Welcome to ATALeadershipNOW.com, the official website of the ATA Leadership program and home to inspiring tales of leadership, honor, and charity – guiding principles of our martial arts system – plus help to keep kids safe from bullies, abduction, poor health, and missed opportunities. The V.I.P. Zone offers special rewards for Leadership members including elite training videos, merchandise discounts, and more. Leadership students may also attend V.I.P. Workouts at national events to train with legendary Songahm Master Instructors. Learn more of the benefits of Leadership training, find an ATA-licensed school or club, and see your Instructor to enroll in the ATA Leadership program today!
What's New on Leadership NOW
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Community: Guarding the Flock
In a letter to ATA World, a law enforcement officer praises a young Black Belt for quick thinking, good judgment, and self-control in a potentially dangerous situation.
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For Kicks: A Daughter Inspires a Novel
An
author, Mom, and former deputy prosecuting attorney was inspired by her
2nd Degree Black Belt daughter, who learned and adopted leadership life
skills through ATA training, to write her second novel for teens.
Discover what she found in the training and in her daughter’s personal
growth that motivated her to include elements of both in her compelling
fictional story.
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In Focus: Strong Against Odds
ATA
World Champion and tournament judge Kristy Lipe lets nothing get in her
way – not even cerebral palsy. Read about this young leader’s
determination and victories in an inspiring story from ATA World.
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Feature: Terrific Taekwondo Teens
ATA
teens who keep up their Taekwondo training use their dojahng skills to
stay strong and confident in all aspects of their lives – even during
the difficult adolescent years. This generation of leaders is truly ATA
Strong! ATA World features several to watch and learn from. -
For Kicks: Visualize Your Portion Control
According to the Mayo Clinic, people eat more when presented with larger portions of food. Use these visual cues to keep plates proportionate.
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Leadership through Songahm Taekwondo heralded in Portuguese Human Resources Magazine
Mr. Miguel Loureiro, 5BD, chief instructor at Shim Jun Songahm Taekwondo School in Lisboa, Portugal, was recently interviewed on leadership by HR Portugal, a major human resources trade journal. He highlighted the importance of Songahm Taekwondo not only for the training of future leaders but also for personal development - "changing the world one black belt at a time."
“…being a leader is not being a bully, not just being in command, but it is a position where we have the opportunity to help others and to contribute actively to the community. For me being a leader is to be someone for the benefit of all.” - Mr. Miguel Loureiro.
Here is a PDF of the full interview (in Portuguese):
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ATA Leadership NOW Exclusive: ‘Perseverance’ by Miss Shelby Whiteman
At the be
ginning of 2012, Miss Shelby Whiteman, a
9-year-old color belt at Casey’s ATA Black Belt Academy in
Bridgeport, West Virginia, encountered a trio of serious challenges
– a broken leg that put her in a cast and wheelchair, her Mom’s
third battle against breast cancer, and the sudden loss of her grandfather.
Instead of letting those heavy issues derail her training and
progress, she found ways to be helpful and to endure and overcome
those obstacles. Still in a wheelchair, she successfully tested for
the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt-Recommended in March of last year.
This year she was asked to write and present a paper for her 5th
grade class; her subject – perseverance. Miss Whiteman’s instructor,
Ms. Lesley Casey, 4BD, asked her, now a 10-year-old 1st Degree Black
Belt-Decided, to repeat the presentation at her martial arts school.
Miss Whiteman did so, and with her mother, Diane, graciously granted
permission to share the video on ATALeadershipNOW.com. -
Kids' Korner: Weapons Trick - Ssahng Nat Elbow
As featured in the Spring 2013 edition of ATA World, 14-year-old 2nd Degree Black Belt Arturo Escamilla Jr. of Pride Martial Arts in Chula Vista, California, demonstrates his signature move with the Ssahng Nat, a trick which helped him earn second in Creative Weapons at the 2012 Songahm Taekwondo World Championship. His advice: “Focus on feeling the weapon – trying to hear and feel where you are.” The magazine has a step-by-step breakdown, but here’s a live demonstration of the Ssahng Nat Elbow Pop. Thanks to Mr. Escamilla and his instructor, Mr. Sean Berry, for sharing the video on ATALeadershipNOW.com!
