ATA (American Taekwondo Association) Taekwondo is one of the best-known martial arts organizations, of which I am a member, that teaches Songahm Taekwondo to students of all ages and skill levels. ATA is one of the largest martial arts organizations globally, with hundreds of schools in the United States and other countries.
You’ll often see ATA martial arts studios display ATA Karate on the exterior of their buildings, much like my dojo. This is because people may be more familiar with karate due to it’s appearance in cinema. Most martial arts got summarized into the karate category when artists like the late Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan became mainstream.
ATA Tae kwon do focuses on building physical fitness, self-defense skills, and mental discipline while promoting a family-friendly environment. The training encompasses more than just martial arts techniques; it emphasizes respect, perseverance, and personal development, making it suitable for children, teenagers, and adults.
Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, gain confidence, or work towards earning a black belt, ATA Taekwondo provides a structured, goal-oriented program for personal growth. In this article, we will explore what ATA Taekwondo is, how to find classes in your area, its connection to karate, the ATA Black Belt Academy, and the opportunities to compete in multi-national events hosted by the ATA.
You can visit the ATA Martial Arts School Locator to search ATA martial arts near me to find a local ATA affiliated dojo.
What is the ATA and How to Find ATA Taekwondo Classes?
The American Taekwondo Association (ATA) was founded in 1969 by Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee, and it has grown to become one of the largest martial arts organizations worldwide. The ATA focuses on Songahm Taekwondo, which is a traditional style of Taekwondo that combines self-defense techniques, forms, sparring, and board-breaking.
Songahm Taekwondo emphasizes not only physical strength and agility but also mental discipline, respect, and perseverance, all integral parts of the martial arts journey.
ATA Taekwondo is designed for students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners with no martial arts experience to advanced practitioners seeking mastery. One of the key aspects of ATA is its structured, goal-driven curriculum, where students progress through belt ranks, eventually aiming for black belt status.
Finding ATA Taekwondo Classes
To find ATA Taekwondo classes in your area, you can start by visiting the official ATA website. The website includes a “Find a School” feature, where you can enter your location to find ATA-affiliated martial arts schools near you.
Many of these schools offer free trial classes for new students, allowing you to experience the atmosphere, meet instructors, and understand the teaching philosophy before committing.
You can also ask for recommendations from friends or colleagues who practice Taekwondo or visit local martial arts schools and inquire whether they are affiliated with the ATA. Since the ATA has an extensive network of schools, you’re likely to find a location that suits your schedule and location.
Is ATA Taekwondo the same as ATA Karate?
A common question among beginners is whether ATA Taekwondo and ATA Karate are the same sport. The answer is yes. Within the ATA, the terms “Taekwondo” and “Karate” are sometimes used interchangeably, although they technically refer to different martial arts traditions.
- Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emphasizes high, fast kicks and leg-based techniques.
- Karate, on the other hand, originated in Japan and focuses more on hand strikes, blocks, and low kicks.
However, in ATA schools, the terms are often mixed, largely for ease of communication. Many Americans are more familiar with the term “karate” as a general term for martial arts, so some ATA schools use “karate” as a blanket term to describe their Taekwondo programs.
In reality, students in the ATA are learning Songahm Taekwondo, which is distinctly a Korean martial art.
The ATA Black Belt Academy and the Path to a Black Belt
The ATA Black Belt Academy (also referred to as Black Belt Club) is an integral part of ATA training. It offers a dedicated space for students who are committed to working towards their black belt.
The academy/club focuses on a structured curriculum designed to help students advance through the belt ranks, which are symbolized by different colors, each representing a stage of growth and learning.
How Long Does It Take to Achieve a Black Belt in ATA? And What Do The Belt Colors Mean?
On average, it takes around 3 to 5 years to earn a black belt in ATA Taekwondo. The time frame depends on a student’s dedication, attendance, and ability to master the required techniques for each belt rank.
The belt progression typically follows this order:
- White Belt
- The student begins with no understanding of Songahm Taekwondo, starting their journey completely pure.
- Orange Belt
- The beginner student appreciates the beauty of Taekwondo but has yet to experience the full power of its techniques.
- Yellow Belt
- The student is starting to grasp the fundamentals of Taekwondo.
- Camouflage Belt
- The student starts to recognize their role within the ATA community. Going forward, in order to advance in rank, they must now begin sparring and put their skills to the test.
- Green Belt
- The student’s technique is gaining strength, as the fundamental components of their moves are starting to flow together in perfect harmony.
