American Taekwondo Association Headquarters
ATA Delaware
Instructor: Master A. Douglas Stewart
ATA Maryland
Instructor: Mr. Josh Hayhurst
ATA Royersford
Instructor: Mr. Bernie Ward
XMA Headquarters
Instructor: Mr. Mike Chat
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
"He [Corey] has continued to benefit, especially in school from his ability to focus, his demonstration of respect, and the self-confidence that he learned under Miss Boulden and Mr. Jouan's caring leadership."
“There were several reasons that we selected ATA Martial Arts for our son, Corey. Corey had just become a big brother and we wanted an activity that was special for him. Corey had been mimicking "martial arts" moves from TV shows that he had seen, and I wanted him to realize that there was much more to karate than fighting. I had heard wonderful things about ATA Martial Arts from others whose children had experienced the Tiny Tiger Program and it sounded like a perfect fit. I remember when I first met with Miss Boulden to discuss enrolling Corey in the Tiny Tigers' Program. She took the time to explain to me the goals of the program. In addition to developing gross motor skills, the program includes teaching respect, discipline, setting goals, leadership, safety, and self-defense, among others. I remember that we discussed how important each of these goals to me as a parent, and I appreciated her very positive and respectful attitude. I immediately knew that this was the right choice for Corey. After our first meeting, I brought Corey to meet Miss Boulden and Mr. Jouan, to complete the enrollment process and have Corey fitted for his uniform. Corey was very shy and nervous, but the instructors’ caring attitudes put him at ease. I was extremely impressed with the instruction at Corey's first class. We were concerned that Corey would have trouble focusing in a structured class, but were amazed at how well he responded to the instructor’s professional instruction. Corey has learned important life lessons from the program. Even though he was only four years old when he started, we saw a difference in Corey's attitude. This change was obviously in response to the messages that were reinforced in the program such as respect for others, especially parents and teachers. Corey's pre-school teacher commented to us on Corey's respectful attitude and leadership. He was helpful of others in his class, and taught them that it is respectful to refer to grown-ups as "sir" and "ma'am." I do not believe that his preschool teacher expected that from a four year old boy. Corey is now a Junior Leader, has completed the Tiny Tiger program, and is in first grade at school. He has continued to benefit, especially in school from his ability to focus, his demonstration of respect, and the self-confidence that he learned under Miss Boulden and Mr. Jouan's caring leadership.”
»Christina Geerlof – Mother of Corey Geerlof (Tiny Tiger Leadership Student)
"They [my 3 children] not only have been taught what integrity means, they have been shown what integrity looks like."
"I would like to take a moment to thank you for all you have done and continue to do for my three children David – 13, Paige – 12 and Ben – 10. Ben started training right before he turned five, which was in 2003. We started him in karate so he could have a sport of his own. A sport that his older brother was not already involved in. Obviously, that did not go on for long. Ben enjoyed it so much that David and Paige started shortly thereafter and karate has become a family affair for the Henry-Hublein’s. Here at ATA, my children have learned: Korean Taekwondo forms; how to defend themselves; how to break boards with their hands, elbows and feet; but, as a parent I feel the most important things they have learned have nothing to do with the physical aspects of martial arts. They have learned how to be upstanding, honest and hard working. They not only have been taught what integrity means, they have been shown what integrity looks like. They recognize hard work is what helps one reach personal and educational goals, not good looks or cutting corners. They understand that respect is something earned, not given, and they aspire to become the best they can be. They work hard to follow in the foot steps of their role models, the instructors here at ATA. To me, imitation is the best compliment one can be given. I am pleased that my children want to grow up to be responsible, respectful, successful people like their instructors. My thanks go out to you both as well as the other instructors who have trained my children. In the course of their instruction, all three of my children have grown. Ben has learned, as a junior instructor, that he has something to offer and really can help the Tiny Tigers. He also has learned that his good looks were not going to get him his black belt, but practice, hard work and hours spent training would. David has learned to be respectful to his elders and fellow students and that it is okay to mess up, that is how we learn. As a second degree black belt, a junior instructor and a certified instructor in training, he gives positive reinforcement and encouragement as well as constructive criticism to students in order to help them do their best. Paige joined ATA with the purpose to do what her brothers were doing; but, in actuality she enjoys training with you and is proud to have reached her goal of black belt. When she started karate, she was an incredibly shy little girl and now she is a strong, confident young lady. Not only have my children reaped the benefits of training with you, we as a family have become a part of a larger family, the ATA family. Thank you for the friendships we have made over the years. We are very proud to say we are a part of the ATA family!"
»Gail Hublein – Mother of David & Ben Henry and Paige Hublein (Black Belt Junior Leadership Students)
"I have learned to respect myself in body, mind, and spirit, which I had lacked before I had started Taekwondo."
"I have been participating in ATA Taekwondo for a little over two years now and it has changed my life. I started with my dad when I was in my junior year of high school and I am now I am a black belt and in my sophomore year in college. I never thought I could do so much growing as a person in that amount of time. I can honestly say that ATA Taekwondo had a big part in that. I have learned to respect myself in body, mind, and spirit, which I had lacked before I had started Taekwondo. The workouts, forms, and self defense taught in class teaches great discipline that really keeps you motivated and wanting to learn more! This is the only sport that I have ever stuck with for this long and I have really reaped the benefits in doing so! I am so lucky to be a part of such a positive environment that wants nothing more than to help you reach your goals, whether they be to lose weight, get in shape, learn how to defend yourself, or meet new people."
»Katelyn Powers (Black Belt Adult Leadership Student)