What is Taekwondo?
The definition of taekwondo can vary with the times we live in, the place we live in, the purpose for which people study it, and personal opinion. In the broadest definition, the ATA organization defines taekwondo as, "a martial art that trains people both physically and mentally."
What Is The Purpose of Taekwondo?
Modern society has forced a change in the way people use martial arts. Martial arts were originally designed as a form of self-defense for use in combat situations. The martial arts may have evolved from using fitness techniques designed for a program of physical activity. There are many stories that give credit to the beginning of martial arts to monks, generals, and many others. No one knows who really started the first martial art.
People in today's societies are protected by laws issued by governments for the protection of the individual and groups. In times of trouble we now rely on our military and police to insure our protection. The need for the combat methods used in the martial arts are not often required for our everyday safety. In fact, many people still consider taekwondo techniques as too violent for personal protection
Taekwondo, in today's society, is taught as a defensive art which develops skills in self-protection, physical agility, and mental awareness. The ATA program has evolved very much in the last decade. The Tiny Tiger program was developed to improve memorization, concentration, following directions, and obeying commands to preschool age children. Research has shown that these children can achieve better grades in school by participating in our programs.
Taekwondo is viewed by many as a goal setting or self improvement program. Participants develop mental strength while learning effective methods of combat. Each martial art has established its own self-concept and strengths. The combination of physical strength and mental training justifies the existence of martial arts in today's society. This is the reason why the official ATA definition of taekwondo is, "a martial art that trains people physically and mentally."
(All information is taken directly from the Songahm Taekwondo instructor’s manual- copyright 2009)
People in today's societies are protected by laws issued by governments for the protection of the individual and groups. In times of trouble we now rely on our military and police to insure our protection. The need for the combat methods used in the martial arts are not often required for our everyday safety. In fact, many people still consider taekwondo techniques as too violent for personal protection
Taekwondo, in today's society, is taught as a defensive art which develops skills in self-protection, physical agility, and mental awareness. The ATA program has evolved very much in the last decade. The Tiny Tiger program was developed to improve memorization, concentration, following directions, and obeying commands to preschool age children. Research has shown that these children can achieve better grades in school by participating in our programs.
Taekwondo is viewed by many as a goal setting or self improvement program. Participants develop mental strength while learning effective methods of combat. Each martial art has established its own self-concept and strengths. The combination of physical strength and mental training justifies the existence of martial arts in today's society. This is the reason why the official ATA definition of taekwondo is, "a martial art that trains people physically and mentally."
(All information is taken directly from the Songahm Taekwondo instructor’s manual- copyright 2009)
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Tiny Tigers
Tiny Tigers
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 2 through 6. 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 instruction 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.
Just like in the Karate for Kids program, Tiny Tigers have their own unique victory patch and "Victory Stars." Stars are earned in the same way as the Karate for Kids program, with slight modifications in recognition of the preschool age of the child. Four different colored victory patches are available to accommodate all the stars that can be earned by a high achieving Tiny Tiger. Except for the logo, the four victory patches are the same as the Karate for Kids patches.
Upon graduation from the Tiny Tigers program into the "Junior" or "Big Kid" program, Tigers are rewarded by the opportunity to wear the "Big Kids" or "Karate for Kids" patch.
The rank and testing system used by the Tigers is slightly different than that of the Karate for Kids. Tigers can earn eight collectable 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. All eight patches, as earned, can be displayed on the child's belt.
Just like in the Karate for Kids program, Tiny Tigers have their own unique victory patch and "Victory Stars." Stars are earned in the same way as the Karate for Kids program, with slight modifications in recognition of the preschool age of the child. Four different colored victory patches are available to accommodate all the stars that can be earned by a high achieving Tiny Tiger. Except for the logo, the four victory patches are the same as the Karate for Kids patches.
Upon graduation from the Tiny Tigers program into the "Junior" or "Big Kid" program, Tigers are rewarded by the opportunity to wear the "Big Kids" or "Karate for Kids" patch.
The rank and testing system used by the Tigers is slightly different than that of the Karate for Kids. Tigers can earn eight collectable 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. All eight patches, as earned, can be displayed on the child's belt.
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 called 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:
Goals, Friendship, Perseverance, Self-Control, Confidence, Self-Improvement, Courtesy, Self Awareness, Respect, Integrity, Self-Esteem, Dedication
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:
Gold: Straight A’s, honor roll, or significant improvement
Silver: Special performance awards
Blue: Monthly themes, weekly lessons, classroom performance
Red: Tournament participation
Four different colored Victory Patches are available to accommodate all the stars that can be earned by a high achieving Karate Kid:
Victory Patches:
Blue: 0-24 Stars
Silver: 25-49 Stars
Gold: 50-99 Stars
Blue/Gold: 100+ Stars
Goals, Friendship, Perseverance, Self-Control, Confidence, Self-Improvement, Courtesy, Self Awareness, Respect, Integrity, Self-Esteem, Dedication
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:
Gold: Straight A’s, honor roll, or significant improvement
Silver: Special performance awards
Blue: Monthly themes, weekly lessons, classroom performance
Red: Tournament participation
Four different colored Victory Patches are available to accommodate all the stars that can be earned by a high achieving Karate Kid:
Victory Patches:
Blue: 0-24 Stars
Silver: 25-49 Stars
Gold: 50-99 Stars
Blue/Gold: 100+ Stars
Homeschool Program
Keller ATA Academy happens to be one of the few Taekwondo Schools that offers an exclusive Homeschool Program, a great way for children and teens to meet new people and to make new friends. This is exclusive to homeschoolers, but does not restrict access to other classes within the academy.