- Purple Belt
- The student has ascended to a more advanced level of Songahm Taekwondo, where the techniques, poomsae (forms), and intensity of sparring grow increasingly challenging. A new “mountain” now stands before them, demanding focus and perseverance to conquer.
- Blue Belt (sometimes broken into two belts, blue recommended and blue decided)
- Now past the halfway mark, the student channels their energy upward, setting their sights firmly on the goal of achieving a black belt.
- Brown Belt (sometimes broken into two belts, brown recommended and brown decided)
- By this stage, the student has mastered the fundamentals and established strong, deep roots in the art of Taekwondo.
- Red Belt (can be broken into 2, red recommended, red decided)
- The initial phase of growth, spanning from white belt to red belt, is nearing completion. While physical skills have been honed, they still lack refined control; now, the journey shifts toward mastering both physical and mental discipline.
- Red/Black Belt (can be broken into 2 belts, black recommended and black decided)
- The previous chapter has closed, ushering in a new dawn. The student now embarks on a fresh phase of their journey—the path of becoming a black belt.
- Black Belt (First Degree)
- Black is formed when an object absorbs all the colors of the light spectrum, symbolizing complete control over them. If any color were to escape, the object would no longer appear black but take on that color. Similarly, the student has mastered the nine geup (grades) of Taekwondo, having fully “absorbed” the knowledge of each color rank, and has overcome or “conquered” that level of training.
To earn a black belt, students must demonstrate proficiency in several key areas, including forms (poomsae), sparring, self-defense techniques, board-breaking, and understanding the tenets of Taekwondo. Testing is conducted at various intervals, and students must pass these tests to advance to the next rank.
The journey to black belt in the ATA is more than just physical training. It requires mental discipline, perseverance, self-discipline, independent practice, and a commitment to self-improvement, which is why earning a black belt is such a significant achievement.
ATA Competitions and Multi-National Events
For students who enjoy competition, the ATA offers opportunities to participate in local, national, and international tournaments.
ATA competitions include events such as:
- Recreational (may earn first, second, or third place medals but not ATA points or Champion title)
The below may earn first, second, or third place medals, ATA points, and Champion title:
- Forms & Sparring
- Traditional Weapons
- Combat Weapons
- Creative Form
- Creative Weapons
- Creative Xtreme Form
- Creative Xtreme Weapons
The ATA hosts several multi-national events where students from all over the world come together to compete, showcase their skills, and compete against top practitioners. These events are not only a chance to earn medals and titles but also an opportunity to build camaraderie with fellow students and competitors from other regions.
Top students can earn bragging rights on their uniform by being crowned State Champion, District Champion, and World Champion.
ATA tournaments are open to students of all ages and belt ranks, providing a supportive and encouraging environment where participants can challenge themselves while honing their martial arts abilities.
Students can compete in regional tournaments, national events, and even the annual ATA World Championships, which bring together the best competitors from around the world.
Understanding the Major Taekwondo Organizations: Key Differences at a Glance
Key Differences at a Glance:
| Feature | ATA (American Taekwondo Association) | ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) | WT (World Taekwondo) |
| Founded | 1969 | 1966 | 1973 |
| Primary Focus | Personal development, leadership | Traditional Taekwondo, self-defense | Olympic sport, competition |
| Forms/Patterns | Songahm Taekwondo | 24 Traditional Patterns (Tuls) | Poomsae |
| Sparring | Light-contact, point-based | Continuous sparring, point system | Full-contact, electronic scoring |
| Philosophy | Family-oriented, life skills | Self-defense, discipline | Athletic competition |
| Competitions | Forms, weapons, breaking, sparring | Forms, sparring, breaking | Olympic-style sparring, Poomsae |
| Unique Features | Focus on life skills and character | Sine-wave motion in forms | Recognized Olympic sport |
Conclusion
ATA Taekwondo offers a structured and supportive environment for students of all ages to develop their martial arts skills while building confidence, discipline, and resilience.
As one of the largest and most respected martial arts organizations in the world, the ATA provides a wide range of opportunities for both recreational students and those seeking to advance to higher ranks or participate in competitions.
Whether you are pursuing a black belt or competing in ATA-hosted tournaments, the organization provides a clear and well-defined path for personal growth.
The ATA is committed to promoting traditional values like respect, perseverance, and self-control, all while making martial arts fun and accessible for individuals and families alike. If you’re looking for a welcoming martial arts community that combines physical fitness with personal development,
ATA Taekwondo is a fantastic place to begin or continue your martial arts journey.