Hollender's ATA Black Belt Academy

Boys and girls ages 3 - 5. Kids who like to do new and exciting things. Kids who don't want to be afraid and who need to grow up with self confidence. Kids who deserve more from a sports program than sitting on a bench.

Tiny tigers are pre-school children ages 3-5. Their classes last 30 minutes long and are especially designed for their high paced, developmentally orientated learning style. The classes are fun and very much geared to learning basic skills for pre-school children.

Taekwondo incorporates a variety of self-defense techniques, such as kicking, blocking, striking and punching. Many of the techniques, such as the spinning and jumping kicks, have no counterpart in other martial arts and are unique to Taekwondo. It's easy to see why Taekwondo is often referred to as the most athletic of the martial arts. Athletic ability increases the longer the child takes lessons. As it does, the child's overall coordination continues to grow as does his ability to defend themselves. What begins as an odd assortment of uncoordinated movements soon turns into a knowledge of self-defense that lasts a lifetime.

Taekwondo is unique in athletics because it is a Total Learning activity, not just self-defense. To get a better idea of what we mean by Total Learning activity, let's compare baseball for kids with Taekwondo. While baseball is known for developing competitiveness, most beginning programs must by necessity assume that the new players already posses the basic physical skills for the game. The ability to run, throw a ball and other simple, hand-eye coordination skills are taken for granted. Many kids, however, are underdeveloped in these skills, which prevents them from really taking part in the game and they end up as "bench warmers." Only the "naturals" end up receiving a full enjoyment of the sport. Children learning Taekwondo begin by practicing basic skills that are the foundation of the sport. These skills, which help build coordination and balance, let the children become active in their sport as they progress instead of just sitting on the bench. These fundamentals are the building blocks of all athletic skills and allow every child to progress, no matter what abilities they first brings to class.

One of the first things you will notice upon visiting a martial arts school is the air of dignity and discipline in a class. These traditions are not only a part of the history of Taekwondo, but also help to make it a special activity that retains its excitement for years. The bowing, for example, may not have much meaning on its own, but this traditional Oriental greeting adds a very special air of dignity. You are probably already familiar with a great example of tradition and discipline: Scouting. Their oath and salute would surely stand out if reviewed separately, but together they enhance the total program and give it an order that allows the child to learn more in a shorter period of time. The discipline you see in our classes turns into self-discipline outside the class. Usually, when children first start Taekwondo, it's the parents who love the discipline and the child who is drawn by the fun and challenge of the martial art. Later, after the child has acquired respect for others and (most importantly) themselves, they will develop a sense of personal commitment. This commitment and discipline can often reflect in the things done in everyday life, such as school work and patience with others.

Another benefit associated with our training style is improved self-confidence. Any child can do Taekwondo - all at various levels of proficiency - and everyone can progress and feel a sense of accomplishment. This allows a child to gain confidence in his own abilities while learning to deal effectively with peers and adults. Taekwondo can help get you ready for school by teaching many important lessons. Like self-esteem, confidence, discipline, courage and perseverance. Taekwondo can help you to make better decisions and learn how to get along with others, through teamwork and group activities. This will help you meet the challenges and opportunities of the new school year.