ATA Martial Arts Claimed

Eternal Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee’s martial arts training began in 1953 and he received his black belt in 1954. In 1962, he moved from South Korea to the United States and opened a Taekwondo school in Nebraska.

Seven years later, he formed the American Taekwondo Association (ATA), which quickly become the largest martial arts organization in America, boasting approximately 120,000 members and 800 schools. In 1983, Lee copyrighted Songahm Taekwondo.

The organization is internationally headquartered in Little Rock and has called the state capital home since 1977. With active membership exceeding 300,000 worldwide, ATA is one of the world’s largest martial arts organizations dedicated to the discipline of Taekwondo.

ATA is a pioneer in the martial arts industry because of its unique style and high quality of curriculum and instructors.

Although its roots can be somewhat traced back to ancient Korea, it is a historic fact that Taekwondo as an organized art is relatively modern. In fact, the only documented history begins in the mid 1900s.

The actual beginnings of Taekwondo are obscured by time, yet many historians believe it originated from a Korean martial arts form known as t'aekyon practiced over 1,300 years ago.

In the early 1900s, the art evolved with the introduction of Chinese and Japanese techniques, a practice which concerned some because these influences did not demonstrate the incredible kicking power of the art nor its traditional values or philosophy.

The actual name (and art) of Taekwondo wasn't official until 1955. At that time, Korean General Hong Hi Choi organized a movement to unify Korea's various martial arts styles (called Kwans) and presented the name "Taekwondo" to a committee specially formed to select a name for the new art. On April 11, 1955, Taekwondo was recognized as the name for the newly unified, officially recognized Korean martial art.

As an interesting side note, the word Taekwondo itself is made up of three Chinese/Korean words: Tae, meaning to kick or jump; Kwon, meaning fist or hand; and Do, which means "the way." Loosely (if not literally), it can be thought of as "The Way of the Hand and Foot."

In the 1960s, Taekwondo began to spread internationally and evolved throughout the late 1900s (along with most martial arts) into primarily a combat sport, although self-defense, fitness, and the philosophy of the practice (including self-discipline and self-knowledge) are still crucial elements of Songahm Taekwondo, the style of Taekwondo developed and supported by the ATA.

Taekwondo is currently the most popular martial art in Korea, and ranks among America's and the world's most popular martial arts.

There is never a martial art student too young to start their own journey. That’s why at ATA, the foundation of our values and character traits are formed very early in our students. Start your child on the path to confidence, focus and discipline with the ATA Tigers program, designed for pre-school and kindergarten aged children. Some of the highlights of this program include:

•ATA Tiger classes provide students with entertaining, exciting training that helps nurture socialization and fine motor skills.

•With custom designed characters, ATA’s youngest students can experience interaction as they set goals to move up in belt rank.

•These small, but mighty, martial artists practice the same Songahm principles as the older students, but within construction methods best suited for this age group.

•Each student practice goal setting and begins to understand the power of achievement as they move through the ATA Tiger ranks.

•Students are given a fun and engaging environment to learn life skills they will use as they grow in to the older martial arts programs.

Respect, discipline, focus and confidence-these are the qualities that can help your child excel in the classroom and at home.

At ATA, our Karate for Kids students are typically between the ages of 6 to 11 are beginning to experience personal growth with a positive attitude, a high standard of goal setting and self control. Some of the reasons parents and students love the ATA Karate for Kids Program include:

Karate for Kids provides comprehensive Songahm Taekwondo instruction customized to be fun, yet, fulfilling for each child to consistently progress.

Students will have enhanced self-esteem through physical activity and fitness.

Each student is encouraged through achievement with our reward system which recognizes outstanding performance on and off the mat

We want all of our students to excel socially and academically. It’s this type of personal victory, our students strive for the next belt time and again. Because Taekwondo is an individual sport, each student is an active, valuable part of each class.

For school aged students, the Karate for Kids program is great for development during a time when they are searching for identity and learning more independence.

At ATA, it is our goal to build a generation of leaders who have success far beyond the walls of the martial arts classroom. As part of the Leadership Program, you will be challenged more physically and mentally and will enhance your martial art experience through the following:

•The six Leadership life skills - Honesty, Discipline, Belief, Communication, Self-Esteem, and Respect

•More advanced specialty marital arts seminars and classes

•ATA Xtreme — a fusion of traditional martial arts and creative interpretation

•More opportunities in the ATA’s elite competition circuit

•Learning how to be an effective leader in Taekwondo, at home, at school and work

ATA’ s ability to shape and mold people’s lives in a positive way has significantly contributed to the success of its members worldwide.