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Martial Arts News in Chesapeake, Virginia

Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts and Master Instructor, Senior Master Tracy Lee Thomas Offer’s Martial Arts Tips on…

“How to choose the right Martial Arts School”.

In the martial arts business, not all schools are created equal. Martial Arts instructors generally do not have to answer to a state agency; or even have specific training. Some schools; such as, ones belonging to the American Taekwondo Association require all instructors to become certified prior to owning or operating a martial arts school. ATA Instructors are required to be a certified Instructor and must keep their National certifications and qualifications up to date.

Certifications such as the following are a few of the ones required by ATA Martial Arts:
• CPR
• State and Federal background check
• Class management skills certification
• Physical skills certification
• ATA Certification Camp
• Child Safety Skills and Drills
• Kidz-N-Power Course

Senior Master Tracy Thomas suggests you do your research prior to enrolling at a school. Seeing what the school has to offer will give parents and potential students a better understanding of the commitment and guide you in making your decision for the right martial arts academy.

Below are some key steps, questions to ask and tips when choosing a Martial Arts School:

1. Research on the internet. Read Martial Art Articles, stories, testimonials, and learn as much as you can about your local Martial Arts schools.

2. Make an appointment. The school should offer a free introductory class, take it and experience the class, academy and instructors. This should be a positive experience with class structure and a personal rapport with you and your family.

3. Overall positive attitude of the instructor and the students. This can serve as an accurate indicator of school spirit. Respect goes both ways, you should see both the instructor and students showing it at all times.

4. Does the class have structure and self control? A martial arts class should include a warm up, specific training material and cool down. Many schools encourage the students to arrive early to their martial arts class so they can stretch before the class to prevent injuries.

5. Martial Arts Location. The school’s proximity to your home or work should seriously be taken into consideration prior to enrolling into a program.

6. Equipment/Facility. Martial arts schools vary in the type of equipment and amenities they offer. Does the school appear clean? Are the martial arts students required to wear safety gear?

7. Class Sizes and Schedule. Many new students prefer to be part of a larger class, rather than a small class; however, the benefits of a smaller class should not be overlooked. You will also want to ask when classes are offered, how long are the classes, and can your class schedule be flexible if needed?

8. Quality of Martial Arts Instruction. Is the instructor certified? What rank do they hold? How long have they been in martial arts? Who is their senior instructor and how often do they train with him/her? Are they certified by a National Martial Arts Organization?

9. Class Ages/Groups. What age can my child start? Are the classes separated by age and/or belt level? Are you looking for a family class?

10. Ranking. How often do you test for rank? What are the requirements? Is my rank nationally recognized? Can I transfer out of the area to another academy with the same Martial Arts style and curriculum?

11. Price of Instruction. Prices vary depending on the program. Ask about paid in full options, many times this will not only save you money, but it will also include free gear or a considerable discount. Be sure to ask questions, the instructor should be receptive to your questions and answer in a clear matter. Is everything discussed, well documented within the membership agreement?

Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts have a 3 day Free Trial Offer to new students. For more information visit www.atakick.com. Call today for a free introductory class.

After visiting www.ATAONLINE.com we noticed there were over 1,500 ATA schools in the United States, five of them are owned and operated locally in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake by Tracy Lee Thomas. Many of his schools were or are still in the Top Ten Martial Arts Academies in the nation. Master Thomas has been an outstanding member of ATA since 1980 where he began his training in Racine, Wisconsin. At age 17 he owned and operated his first ATA Martial Arts academy in Racine for several years before moving to Valdosta, Georgia where he ran and operated one ATA school and two ATA clubs. Senior Master Thomas owns both the ATA Martial Arts and Krav Maga licenses for the regional ATA area.

ATA Martial Arts Academies Offers the following programs:

Pre- School Students: Teaching ATA Starter Life Skills
Tiny Tigers: ages 3-6 years old

School Age Students: Teaching ATA Reality Based Life Skills
Better Grades-Self Discipline-Respect-Enhanced Focus skills
Karate For Kids: ages 6-12 years old

Teens & Adult Students: Teaching Martial Arts for Adults
Teens & Adults

Krav Maga For Kids:
Reality Based Life Skills and Conditioning Programs
The only certified Krav Maga Worldwide school in Hampton Roads

Krav Maga For Adults:
http://kravmagavirginiabeach.com

Virginia Beach Martial Arts Training Facility:
3809 Princess Anne Road Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456
Princess Anne Shoppes (next to Fitness One)
Phone: 757-471-9002
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Virginia Beach Martial Arts Training Facility:
1169 Nimmo Parkway Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456
Parkway Red Mill Commons Shopping Center (next to Pier One Imports) Phone: 757-563-9022
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Chesapeake Martial Arts Training Facility:
236 Carmichael Way Chesapeake, Virginia 23322
Edinburgh Commons Shopping Center (off route 168)
Phone:757-432-9022
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Chesapeake Martial Arts Training Facility:
501F Kempsville Road Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
Greenbrier Shoppes Shopping Center (corner of Kempsville Road and Greenbrier Parkway)
Phone: 757-382-9022
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Chesapeake Martial Arts Training Facility:
Western Branch Opening Soon !
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320

CLMA Martial Arts
P.O. Box 68820
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23471
Website address: www.atakick.com
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Hampton Roads Martial Arts Headquarters: 757-471-9002