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Remarkable Young Lady Teaches Katie Couric to Front Kick
Martial Arts dynamo and two-time national champion Miss Channah Zeitung, age 4, a Leadership color belt student at Church’s ATA Martial Arts in San Diego, California, was featured on “Katie’s Wonder Kids,” a special segment of Katie on ABC-TV on March 1, 2013. Watch the video clip of Channah and her instructor, Mrs. Trish Church, 5BD. Ms. Couric was officially inducted as an Honorary Black Belt in the ATA. Great job, ladies
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Feature: Kick Up Your Cardio
You need more than a perfect form and a clean uniform to be a physically fit martial artist. For your endurance, heart health, and lifted mood – and for better Taekwondo – you’ve got to cardio.
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Family Ties: To Compete is to Win!
In ATA it’s not about wins, but about learning from your performance and working toward improvement. (And making friends, too!) Find out why tournaments make everyone a winner – even without the trophies – in this article from ATA World.
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Ask the Expert: Chief Master William Babin
Rock musician, martial artist, school owner, businessman and blogger Chief Master William Babin, 8th Degree Black Belt, talks about the ‘Master Skill of Success’ – setting goals and sticking with them – to reach, achieve, obtain, and become anything we want in life during this recent interview with ATA World.
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For Kicks: School Lunch’s New Look
In American schools this year, lunch has a few new rules to follow – no detention required. ATA World reports.
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Community: Training That Worked and The Very Best Inside Him
In letters sent to ATA World magazine, a young Leadership member tells about skills that literally were a lifesaver, and a proud mother describes the amazing progress of her son with autism, now a 3rd Degree Black Belt!
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In Focus: ATA, Autistic, and an Author Too
As a teenager with autism, Amanda Hochfelder-Santi wrote a book to help people understand her and to help others who are like her. Read this ATA World article then purchase her book on amazon.com!
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Feature: Grab Your Weapon - And SPAR!
2012 was only the second year for World Champs in Combat Weapon Sparring. And yet, that padded blue Bahng Mahng Ee has powered into our training days. Here’s how it happened and how sparring with a weapon will make you a better martial artist.
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Ask the Expert: Senior Master Mark Sustaire
Senior Master Mark Sustaire, 7th Degree Black Belt, World Champion competitor and influential school owner, fields questions from ATA World about his martial arts philosophy and amazing career.
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Feature: He Never Gave Up
More than 50 years have passed since Eternal Grand Master journeyed to the United States to plant the seeds of Songahm Taekwondo. Without his vision and perseverance, the ATA/WTTU/STF would never have grown to reach six continents and change over a million lives!
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Mind Body Spirit: Work Your Body and Build Your Brain
Exercise really does make you smarter. And learning something new keeps you exercising. Win-win!
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Family Ties: Check Your Tech Etiquette
Use your life skills of courtesy and respect to keep technology in its place. Manners online aren’t that different than in real life.
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For Kicks: ATA Black Belts on Stage & Screen
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Community: Making a Difference with Autistic Students
Two sets of parents express pride and gratitude for the substantial progress their children with Autism Spectrum Disorders have made in coordination, confidence, and social skills as a result of their Taekwondo training.
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Community: The Epitome of ATA STRONG
Several difficult surgeries and lengthy recovery periods could not deter this “ATA Strong” boy from returning to Taekwondo and going on to become a World Champion. Proud parents write ATA World about his inspiring courage and determination.
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Community: What have you done to make your community a better place?
ATA World asked Facebook followers how they are making a difference through their good deeds. Here are some of their responses.
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Ask the Expert: Chief Master Nominee Kathy Lee
Chief Master Kathy Lee, 8th Degree Black Belt, participates in a Q&A with ATA World about her remarkable career in Songahm Taekwondo.
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Feature: One Solid Foundation
Twenty years of the H.U. Lee Memorial Foundation has meant more than $750,000 in college scholarships for martial artists around the country. Meet some 2012 recipients and learn why ATA is unwavering in support of this great cause..
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ATA Video Throwback: Funny Stories from the 2010 Masters Class, Part 1
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ATA Video Throwback: Funny Stories from the 2010 Masters Class, Part 2
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In FOCUS: 5th Degree. Tenth Decade
He entered the dojahng at age 59. Now, 89-year-old Dr. Harlan Van Over is an instructor and 5th Degree Black Belt, among other honors (like WWII vet). ATA reports on an amazing achiever and inspiration to all.
