History of Tran's Martial Arts and Fitness Center

Tran's Martial Arts and Fitness Center was a young man's dream 18 years ago. Kwonjanim Hai Tran, founder of Tran's, after years of intense Tae Kwon Do training, had a vision to start an organization where families could grow together in a positive and healthy environment. Out of his family's garage, Kwonjanim began his lifelong dream. Soon he would have a handful of faithful students including his four younger siblings, who had already been training in Tae Kwon Do. It wasn't long before Kwonjanim opened his first official school in 1987 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Now there are four other Tran's locations across the Front Range: Loveland, Longmont, Boulder and Denver.

The Tran family's innovative way of thinking led them to expand their Martial Arts schools and incorporate fitness classes. Their Muay Thai Kickboxing program made a big splash when it was introduced and continues to grow rapidly. The Tran organization will also continue to grow in every area of excellence in martial arts and fitness.

Tran's is all about family, health, personal power and community. As you will see, many students have walked through the doors as beginning white belts and walked back out as black belts — in martial arts and in life!


  • The average time it took to earn a black belt was six years and most often it was never. Now the average time is four years and seventy percent of our students make it all the way.
  • You couldn't test until your instructor told you that you were ready.
  • If you missed Red Carpet Night you had to wait until the next one to promote.
  • All classes included students of all belt levels, white through black.
  • Sparring was done without head or chest protection, and kids and adults sparred together.
  • There were no matted floors and there was no music in class.
  • There were no weapons training classes and no fitness classes — just Tae Kwon Do.
  • There were no half boards for board breaks.
  • There were no stripes, stars, junior belts or even official uniforms.
  • Staff received no formal training and there were no CIT, STORM or leadership programs.
  • There were no special events.
  • The school had no logo (since then it has been updated twice to its current look).
  • There was no calendar, newsletter or website, and no printed curriculum sheets.
  • There were no A/B/C/D days and no rotating curriculum.
  • There was no weight room or pro shop.
  • There was no air conditioning, no locker room and no bathroom either!