American Taekwondo Association

[Akima]

Yes it is true, Mole, and that's why I do not like them.

[ronryu]

The ATA is a bussiness I was associated with them for a ver short time it is pretty much pay and get your belt type of place. I do however give them props on being a business they are a million dollar company and know how to market to kids.

[tufrthanu]

I don't recall Choi ever defecting to North Korea, although he did have leanings toward them which was why he left South Korea and moved to Canada. He is buried in North Korea.

[Akima]

He died in North Korea last year, I think. He had been living there several years before he died.

[whitematt]

Ronryu:

 

While it can be argued that *some* ATA schools are business-oriented, and I have heard that earning your belt just requires the right $$ - it is not true of all.

 

You have to remember that the ATA is an extremely large organization, and basically just a governing body - much like the WTF or ITF. Instructors that run ATA programs are allowed to train their students as they see fit. The organization does not determine how you should run your school.

 

Many of us work very hard to earn the respect of our fellow martial artists, and are devoted to our students. My most important responsibility is to properly train my students. This training can run the gamut, as I am there to help them attain their personal goals. Some people are interested in tournaments, others pure self-defense. Some are looking for improved self-confidence, or to get in better shape.

 

To say all ATA schools are out to make a buck and hand out belts by the dozen is an unfair, and inaccurate generalization.

 

I've trained in several styles, under some very good instructors. But some of the very best I've had the pleasure of training with are longtime ATA people.

 

Just adding my 2 cents.

 

Matt White

[ronryu]

Whitematt, I do not argue that there are some good martial artist in the ATA. I have studied several styles and to me the ATA just seemed empty to me. I am proably a little biased due to the fact that I had trained in traditional Okinawan and Japanese styles for several years before wotrking out with the ATA people. I just never felt the sense of history and in its place it just seemed so money driven. I would like to see more of there upper belts know how to apply there forms (kata) I asked several of them how to apply that move to a person and none of them had a clue and this is from 5th and 6th degree black belts. This is only my opinion. I do not wish to start any arguments jsut stating what I have observed. I have also seen the same thing in some shotokan and other so called traditional schools. Its all in how you train.

[whitematt]

[its all in how you train.]

 

That is simply my point as well.

[tommarker]

The WTSDF is begining to do the same thing.

 

WTSDF?

[Akima]

WTSDF=World Tang Soo Do Federation

[LILJBANANAGRL]

I love the ATA. It rocks. I am a brown belt decided and i love it. My instructor rocks and everyone is incredibly nice