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Community: Another Smile Operation
ATAWorld introduces Mr. Rob Green, 4th Degree Black Belt, from Brandon, South Dakota, shows outstanding leadership as an ATA Instructor and a medical volunteer for Operation Smile. With humble service he genuinely shows “Leadership meeting the Needs of Our World (Leadership NOW)!” Follow the link to a fascinating blog about his experiences.
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Community: In Memoriam of Senior Master Menneke
In spring of 2012, the world prematurely lost one of its most gifted teachers and best men. A respectful and moving tribute at his service was reported by colleagues in a letter to ATAWorld. Follow the link to a special memorial page on Facebook.
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For Kicks: ATA Black Belts on Stage & Screen
Three young Black Belts compete and win prestigious spots performing at Lyric Opera in Chicago. A young woman receives her 2nd Degree Black Belt after testing – and a big surprise – in a touching episode of ‘Coming Home’ on Lifetime Channel. A Black Belt without arms is highlighted in an episode of ‘Beyond Belief’ on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
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NEW YORK HUSTLE: 9-year-old Jimmy Clarke aims to be 2nd Degree and “Double Platinum” Presidential Champion!
First platinum winner in ATA shows initiative, perseverance, and leadership to reach outstanding goals!
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Community: What's Your Definition of a Leader?
A True leader strives to be a living example of what he or she expects from others and will help others grow even if it goes above and beyond him or herself.
Feature: How to Test for Success.
Details matter, and so does your mental preparation. When everyone is performing at such a high level, your ability to tame tension, visualize
success, and stay positive sets you apart, and it can make the difference between succeeding and having to try again next time.
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Mind Body Spirit: Your Heart. Your Health.
Cardiovascular health is required for long life and overall fitness. Taekwondo gets the heart muscle pumping. But is it enough?
Feature: Lead The Way!
Being a great leader is more than just getting people to follow you. You have to be a living example of integrity, high standards and discipline. In other words: You have to earn it.
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Leadership NOW Interview with Grand Master In Ho Lee!
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Make Your Side Kick ROCK! Log-in to the V.I.P. Zone NOW!
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Video Throwback: Eternal Grand Master and National Champions from World Championships, 1985
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Grand Master In Ho Lee invites all to win President's Challenge with ATA for fitness and fun!
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ATA Video Throwback: Grand Master In Ho Lee 4th Degree Form at World Championships 1985
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Mr. Aristede Dukes: Right Place, Right Time, Right Skills
Instructor on a mission trip finds receptive audiences for ATA Bullying Prevention aboard ship and at destination.
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Mr. Joe Gilbert, Offensive Line Coach for the Indianapolis Colts, applauds ATA Martial Arts, teaches Teamwork & Team Building to Instructors
ATA Instructors from Region 102 and Region 106 recently seized the unique opportunity to attend a private seminar on "Teamwork and Team Building" lead by Mr. Joe Gilbert, Offensive Line Coach for the Indianapolis Colts NFL football team.
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ATA Video Throwback: Chief Master Allemier Black Belt Testing, 1979
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Stories with the Masters: Chief Master Allemier - First Impressions of Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee
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Health and Fitness through Martial Arts
Grand Master In Ho Lee & ATA promote Physical Fitness through Martial Arts taking the President's Challenge
Grand Master is taking the challenge – personally and literally. He is a passionate advocate for daily exercise and balanced nutrition. Now he's inviting everyone to learn why Martial Arts training is one of America's most fun and most effective ways to get and stay healthy and fit.
Learn how to "Move It-Log It-Earn It" with ATA (PDF).
ATA Leadership Students Collect $1,000 in Quarters for American Cancer Society
Leadership students of ATA Black Belt Academy in Boardman, Ohio, recently served their community by raising funds for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life one coin at a time. Lead by Mr. Robert Long, 4DB, owner/instructor and Miss Brielle Campos, 4DB, head instructor, the class of Junior Leaders distributed new pill bottles (donated by the local Giant Eagle Pharmacy) to each student in the center. All members were challenged to fill at least one bottle with 40 quarters ($10) in a set time period. Junior Leaders Paige Rosado, age 4, and Michael Miller, age 6, were the highest fundraisers. On January 14, 2012, a check for $1,000 was donated to directors of the local American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Thanks to all for your wonderful service and charity! -
A Black Belt champion from Georgia survives the first round of auditions for So You Think You Can Dance, while two ATA Black Belts from Nevada and California land starring roles in an independent supernatural martial arts movie now on DVD.
ATA Video Throwback: Governor
Bill Clinton Breaks Boards, 1988
