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My family has been with McDonough ATA for several years now and we love it! The staff here is very friendly and Ms. Johnson especially is very helpful and goes out of her way to answer questions and give help wherever and whenever needed.
If you want your child to defend themselves against all the challenges that life will bring them as they grow and develop, you need to enroll in this school. I am especially impressed with their "Leadership Program". This school doesn't just teach students to "pass" which is what it seems our youth only cares about... this school raises the bar and tells it's students to go beyond "passing" and EXCEL.
The staff is highly qualified and makes a point to get to know every student individually. They are genuinely concerned that each student is achieving their maximum potential. They are very organized and the studio is kept clean. They also offer numerous other activities that are fun and even offer parent's night out.
My kids have gained so much from going there. They are more respectful and have gained so much self-confidence. I would recommend ATA of McDonough to anyone wanting to take martial arts. My daughter just had her birthday party there in the staff was wonderful. They made her feel so special. Thanks ATA!!!
This place is a great place for kids of all ages and adults. Very family oriented even if you are just a parent not taking classes you are invited to watch and kept informed of all things going on. Very patient staff and teachers are phenomenal with the fact that all kids/people learn differently and they teach individually while still keeping the group learning as a whole. Walked into the building on a whim and ended up letting my daughter take classes for 4 years and becoming a 2nd degree black belt. She was strong willed stubborn and kinda hard to teach however all the teachers and staff were patient and kept calm helping her to learn respect and to follow rules and also respect to others who may not learn as quick as her so in the end she became a leader willing to help other struggling students. Highly recommend anyone thinking about taking classes to check this place out.
We've been with McDonough ATA for a year now and the growth and positive changes we've seen are incredible. Our family have noticed the changes and have copied what we are doing in one way or another. Staff is great, friendly, and their families are a part of the Black Belt journey as well. Talk about putting your mouth where your money is. Gold Star
We absolutely adore this studio. My daughter is 4 and she loves her karate instructors and everything she learns! Today they learned about what to do if someone tries to kidnap them and I think it is absolutely wonderful that they teach this! The people are wonderful! I also am so happy that they are so accepting of all cultures. My daughter has two moms and they are more than welcoming of it!
My kids love ATA! My 7 year old is in the after-school program and begs to attend every camp and parents night out. A four-year-old has already told me he wants to join the after-school program next year when he starts kindergarten. They have both learned so much: martial arts, anti-bullying, self-defense, respect, discipline, and more. I love seeing the look of accomplishment on their faces every time they advance to the next belt. They love their instructors and the friends they have met along the way. What a great experience!
My son and I have been attending this school for about three years now. Great people, great curriculum, ATA rocks
My son is 7 years old and last month marked one year he has been enrolled in classes. McDonough ATA is about so much more than learning cool karate moves. For example, the oath they begin and end class with..."I promise to be a good person, to have knowledge in my mind, honesty in my heart, strength in my body, and make good friends." McDonough ATA and the wonderful instructors reinforce everything (and more) that we are teaching our son at home. Core values...honesty, loyalty, manners, tolerance, commitment, perseverance, discipline, self-confidence, encouragement, empathy, citizenship...I could go on! Not to mention the friendships and bonds he has formed with his classmates...priceless. ATA McDonough excels in molding and creating good people to be our country's future leaders.