Call or email for details.
Call or email for details.
Leadership
At the ATA, we take the concept of leadership very seriously, and our leaders are serious about their responsibilities. The Songahm Taekwondo family is our foremost concern, and we have worked hard over the years to make sure our members' trust is well-placed and that the future of Songahm Taekwondo will always be shaped and directed by individuals that truly care.
Given all the different areas that Songahm Taekwondo is a part of, from martial arts to building life skills to charity, we have several individuals and groups that act selflessly as our leadership. Under their guidance, the ATA and Songahm Taekwondo can only continue to grow and improve on our already strong principles.
Given all the different areas that Songahm Taekwondo is a part of, from martial arts to building life skills to charity, we have several individuals and groups that act selflessly as our leadership. Under their guidance, the ATA and Songahm Taekwondo can only continue to grow and improve on our already strong principles.
S.W.A.T.
A select group of students are chosen to participate in this special program who will serve as role models and helpers in not only their own classes but as assistants to the instructors in the classes of other students. All SWAT team members are expected to lead by example through exemplary behavior, both inside and outside of their normal taekwondo classes, demonstrating responsibility, discipline and respect at ALL times.
XMA/ ATA Xtreme
Xtreme Martial Arts or XMA, is a mixed sport of acrobatics, gymnastics and martial arts. XMA also sets an X-games kind of pace to weapons drills as well. It is a combination of techniques, methods of movements and philosophies from all martial arts styles. It is a mixture of virtually all martial arts styles blended together with high-flying acrobatics and gymnastics.
To quote Mike Chat, creator of XMA, the program is: "The ability to perform highly skilled moves and also the ability to perform basic moves and make them look spectacular! This is why XMA is not only for the elite level athletes and competitors, but also for beginners at the entry level as well. It is the look in one’s eyes and position of one’s body that tells the story. It’s not only about punching and kicking, or jumping and flipping, but more, showing strength through the mind as well as the body. To stand planted with your feet on the ground and command the attention of the audience without sound or movement, using only the look in your eyes and the strength of your stance, actually shows more power than any punch, kick or flip. That’s Xtreme! XMA (Xtreme Martial Arts) is great for the extreme person and the not so extreme! The great thing about XMA is that it’s designed for anyone... You don’t need any prior knowledge of martial arts to try it out (or look good doing it either)! The point of the XMA class is to take the skills that students already have and turn them to the XTREME!"
To quote Mike Chat, creator of XMA, the program is: "The ability to perform highly skilled moves and also the ability to perform basic moves and make them look spectacular! This is why XMA is not only for the elite level athletes and competitors, but also for beginners at the entry level as well. It is the look in one’s eyes and position of one’s body that tells the story. It’s not only about punching and kicking, or jumping and flipping, but more, showing strength through the mind as well as the body. To stand planted with your feet on the ground and command the attention of the audience without sound or movement, using only the look in your eyes and the strength of your stance, actually shows more power than any punch, kick or flip. That’s Xtreme! XMA (Xtreme Martial Arts) is great for the extreme person and the not so extreme! The great thing about XMA is that it’s designed for anyone... You don’t need any prior knowledge of martial arts to try it out (or look good doing it either)! The point of the XMA class is to take the skills that students already have and turn them to the XTREME!"
Special Abilities
We offer classes for children of all ages, fitness levels and abilities. We pride ourselves in offering the best in martial arts, and Keller ATA is for everyone. We offer Special Abilities classes 2 times per week. Our instructors have a history of working with students with autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsey, and other conditions. We are able to build confidence and install discipline in all of our students. Also being a part of the American Taekwondo Association allows us to attend ATA tournaments. At these tournaments they offer a division for special abilities competitors. If you ever thought that your child's behavior or disability would prevent them from doing sports think again. Come in and try a free class or call for more information!
What is Fight School?
Fight school focuses on teaching the most effective way to take down an opponent rather than the flashiest. It teaches how to think as a fighter instead using specific choreographed methods. Fight School is built primarily on Bruce Lee’s philosophy of fighting. Our Senior Instructor Tommy Wagnon has over 22 years of martial arts experience including tae kwon do, Jeet Kune Do, Bushido Kempo, MMA, Aiki-Jitsu, Arnis, as well as military combat training. He is currently serving as a police officer in his community and is also a certified Defensive Tactics instructor there. What we are teaching in not a style. We are teaching you how to be comfortable using your body as a weapon. Everyone’s weapon (body) is different but can be used to its fullest potential.
www.dfwfightschool.com
www.dfwfightschool.com