Master Marcus Santos has been an avid participant, coach and supporter of Taekwondo for over 29 years. A native of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, he has called Colorado his home for over 16 years. Master Santos strives to provide his students a positive learning environment for all ages and ability levels with emphasis on each individual's personal best and positive self-image. Master Santos is the head instructor of Littleton Taekwondo USA and teaches the majority of classes.

Master Santos started his martial art journey by watching one of his older brother's Capoeira classes when he was a little kid. Back then, the martial arts classes to him looked extremely highly disciplined and aggressive. However, he discovered in a karate mini-instructional book and in the old Kung-fu movies that martial arts were much more then yelling and fighting. He found himself interested in discovering how martial arts could fit into people's lives not only as a form of fighting, but as a way of building stronger character, developing athletic skills and a way to learn more about our bodies and minds, a way of life. The interest in taekwondo started while watching a class taught in a park when he was an 11year-old boy. Since then, Taekwondo became part of Master Santos's life, guiding him in other sport activities and helping in the academic school. Master Santos began teaching Taekwondo when he was still a Red Belt and has not stopped since. Master Santos specializes in Olympic Style Taekwondo and is certified by the WTF with a 5th Dan/degree black belt, and has also studied the arts of Hapkido, Jiujitsu, Capoeira and has learned street fighting survival techniques while growing up in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Master Santos is also a Certified Coach and Referee by the United States governing body of Taekwondo (USAT and USTU). Master Santos has participated and coached in many National and International level tournaments, winning titles himself and helping his students bring home many titles, also providing Taekwondo practitioners International level seminars and tournaments. Master Santos is dedicated to promoting the Art of Taekwondo to all ages and levels.

Tournament Achievements:
Most important Sparring Results:
1998 Sao Paulo State Champion, Brazil
1992 South America Open Champion
1994 Colorado State Champion
1995 US Open Silver Medalist
2000 Brazil Open Bronze Medalist
2003 US Open Gold Medalist
Forms Results:
Master Santos is specialized in World Taekwondo Federation Forms and has won numorous titles in National and International Events

Coaching Experience:
Junior National Team assistant coach for Sao Paulo Metro State athletes 1992/1993 with Master Carlos Negrao, Brazil.
Integracao Liberdade Team Champion 1992/1993
Colorado State coach at the 2000 US Olympic Team Trials
Brazil Open 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002
US Junior Olympics 1996, 97, 98, 99, 2000, 01, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07
US Open 1995, 96, 97, 98, 99, 2000, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07
US Adult Team Trials 1997, 98, 99, 2000
US Junior Team Trials Finalists 2007