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss “Going, going, going… ALL. DAY. LONG!” Oh the years of 5-6! Abounding energy at a level that could power New York City, as my husband and I often joke about our youngest, […]
5 Ways a Parent Can Encourage & Guide their child in Martial Arts Martial arts is an activity that can provide children with a range of physical, mental and social benefits. As parents, it is important to provide encouragement and guidance to ensure that children get the most out of their martial arts classes. […]
How Does Martial Arts Improve School Grades Martial Arts is an ancient art of self-defense. It has been around for centuries and is still practiced today as a form of self-improvement. From physical to mental benefits, martial arts can be a great way to help improve overall health and concentration levels, which can lead to […]
“Today not possible, Tomorrow possible” Have you ever become so comfortable that it made you afraid of change? It’s easy to do. As adults, we become so comfortable in our lives that we become afraid of change. Or is it not change we are afraid of, but what we perceive as possibility of failure? […]
Be mindful of our thoughts and beliefs. Respect is not what you know but what you do. For martial arts programs specializing in martial arts for children, please visit: https://www.ata-bba.net/program/transported-after-school/, https://ata-bba.net/program/summer-camps/ , https://ata-bba.net/program/birthday-parties/, OR visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mcdonoughata. Visit our website for more information on kids martial arts programs. For martial arts programs […]
Our STORM Team, JR Instructors and Legacy members have to be showing upward trends of showing good grades to help in classes and camps. Their example in working through their challenges, struggles, setbacks, victories, and comfort zones are the center of their ability to positively influence and lead others. After Spring Break, there are more and […]
Practicing martial arts is not only a great way to stay physically fit, but it can also improve your mental health in a number of ways. Through the practice of martial arts, you can gain confidence, develop discipline, manage stress, and cultivate respect for yourself and others. The physical practice of martial arts helps to […]
Goal setting is an essential part of achieving success in any endeavor. It involves setting clear and measurable goals, making a plan to reach them, and staying motivated to see it through. For children in particular, goal setting is an invaluable skill that can help them succeed in school and beyond. Martial arts can be […]
Martial arts is an activity that can provide children with a range of physical, mental and social benefits. As parents, it is important to provide encouragement and guidance to ensure that children get the most out of their martial arts classes. By providing positive reinforcement, teaching proper techniques, and providing support during difficult times, parents […]
The Leadership Life Skill that Leads to an Abundant Life November is here and during the last two months of the year, we are practicing the Leadership Life Skill Honesty. Quite simply, honesty it is the process of recognizing, accepting and expressing your true, authentic self. We teach in our ATA classes that honesty is […]
Addicted to Technology??? Lots of kids these days are addicted to technology. And for good reason: It’s constant stimulation, at the click of a button. But is it healthy? Many psychologists don’t think so. It tends to isolate kids, and make ordinary life seem dull and boring. It also tends to reduce imagination. After all, […]
Having the Right Mindset at any Rank Your sister is annoying you. You’ve door poorly on a math test. You forgot to take out the recycling. Now, you’re at Taekwondo and you have to do a difficult board break that you’ve never done before. What’s an ATA student to do in the face of all […]
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 […]
Making Proper Behavior a Habit As parents, we start teaching our toddlers to say “please” and “thank you” very early on. And luckily, once they enter a Songahm classroom as an ATA Tiger or Karate Kid, they learn more about showing respect toward their peers and adults. Though the children recite the words, it is […]
Ghosts, Goblins and Witches, oh my! The Halloween season brings a lot of fun memories for people. They can find their favorite characters or alter egos and dress up as other personas for a night. Taking children around the neighborhoods for candy at night has become the American staple for Halloween traditions. There are also […]
ATA Martial Arts’ Self-Esteem Life Skill Cycle is coming to a close, so I wanted to end it with a word of encouragement to all of you. We all struggle with Self-Esteem from time-to-time and that struggle can often result in negative feelings that not only bring yourself down more, but also bring down […]
9 Ways to Give Your Self-Esteem a Boost Having positive self-esteem is critical to living a happy, healthy life. But, at times, feeling good about yourself can be easier said than done. Some believe it has to do with how pretty you are, the brand of car you drive or having accomplished some incredible […]
It is true that Bullying has been around since the beginning of time, the can cause serious and lasting damage to others not just physically but mentally and emotionally. However, the intensity and nature of bullying has changed in recent times- and not for the better. EVERY 7 MINUTES A CHILD IS BULLIED 85% OF […]
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 […]
