile High Karate, LLC, Stephen Oliver – Founder, CEO.