By Staff
NILES – There is a very special kind of school at 217 Main St., Niles. Here students study both physical discipline and attitude.
The ATA Martial Arts Karate for Kids opened under new ownership in January.
"First of all we want the kids to have fun. One life skill is the focus each month. We encourage such personal attributes as perseverance and personal integrity. Attitude is extremely important. That is why before stepping on the mats, each student faces the flags and bows every time. In that one action they learn respect, courtesy and discipline," said Dave Stafford, owner of the American Taekwondo Association facility.
Stafford got into the study of taekwondo, not long after son, Dan, now 12, began to study the art approximately six years ago. Now the two are both in preparation to test for their third level black belt.
Students study Songahm Taekwondo. It focuses on personal development of both the mind and body.
Stafford's right hand man, Billy Joe French III of Berrien Springs, began studying at ATA under the previous owner, beginning when he was 12 years old. He credits his study of the art with keeping him on the right path during the difficult teenage years.
Now an assistant instructor at the studio, French will test for his second level black belt next.
Jeff Holmes, the previous owner of the Niles location, wouldn't accept French's bad attitude.
Holmes has trained many throughout the community, including Stafford. Both are dedicated to growing the business and to share all the benefits they gain through taewondo with others.
"This is a hidden gem of the community. It was a disservice to the community for it not to be here," Stafford said.
"Students of all ages come here. We have children who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. One of our students has cerebral palsy and another has muscular dystrophy. They are beginning to come out of their shell and that is very rewarding," Stafford said.
Earlier this spring, Stafford and ATA sponsored an event called Safety Net Kids. He will offer the program again following the success of the first venture and the amount of community involvement.
"We run the kids program using a patch system designed to emphasize that every kid is a winner. They are required to fill out a checklist each week to show they have followed a disciplined pattern of living. Little things like brushing their teeth and listening to their parents are reported. We teach the kids that good orange belts make good black belts," Stafford said.
Whether the children come with natural flexibility or special needs, each gets the same attention. Stafford stresses that taekwondo is a progressive art, where the higher one advances the greater the emphasis on discipline and control.
"I am looking forward to becoming more involved with other schools. There are a number of great places to train and learn within ATA. With your instructor's permission you can train anywhere in the world," Stafford said.
Son Dan now uses his abilities to help his Dad with the studio.
"This changes your life from it's all about me to what can I do for you," he said.
Those who are interested in the studio for themselves or their children can call 683-6440, visit the Website at www.nilesata.com or send an email to Stafford at dstafford@nilesata.com.