Business Details
35 Years
experience
Southern Colorado's Premier Martial Arts School Since 1991
Bendell Karate has been Southern Colorado's premier martial arts school since 1991, founded by brothers Brent and Joshua Bendell under the guidance of their father, Grandmaster Don Bendell. With over three decades of experience, we specialize in Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo, Judo, Jujitsu, and practical self-defense, serving students from ages 3 to adults. Our curriculum emphasizes character development, integrity, and honor, rooted in traditional martial arts principles while incorporating modern techniques. We offer family-friendly classes that foster physical fitness, discipline, and confidence, with a proven track record of producing state and national champions. Our certified instructors, including multiple black belt holders, ensure personalized attention and high-quality training.The Mini-Ninja program, established in the 1990s, remains a pioneering initiative for preschoolers, transitioning them into structured martial arts training. With locations in Pueblo West and Florence, we provide flexible class schedules and a welcoming environment for all skill levels. Our commitment to excellence extends to Florence Fitness, offering 24-hour gym access and professional fitness instruction. We guarantee a supportive community where students achieve personal growth through goal-oriented training. Recognized for our expertise and community impact, Bendell Karate continues to shape leaders through martial arts education.
Services
Taekwondo
Judo
Jujitsu
Self-Defense
Fitness Programs
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of martial arts expertise in Southern Colorado.
- Our certified black belt instructors teach traditional and modern techniques.
- Family-friendly programs accommodate ages 3 to adults with flexible schedules.
- Mini-Ninja program pioneered preschool karate training statewide since the 1990s.
- Proven track record producing state and national martial arts champions.
Services
Taekwondo
Traditional Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo instruction builds physical fitness, discipline, and self-defense skills. Our curriculum combines Korean and Japanese martial arts techniques for comprehensive training. Students develop character through belt progression systems emphasizing respect and perseverance.
Judo
Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes teach grappling techniques and ground fighting strategies. Programs focus on leverage-based self-defense applicable to all body types. Students learn controlled sparring and competition preparation from certified black belt instructors.
Self-Defense
Practical self-defense courses combine multiple martial arts disciplines for real-world protection scenarios. Training includes situational awareness, de-escalation tactics, and physical defense techniques adaptable to various threat levels and environments.
Children's Programs
Age-specific martial arts programs for children aged 3-12 develop motor skills, focus, and confidence. Mini-Ninjas (3-5 years) uses play-based learning while Power Ninja (5-12 years) introduces structured techniques and character development principles.
Fitness Programs
Florence Fitness offers 24-hour gym access with strength and cardio equipment, plus instructor-led group classes. Facilities include free weights, squat racks, and cardio zones with personalized training options for martial arts conditioning and general fitness goals.
People
Grandmaster Don Bendell
Founder
7th degree black belt and martial arts pioneer who established Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo in Colorado. Trained in traditional Korean and Japanese techniques, he has mentored multiple state and national champions through family-oriented instruction since 1991.
Master Brent Bendell
Instructor
6th degree black belt with over 30 years of teaching experience. Specializes in curriculum development and competition training, maintaining high standards across both Pueblo West and Florence locations while expanding program offerings to include multiple martial arts disciplines.
Master Stan Sicher
Instructor
5th degree black belt physician combining medical expertise with martial arts instruction. Focuses on injury prevention techniques and physical conditioning, ensuring safe training practices for students of all ages and fitness levels.
Master Julie Dyer
Instructor
5th degree black belt specializing in youth program development. Created structured yet engaging curriculum for Power Ninja transition classes, helping preschool graduates adapt to formal martial arts training while maintaining focus on character growth.
Mr. Rod Moss
Instructor
5th degree black belt with expertise in competitive sparring and tournament preparation. Trains students in practical application of techniques through controlled drills and scenario-based practice, emphasizing both offensive and defensive strategies.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo, Judo, Jujitsu, Muay Thai, Aikido, and Hapkido instruction for all skill levels.
Are classes available for young children?
Yes! Our Mini-Ninja program accepts children as young as 3 with play-based learning techniques in 30-minute weekly sessions.
Do you offer family discounts?
We provide discounted rates for multiple family members enrolled simultaneously. Contact us for specific pricing details.
Are there fitness facilities available?
Florence location includes 24-hour gym access with strength training, cardio equipment, and personal training options.
What are your class schedules?
Pueblo West: Mon-Thu 5:30-9pm, Sat 9:30am-12pm. Florence: Tue 5:30-8pm, Wed 6-7:30pm, Thu 6-8pm.
How do belt promotions work?
Students progress through structured testing every 3-4 months, demonstrating technical proficiency and character development for each new belt rank.
