A Guide from the ATA Brand Ambassadors

The 2018 ATA World Expo is here!  This event is highly anticipated by students and instructors of all ages from around the globe.  Whether this if your first Worlds or you are a competition veteran, it always helps to talk to your ATA peers about what to expect so that you can have your plans packed away with your sparring gear. 

ATA Headquarters caught up with the five Brand Ambassadors and got you the info you’ll need for this year’s Songahm super show!  Check out what they have to say! 

What is your favorite tip for tournament-goers?

Rayna - Enjoy the competition and don’t put too much pressure on yourself!  Also, be respectful to your fellow competitors and make friends.

Ethan - Worlds is unlike any other event!  It’s magical.  Don’t get too wrapped up in how you are doing that you miss the amazing things going on around you.  Be sure to take tons of video and photos so you can remember what an incredible experience it is to be part of Worlds!

Channah - Focus!  You’re going to be great so stay positive.  Put lots of power in your moves.  Also, be sure to eat a good, nutritious breakfast so your muscles are ready for the day. 

What is your favorite part about Worlds?

 Jharen - Beyond competing and connecting with colleagues, I truly enjoy witnessing the International Rank Testing.  Seeing thousands of martial artists display their passion for the art while pursuing their next degree is powerful. 

Brandon - I love meeting new people and inspiring a new generation of competitors.  The experience is what it’s all about! 

Ethan - Winning is great feeling!  But my favorite part is getting to hang out with all of my ATA friends and family.  Without them, winning just doesn’t mean nearly as much and losing is much easier because they are right there to make me realize the effort is all worth it. 

What is something you recommend for World’s attendees make sure they don’t miss? 

Rayna -  I greatly recommend that all students, spectators and instructor attend the Masters Ceremony.  This annual, coveted event is so beautiful and motivating.  It is so amazing to see other accomplished martial artists attain their goals they have worked for so many years to achieve.  The event is simplistic but complex.  Simplistic in the respect that it is tradition and this is the foundation of ATA.  It’s complex in that the individuals all have their own story and journey that brought them to this day. 

Brandon - I would encourage everyone to watch team sparring.  This is the competition at its highest level between countries from around the world.  It is an incredible rush to compete in and to watch.  You can see on their faces what the competition means to them. 

Jharen - When I was younger, I remember watching the Masters Ceremony in awe.  The Ceremony is aspirational.  Watching the Masters as a recommended black belt, I felt that pursuing Mastery in Songahm Taekwondo was in my future.  And to eventually be dubbed as a Grand Master would become a dream. 

Channah - The Masters Ceremony is so amazing to watch!  I also recommend taking a seminar to learn from these Masters.  Be sure to meet the Masters, give them a big bow and just say hello.  These are the people who created this great organization. 

You’ve heard it from the experts, so now it’s time to plan your Worlds experience.  Check out the full schedule at ATAWorldExpo.com!  We’ll see you there! 

Author: Jenny Wolff