ATA KARATE - LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM

At the ATA KARATE, we are not interested in just teaching self-defense, we are interested in the complete personal development of each student. Individual attention is a feature of each and every class, allowing all students to progress quickly and confidently toward their personal goals. Our instructors take their responsibility seriously as role models for younger students, teaching them the importance of strong character, leadership and good values.

The teaching curriculum at the ATA Black Belt Academy is based on two concepts: "positive mental attitude" and "high goal setting." We feel so positive about this program that we promise to give you and your family the most professional, well supervised and the highest quality classes available in any sport or art.

While training in Songahm Taekwondo, each student focuses not only on the physical skills he or she must learn, but also important skills that will help lead to personal success in life. This aspect of our Taekwondo and philosophy is just as important to us as kicking high or breaking boards. What good is physical fitness and the ability to defend yourself if you aren't prepared to live your life and be successful while doing so?

Life Skills

We have several "sets" of these Life Skills, one each for Color Belts, Black Belts, and Leadership. To give you an idea of how these Life Skills integrate into our training, take a look at our Color Belt Life Skills.

Confidence
"Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve." —Napoleon Hill

1. Practice - Anything you do will improve when you try extra hard.
2. Self Image - Positive self image will improve your attitude.
3. Visualization - Use your imagination to see yourself accomplish something.
4. Stand Tall - Body language is as loud as your voice: use it to send a good message.

Attitude
"Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?" —Author Unknown

1. Positive Thoughts - Believe in yourself!
2. Resolve - Make up your mind to finish what you start.
3. Expectation - Set high standards for yourself and set the example for your peers.
4. Willpower - The power of your mind drives you to success.

Goals
"Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan." —Tom Landry

1. Specific - Know exactly what you want and how to achieve it.
2. Motivating - Keep a positive attitude and believe in yourself.
3. Achievable - Set high goals and develop steps to make it easier to reach them.
4. Relevant - Remember why your goal is important to you.
5. Trackable - Make sure that you can measure how you are progressing.

Respect
"Respect is something that is earned, not commanded." —Patrick Lewis

1. Manners - Show others that you value them by being polite.
2. Follow the Rules - When everyone acts within the guidelines there is harmony.
3. Communicate - Listen to gain understanding, talk to clarify your thoughts.
4. Thoughtful - Think of another person's needs before your own.

Self Esteem
"Of all the judgments we pass in life, none is more important than the judgment we pass on ourselves." —Nathaniel Branden

1. Unique - You are special and unlike anyone else in the world!
2. Brave - Dare to be different: conformity is boring.
3. Proud - Act in a way that will make you feel worthy of honor and respect.
4. Appreciate - Recognize your value and believe in your potential to succeed.

Perseverance
"It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." —Albert Einstein

1. Diligent - Always pay attention to the task at hand.
2. Consistent - Perform to the same standards every time you do a task.
3. Tenacious - Never give up!
4. Drive - Force yourself to do your very best every time!

Focus
"Don't waste time calculating your chances of success and failure. Just fix your aim and begin." —Guan Yin Tzu

1. Concentrate - Use all your energy and thoughts to accomplish a single purpose.
2. Train Hard - Working on the one thing that is most difficult will make it your best skill.
3. Expectation - Prepare for the best outcome and you will get nothing less.
4. Foresee - Believe in your ability to reach that goal by imagining the future result.

Discipline
"With self-discipline all things are possible." —T. Roosevelt

1. Self-Control - When you know what you're supposed to do AND you do it!
2. Leadership - Set a good example for others.
3. Responsible - You are in charge of your actions and feelings.
4. Plan - Make a map for your goals and stick to it until you achieve them.

Integrity
"Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching." —Jim Stovall

1. Honesty - You always tell the truth.
2. Character - The positive, unique qualities that make you the person you are.
3. Trustworthy - Everyone knows they can depend on you to do the right thing.
4. Conviction - Standing up for what you believe in.