How to Stay Off the Sick List this Season Because everyone’s lives seem to move in fast forward when winter is in full swing, the likelihood of getting the sniffles—or something worse— is inevitable. Just because colds and flu rev up in the wintertime, it doesn’t mean we all have to hide under the covers […]
Why You Need Upper-Body Strength and Power It’s no secret that for strong punches, crisp strikes and total body fitness— and the martial artist’s need for speed—it’s essential to build powerful arms. Of course, strong arms affect the efficacy of your punches and blocks—not to mention to fluidity of your form—but did you know that […]
Expert Tips to Improve Your Training Stamina Whether you are attending your Monday Taekwondo class or chasing a toddler around your house, we can all use a little more endurance to get us from point A to point B in our daily routines. Then you add in competing at tournaments and giving your all during […]
Use Life Skills to Keep Your Device in Check As a martial artist, courtesy and respect should be second nature. “Yes, ma’am” and “No, sir” roll off the tongue without hesitation, and you don’t think twice about holding the door for an elder. But what happens when you step off the mat and pick up […]
Protein is an essential part of human life. You have it in every cell, muscle, and organ in your body. You need it for growth, for strength and for energy. This means that it is also an essential part of our diets—particularly for athletes who want to stay strong and sharp. “In general, protein is […]
Executing Control of Techniques Under Pressure Want to look your best at your next testing? Maybe you want to be a World Champion one day? Along with the gear, the practice and the perseverance, you’ll also need balance. No matter where you are in your Songahm training, keeping tuned to your body and mastering control […]
Take Steps to be an ATA STRONG Family The new school year is just around the corner, and this is a time when families begin establishing schedules and building routines. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we tend to get drained, but one way that you can keep your goals for this school […]
Give It to Get It Respect, as they say, isn’t given. It is earned. But to earn it, you have to show it. Respect is one of the six life skills taught in the ATA Leadership Program and is also the life skill for July and August. Like the other life skills, respect is developed […]
Using Agility and Momentum to Maximize Your Training When we talk about training for speed, we’re not just talking quick kicks. Speed—as Black Belts know it—is multi-dimensional, and each dimension is key to self-defense and martial artistry. Let’s get real about getting fast! Imagine it: You strike and kick so fast during your sparring […]
Summer Break Doesn’t Have to Mean a Break from Training Summer break is here, but that doesn’t mean a break from the healthy habits you’ve been practicing in your daily life as part of your Taekwondo training. As a martial artist, you should stay focused on fueling your body with the right nutrients and maintain […]