We want to learn like a White Belt, lead like a Black Belt, and live like a Leader. The Power of Humility is best led by our white belts. Sometimes as Leaders and Black Belts, we can follow the humility of a White Belt. Often we speak about how to move, think, and speak like […]
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 […]
A parent’s work schedule never really syncs up perfectly with his/her child’s school schedule. As school lets out for the day, parents are usually wondering what options are available for them to place their children in until they are out of work. Plus, they want to be able to put their children in programs […]
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 […]
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 […]
R.E.S.P.E.CT The Life Skill that Empowers You and Others When you look at the Leadership life skills, one stands out for being important—not just in your own Songahm journey— but it also affects those around you. That life skill is RESPECT. “It’s not what you say; it’s what you do.” There are many levels to […]
Many parents have brought their child to the martial arts dojahng in hopes to see their child push through being shy, be more willing to try new things, or to see their child push themselves to excel. Karate for Kids is a fun, exciting adventure for the mind, heart, and body and the perfect solution […]
A Dose-By-Dose Breakdown of Vitamins Vitamin A, Vitamin K, folic acid and B12; the vitamin aisle at the drugstore can sometimes look like a big, jumbled up serving of alphabet soup. When you’re not sure what you’re looking for, it can be tempting to bypass the whole thing and hope you’re getting what you need […]
Have you ever become so comfortable that it made you afraid of change? It’s easy to do. As adults, we become so comfortable in our lives that we become afraid of change. Or is it not change we are afraid of, but what we perceive as possibility of failure? Children are so open […]
Whether 9 or 53, you inspire with your actions and decisions every day! Belief is “Yes, I Can!” Belief in Martial Arts is not a four tries and your done activity. Belief is not something you are born with. It’s something you grow through doing, otherwise called tries, set backs, struggles, practice and personal victories. With […]
It might not seem possible, but summer is almost here. The kids will be out of school – and you’ll be wondering what you can do to help them fill their days with something other than endless rounds of video games. We have the ideal solution in our martial arts summer camp for kids. The […]
The term “Martial Arts” is a relatively broad expression that encompasses a variety of different disciplines. Typically, when we hear the words martial arts, the first ideas that come to mind are one or more of the techniques that have developed in Asian countries. However, the martial arts are comprised of most types of fighting […]
Many parents have brought their child to the martial arts dojahng in hopes to see their child push through being shy, be more willing to try new things, or to see their child push themselves to excel. Karate for Kids is a fun, exciting adventure for the mind, heart, and body and the perfect solution […]
Life Skill that is an Essential Building Block to Success Some days, it’s tough to get out of bed. Some days it’s tough to focus on school, training, progress on that homework project or on completing chores at home. That’s when discipline comes in. Discipline is one of the life skills we emphasize in the […]
Whether its to improve behavior at school, hold one self more accountable, taking initiative, or becoming more responsible, karate for children is the answer. In the beginning, discipline challenges with children stem from lack of confidence, and self esteem struggles where motivation is lacking to achieve in the discipline arena. Through martial arts, many […]
Raising the Heart Rate to Raise Performance Runners refer to it as “the kick.” It’s the moment at the very end of a race when they burst out with everything they’ve got, pushing as hard as they can to reach the finish line ahead of their opponents. After a long race a runner’s kick can […]
Why Your Kids Should Be in Martial Arts? When you turn on the television or head to the movie theater with your family, you may notice a kickin’ new trend- martial arts are gaining in popularity! Though there are many different styles around the world, one of the most attractive for kids and adults is […]
Many think martial arts is about kicking and punching, but there is so much more that martial arts teaches in our hectic multi-media world. For starters, martial arts teaches creating a strong positive mind set which increases good habits, thereby resulting in positive decisions and creating the right actions. For beginners, one of the first […]
Leadership is not only a quality, but a responsibility. At McDonough ATA Black Belt Academy, we encourage our students to step up to the challenge. There is much more to martial arts training than just kicks and punches. Students learn management skills to apply to life and learn how to be leaders rather than followers, […]
The Leadership Life Skill that Leads to an Abundant Life November is here and during the last two months of the year, we are practicing the Leadership Life Skill Honesty. Quite simply, honesty it is the process of recognizing, accepting and expressing your true, authentic self. We teach in our ATA classes that honesty is […]
Ghosts, Goblins and Witches, oh my! The Halloween season brings a lot of fun memories for people. They can find their favorite characters or alter egos and dress up as other personas for a night. Taking children around the neighborhoods for candy at night has become the American staple for Halloween traditions. There are also […]
