SELF-DISCIPLINE
We help our children develop self-discipline through our unique 3-step process.

Step 1  Understanding it.  Through class discussions and stories our instructors teach your children the meaning and benefit of having self-discipline.

Step 2  Practicing it.  During classes, our instructors help children face and overcome challenges.  Soon they start to discipline themselves and begin to achieve on their own.

Step 3  Applying it.  Once our children successfully develop self-discipline in our school, they begin to use it on the outside in everything they do, such as school and sports.

The truth is, self-discipline is the key to success because if you never quit you will eventually cross the finish line, just like in the story of the Tortoise and Hare.

SELF-DEFENSE
While teaching self-discipline, we also teach our children the art of self-defense.  Never undervalue this important life skill.  Children  today face more bullies and negative peer pressure to take drugs and alcohol then at any time in our history.  This is why at ATA Taekwondo, we teach a realistic self-defense system, so children learn to defend themselves in virtually any situation.  They also learn conflict resolution and when they should and shouldn’t use their skills.  Studies have shown that children who learn self-defense become more assertive and less aggressive.

Children who know how to defend themselves usually don’t have to, because they carry themselves in a more confident manner, and confidence alone is a deterrent to bullies.

When you combine Self-Discipline + Self-Defense, you get Self-Confidence.  Being Self-Confident means your child believes in himself / herself.  This is easy to do when your child has the self-discipline to achieve goals and the self-defense skills to back him / her up so they don’t have to feel intimidated to stand up for what they believe.

I began Taekwondo because Garett M. inspired me.  He told me that you could defend yourself with Taekwondo and that it is fun.  I wanted to learn the Taekwondo moves and the weapons.
To me, Taekwondo means doing my best.  It is also about being responsible for your actions and making new friends.  I made new friends during Taekwondo classes and at the tournaments that I attended.
Some lessons that I have learned from my training are to respect my terachers and to listen to my parents.  I have also learned to always try my best. I have a lot more confidence in myself than before I started Taekwondo.
I want to be a black belt because it is challenging.  If I become a black belt I will have reached one of my goals and that makes me feel very good because I never gave up.
Taekwondo has helped me learn responsibility for my actions and to have more self-control.  I have also learned to have a good attitude and to work hard to reach my goals.

-Bobby B. (8 yrs. old)

Since I have enrolled my 8 year old daughter in your TaEkwondo classes I have noticed a definite change in her respect levels for adults and others alike. She has a way of burning off some energy after school and is making new friends. I love that she is learning what goals are and how to work for something. So, thank you Mr. and Mrs. Neff for everything.

Sincerely,
the Surprise Family

I started Taekwondo in Germany because it looked fun. My dad was deployed to Iraq and my mom thought it would be something for me to do to keep my mind off of my dad being gone. It has meant a lot because it is nice to not be at the house all the time. It also menat a lot because it shows me that I can set a goal and accomplish that goal if I just stick with it. I also like that I can spend time with my friends. I have learned that there is more than one way to defend yourself. I have also learned that even if I can defend myself, it is better to talk it out or walk away before I have to defend myself. Although I have learned many moves in Taekwondo, I know that I must only use it in self-defense and not to attack someone. I want to be a black belt because it was a goal I set for myself when I started Taekwondo. I think it is cool to be a black belt. Getting my black belt will be the first activity I have stayed with until I have accomplished my goal. I want my parents to be proud of me and my accomplishment, and I do too. Taekwondo has helped me be a better student in class. It has taught me to stay focused and be more self disciplined. It has taught me to respect others and myself. It has helped me be a better big brother to my little brother. I think Taekwondo is fun and exciting and learning does not have to be bad. It has shown me that I can do things that I thought that I couldn't. I do not have to be afraid to try, even if I might fail. I love going to Taekwondo!

- Matthew C. (9yrs. old)