The Basic Club: Frequently Asked Questions

Why sign up at ATA Martial Arts?
We believe there are many good martial art schools out there and many bad ones, just like elementary schools. The ATA or American Taekwondo Association has been at the forefront of evolving martial arts since the early 1980s. Traditional martial arts focus on many important aspects but do not offer the complete training that you can receive at ATA Martial Arts. Physically you will learn strong techniques and become fit, but more importantly are the Life Skills we teach in every class. In order to become successful or a leader in today's society these life skills must be introduced and repeated throughout your training. It is our attention to Life Skills that will make all the difference in the world. We invite you to visit other schools, but we truly recommend you try a class with us first.

What are these life skills?
Life skills are concepts that are not taught in scholastic or elementary school. They are honor, perseverance, integrity, respect, discipline, goals, etc. We use terminology appropriate for the age of each student so that they can understand and employ these skills in life in order to become a leader.

Why will my child enjoy class with all these big words?
Obviously each class will consist of many martial art physical concepts, many of which are games, drills, or group activities, but all of them will be fresh and new. The instructors have a class planner for each class that changes every week, much like an elementary school. During each class students win rewards that send positive feedback to them for their performance and learning.

How does this positive feedback or reward system work?
From the most basic level students earn "karate kicks" for good behavior and participating in class, many times there are simple contests in class that earn them extra ones. After they accumulate enough these are translated into "stars", small stars that are worn on the uniform. Over longer time they will advance to receive stripes for their knowledge. All of which will eventually translate into new belts or patches for their uniform.

How do the students advance to the next belt or level?
Every 8 weeks we hold a graduation which is a short ceremony where the students come to "show off" for their family and friends. Not every student will be invited to this but it is the instructor's goal to get every student there (much like a high school teacher strives to get every student to graduate). Students are evaluated in class and receive their knowledge stripes during those 8 weeks, this will determine if they graduate to the next level.

How many students in each class?
Classes can range anywhere from 5-30 students, depending on many variables. As teachers, we enjoy having students participate in all sizes as it prepares and helps them with the learning atmosphere of elementary or high school, where the classes have 30-40 students in them.

How much does it cost?
Our entry level programs come to just over $100 per month. All programs consist on a registration fee due when you sign up and then monthly installments. We do offer money saving discounts for paying in full, so please ask your instructor about them.

Why do you need three different programs?
All students generally are asked to start on our basic program. The higher level programs (Master Program and Leadership Program) require a greater commitment from you and from us. We don't want students that just have a passing interest in "karate" in those programs. It is our goal to help you achieve your goals, whether that is to become a black belt, and instructor, a confident leader in society or all three! But we realize that these goals take time and a serious commitment. While we would like to see everyone in this program we do not want to invite you until you are ready. The more advanced programs contain a huge amount of additional training in martial arts AND Leadership Skills. These are the long term programs that will keep your children focused and successful in this world of drugs, alcohol, sex, and the many other negative influences that they are faced with each day.

Can I cancel a membership?
Generally we do not want you to sign up if in a month or two you think you are going to quit. This sets a bad example for you and for our students. Nonetheless for our introductory programs we offer a 30 day cancellation notice policy.