*Tiny Tigers: Ages 3 to 5   *Karate for Kids: Ages 6 to 12    *Teen/Adult Program:13 & up

*Master Club Program  *Leadership Program   *Black Belt Club Program  *Basic Program

Challenging Workout   |   Lots of Great Reasons  | Tournaments

Tiny Tigers: Ages 3 to 5 years old
The Tiny Tiger program is the perfect choice for 3 to 5 year old children.
Exciting classes are designed to improve children's motor skills and enhance their ability to pay attention and follow directions.
Tiny Tigers earn stars as they demonstrate monthly themes and weekly lessons such as Courtesy, Respect, and Discipline.

Our program develops self confidence, improves children's attention span, increases hand and eye coordination, and is fun.
The exciting training continues after graduation from the Tiny Tiger Program into our internationally recognized Karate for Kids Program.

Only ATA schools have the Tiny Tiger Program. Don't be fooled by copycats. Tiny Tigers is a registered trademark of the ATA Black Belt Academy and Karate for Kids. This program is developed and taught to ATA instructors.

In addition to our internationally recognized Karate for Kids program, we offer the Taekwondo for Tiny Tigers program. The Tiny Tiger program was developed specifically for preschool age children, ages 3 through 5. This program offers children a strong foundation in essential character qualities, such as courtesy, respect, and discipline. In addition, the program is designed to improve children's motor skills and enhance their ability to pay attention and follow directions. All classes are taught using the most safe, fun, and exciting instructional methods available for this age group. This program works in conjunction with the Karate for Kids program, thereby emphasizing the same important monthly themes and value system.

The rank and testing system used by the Tigers is slightly different than that of the Karate for Kids.
Tigers can earn eight collectible animal patches to display on the belts as follows:

• Tiger for orange belt
• Cheetah for yellow
• Lion for camo
• Eagle for green
• Phoenix for purple
• Dragon for blue
• Cobra for brown
• Panther for red

Karate for Kids: Ages 6 to 12 years old

Self-Confidence
Self-confidence is one of the most important benefits a child receives from studying the martial arts. As a child accomplishes new goals, his or her confidence level increases, therefore improving performance in other activities.

Self-Defense
We offer the most effective method of self-defense that will give children the confidence to defend themselves in all situations.

Physical Fitness
Martial arts training improves muscular strength, flexibility, and agility. When combined with increased focus and concentration, it provides the attributes necessary to excel in martial arts, as well as other sports.

Better Grades
Being a Karate Kid means being a better student. All kids in the Karate for Kids program learn skills, such as following directions, paying attention in class, and participating in class activities that help them become better students.

Karate for Kids and Tiny Tigers

"Every Kid is a Winner! Every Kid is Special!"

Karate for Kids
There are many reasons for kids to become involved in the Martial Arts. We have developed a program based on traditional Taekwondo for kids call Karate for Kids. The Karate for Kids system is based on a lifetime learning concept in addition to technical skills. The building blocks for our system are monthly themes, such as:

In addition to monthly themes, our system includes the unique victory patch. Kids are rewarded special "Victory Stars." These different colored stars are rewarded for outstanding performance in karate class, school, home, or at a tournament competition. Kids may receive the following stars for the following deeds:

• Blue - Weekly themes
• Red - Participation in ATA events
• Gold - Grades
• Silver-Special performance awards (tasks at home, community service)

Building Strong Bodies and Clear Minds

There are many reasons for kids to become involved in the martial arts. We have developed a program based on traditional Taekwondo for kids called Karate for Kids. The Karate Kid system is based on a lifetime learning concept in addition to technical skills.

Martial Arts is Great for Children
A psychological study found that children in martial arts have an increased sense of responsibility and a decreased in the willingness to take foolish risks. The also have a high sense of self-esteem. This is why millions of parents are using martial arts to supplement their children's' education.

Parents enroll their children in our programs for different reasons, but with one common goal: to help their children grow and mature to the best of their abilities.

Parents play a unique role in their children's training, acting as the liaison from the karate school to the home. The more an instructor knows about a child's home and school life, the better he/she can work with the child and the parent.