9 Ways to Give Your Self-Esteem a Boost Having positive self-esteem is critical to living a happy, healthy life. But, at times, feeling good about yourself can be easier said than done. Some believe it has to do with how pretty you are, the brand of car you drive or having accomplished some incredible feat. […]
Grade school can be quite the experience for any child. It is a place where a child not only learns academically but one where a child must learn to socialize and function in the world. Unfortunately, there are a lot of negative experiences that a child may have when going through school. Whatever those experiences […]
When many parents think about Martial Arts, they think about kicking and punching, but there is so much more that martial arts teaches children in our hectic multi-media world. For starters, martial arts teaches creating a strong positive mind set which increases good habits, thereby resulting in positive decisions and creating the right actions. For […]
Whether 9 or 53, you inspire with your actions and decisions every day! Belief is “Yes, I Can!” Belief in Martial Arts is not a four tries and your done activity. Belief is not something you are born with. It’s something you grow through doing, otherwise called tries, set backs, struggles, practice and personal victories. With […]
Having the Right Mindset at any Rank Your sister is annoying you. You’ve door poorly on a math test. You forgot to take out the recycling. Now, you’re at Taekwondo and you have to do a difficult board break that you’ve never done before. What’s an ATA student to do in the face of all […]
A parent’s work schedule never really syncs up perfectly with his/her child’s school schedule. As school lets out for the day, parents are usually wondering what options are available for them to place their children in until they are out of work. Plus, they want to be able to put their children in programs […]
R.E.S.P.E.CT The Life Skill that Empowers You and Others When you look at the Leadership life skills, one stands out for being important—not just in your own Songahm journey— but it also affects those around you. That life skill is RESPECT. “It’s not what you say; it’s what you do.” There are many levels to […]
April 2nd is Family Day, and it’s the ideal time to talk about how to find family activities. If you have kids of different ages, then you know how challenging it can be to find things to do as a group. What excites your 10-year-old daughter is likely to bore your 7-year-old son – and […]
Defeating Life’s Opponents Beliefs- One Way To Defeat Your Biggest Opponent One of the hardest struggles we have in life is overcoming limiting beliefs. Our decision and actions start with our mindset and beliefs. It’s not what you say out loud from your mouth that determines the direction of your life, but what you whisper […]
Addicted to Technology??? Lots of kids these days are addicted to technology. And for good reason: It’s constant stimulation, at the click of a button. But is it healthy? Many psychologists don’t think so. It tends to isolate kids, and make ordinary life seem dull and boring. It also tends to reduce imagination. After all, […]
Martial arts for children is a wonderful solution to obesity. Every child participates mentally, physically, and emotionally and your child is on the team to become Black Belts in Life. Learning is team work and no one is left behind. It’s not uncommon for most kids to forget that they are exercising or working out […]
Whether its to improve behavior at school, hold one self more accountable, taking initiative, or becoming more responsible, karate for children is the answer. In the beginning, discipline challenges with children stem from lack of confidence, and self esteem struggles where motivation is lacking to achieve in the discipline arena. Through martial arts, many parents […]
For martial arts programs specializing in martial arts for children, please visit: https://www.ata-bba.net/program/transported-after-school/ OR visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mcdonoughata. Visit our website for more information on kids martial arts programs. For martial arts programs specializing in martial arts for adults, please visit: https://www.ata-bba.net/program/adult-martial-arts/ OR visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mcdonoughata. Visit our website for more information on adult martial arts programs.
Meal Time is Quality Time for ATA Families It is a given that a majority of families are starved to spend meal time together. Life seems to get in the way with work, school and countless activities. Now, with video games and smartphones, it’s more important than ever to take advantage of holidays like Thanksgiving […]
The Leadership Life Skill that Leads to an Abundant Life November is here and during the last two months of the year, we are practicing the Leadership Life Skill Honesty. Quite simply, honesty it is the process of recognizing, accepting and expressing your true, authentic self. We teach in our ATA classes that honesty is […]
Martial arts for children is a wonderful solution to obesity. Every child participates mentally, physically, and emotionally and your child is on the team to become Black Belts in Life. Learning is team work and no one is left behind. It’s not uncommon for most kids to forget that they are exercising or working out […]
Whether its to improve behavior at school, hold one self more accountable, taking initiative, or becoming more responsible, karate for children is the answer. In the beginning, discipline challenges with children stem from lack of confidence, and self esteem struggles where motivation is lacking to achieve in the discipline arena. Through martial arts, many parents […]