Our Reward System Improves Children's Self Esteem
Our belt system and stripe system are the keys to building self esteem. When kids earn their belts or earn starts for grades, it gives them a great sense of accomplishment that really improves the way they feel about themselves.

Our Program Teaches Children Discipline
We have a trained staff of patient instructors who love to work with children, but are also very clear about limits. We enforce good rules and behavior in class and we expect the same good behavior at home and in school.

Our Activities Channel Children's Aggression
Many doctors have prescribed our school because of the positive outlet it gives the kids for all their energy.

Why is Martial Art Training so Popular?
Martial arts training are so popular because not other activity can provide the same positive results, on a personal level, for each individual participant. Whether your goals are self-confidence, self-defense, personal development, fitness, flexibility or to earn a black belt, our school will take you or your children there. From our pre-school programs to our martial arts fitness programs, our instructors are dedicated to helping you and your family achieves your individual goals.

Teen/Adult Program:
Taekwondo is a great discipline for students of all ages. The physical and personal benefits of participating in ATA's program are significant for everyone. Training in Taekwondo offers numerous benefits for adults:
 

Master Club
Master Club is another program developed by the ATA. This program is for student who have committed to training even beyond Black Belt. As with the Black Belt Club Program, the Master Club Program is open to all students, regardless of rank or age. It also represents the highest level of our "Success Through Goal Setting" philosophy that students see beyond Black Belt. Master Club students wish to train at a higher level and with more intensity. These students have a great conviction and a belief in themselves and their growing love for martial arts.

As with our Black Belt Club Program, Master Club will receive a special Master Club Patch that is worn on their right sleeve, as well as their Black Belt Club Patch, which is worn on their left sleeve of their uniforms. They will also receive their rank belt with a gold stripe through the center of the belt. These patches and belt act to remind the student of the commitment that they have made each time that they dress for class.

Leadership Program
The Leadership Program is one of the most exciting programs ever developed. It is designed to teach the leadership skills to all individuals, regardless of their age or belt rank.

Junior Leadership Program is for all students 14 years old and younger who want to develop leadership skills that will serve them in all aspects of their lives. These students accept a higher level of responsibility as Ambassador's of Songahm Taekwondo. They are distinguished with special uniforms and receive advanced level training in:

• Taekwondo (forms, demo teams, tournament competition, and more ...)
• Weapons (creative weapons, special seminars)
• Life Skills (daily activities to develop discipline, respect, courtesy, perseverance, and all ATA Life Skill training)
• Leadership Training (class activities to develop class management skills, public speaking, powerful communication, making positive decisions, and more ...)

• Taekwondo (forms, demo teams, tournament competition, advanced self defense)
• Weapons (creative weapons, special seminars)
• Instruction (ATA instructor certification, teaching application, class management skills)
• Life Skills (daily activities to develop discipline, respect, courtesy, perseverance, and all ATA Life Skill training)
• Leadership Training (class activities to develop class management skills, public speaking, powerful communication, time management, life management, and more ...)

Black Belt Club
Black Belt Club members enjoy belonging to an elite group of dedicated students who study advanced Taekwondo training to gain a more well-rounded Martial Arts experience.

The Black Belt Club Program is a program developed by the American Taekwondo Association. It is open to all students regardless of rank or age. It represents the highest level of our "Success through Goal Setting" philosophy. Black Belt Club members are those individuals who have set their goal at "Black Belt." Students must know exactly what their goal is if they are to move toward it with desire and conviction. A Black Belt Club patch is worn on the left sleeve of the uniform to remind them of their goal every time they put on their uniform.

Black Belt Research
Black Belt Research, Inc. (BBR) was established in 2005 for the purpose of promoting research on the therapeutic, wellness, and psycho and social benefits derived from participation in traditional Martial arts. As part of the mission of promoting new research, BBR seeks to disseminate research findings and to provide a forum for translating research outcomes to practical applications for Martial arts educators.
 

DISCIPLINE - "Our greatest glory is not in ever failing, but in rising up every time we fail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Basic Program
The Basic Program is a fun and exciting introduction to Martial Arts. Regardless of age, there is a basic program for you. Students in the Basic Program will learn about the history and philosophy of Songahm Taekwondo and experience the dynamic techniques that has made it the most popular Martial Arts in the world.

A Challenging Workout
Adults at every level of conditioning and fitness train at ATA. All participants have the opportunity to achieve their personal goals. Whether interested in fitness, self-defense, boosting confidence, or attend just to have fun, the program is developed to achieve any goal. The possibilities are unlimited for achieving each student's personal goals.

20 Great Reasons for Kids to do Martial Arts

1. Improved ability to focus and concentrate.
2. Better grades in school.
3. More self-confidence.
4. Higher self-esteem.
5. Improved physical fitness.
6. Great body awareness and control.
7. More respect for self and others.
8. More self-discipline.
9. Become more responsible.
10. Able to physically defend themselves as a last resort.
11. Develop the habit of goal setting.
12. Positive outlet for energy.
13. Excellent character education program.
14. Make new friends in a positive environment.
15. Great self-control.
16. More able to handle pressure in everyday life.
17. Able to be calmer in the face of conflict.
18. Less likely to fight in school.
19. Learn leadership skills.
20. Become a Black Belt in Martial Arts and a Black Belt in life.

20 Reasons for Adults to do Martial Arts

1. Excellent workout.
2. Weight loss.
3. Time for yourself.
4. Gain flexibility.
5. Build lean muscle.
6. Get rid of most back pain.
7. Major stress relief.
8. More self-confidence.
9. Better prepared in a self-defense situation.
10. Improved self image
11. Feel safer
12. Have more energy
13. Get better sleep
14. Be able to protect loved ones
15. Meet new people
16. Learn valuable skills
17. Develop a habit of goal setting
18. Develop a more positive attitude about everything
19. Better able to deal with every day pressure
20. Improved blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol

Tournaments:

Why compete?
Tournaments offer Taekwondo students a chance to perform in a new environment, to meet and make friends.  ATA schools, to see advanced black belt competition, and even to win trophies.

Who can participate?
Students of all ages and ranks are welcome to participate in all ATA tournaments. Special divisions are available for our Tiny Tigers (ages 3-6) and Karate Kids (ages 7 -12). Every kid gets a trophy! Our philosophy behind our classes and tournaments.

Will I have to spar people much better than me?
Students at ATA tournaments are divided by rank, gender and height to ensure that all participants have a chance to compete with people with similar experience and skills. Beginning students (white, orange and yellow belts) do not free-spar at an ATA Tournament (instead they compete with one-steps).

Divisions are small and the competition is friendly, and the tournament hosts and judges strive to ensure that all participants enjoy themselves. Judges are specially-trained to conduct their divisions efficiently and to enforce all tournament rules so that the competition is fair and no one is injured.

What does it involve?
White through Yellow belts can compete in two categories: form and one-step sparring. Camouflage belts and above compete in form and point sparring.
We also offer Protech Weapons competition for black belts. Events include single or double ssahng jeol bong (nunchaku), single or double bahng mahng ee (short stick), jahng bong (long staff), jee pahng ee (cane) and three-sectional staff. In addition, some tournaments offer board breaking competition.

What types of tournaments are there?
The ATA sanctions three levels of tournaments (view the ATA tournament rules):

• World Championships
• Nationals (Spring & Fall)
• Regional Tournaments

The annual World Championship tournament, which the ATA hosts in Little Rock, Arkansas, every June, is the world's largest martial arts tournament. The tournament regularly draws over 4,000 competitors and as many as 10,000 spectators. Competition lasts three days, and the highlights of the tournament are the international testing (at which black belts seek higher ranks before a panel of senior ranks and masters) and the Tournament of Champions (at which the top-ranked black belts compete to determine the year's World Champion in various divisions).

There are two National tournaments each year, one in the fall in Florida and the other in the spring in Nevada. ATA masters are present at both National tournaments. There also is an international tournament in South America hosted by the Songahm Taekwondo Federation (STF), which is the Alta's South American branch.

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