Category: life skills

As parents, we want our kids to grow into resilient, confident, and determined individuals. One of the most powerful ways to help them thrive is by encouraging a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, learning, and perseverance. This mindset can help kids embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and develop a love for continuous improvement. But how do you guide your child toward this mindset? Here’s a roadmap that can make all the difference.

How to Avoid Being a Victim of Bullying Bullying has become an epidemic in recent years. Yes, there have always been bullies, and yes, those bullies have always caused serious and lasting damage to their victims; however, bullying in the 21st century has changed – and not for the better. According to Pacer’s National Bullying […]

Self Esteem is the Joy of Being Myself In today’s fast-paced and often demanding world, it can be easy to lose sight of our own worth and abilities. Self-esteem, however, serves as the cornerstone of our emotional well-being and overall happiness. It encompasses our confidence in ourselves, our positive attitude, self-awareness, accountability, gratitude, generosity, humility, […]

Martial arts is not just a physical activity; it is a holistic practice that can benefit individuals in various ways, especially neurodivergent people. Neurodivergent individuals, including those with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety disorders, can find a sense of belonging and empowerment through martial arts. This sport offers a safe and supportive […]

Competing in martial arts tournaments is a thrilling experience that goes beyond just showcasing your skills. It provides a platform for personal growth, camaraderie, and skill development that can positively impact every aspect of your life. The journey of competing in tournaments is not just about winning; it’s also about the invaluable lessons you learn […]

Does your child enjoy martial arts classes but not want to go when it is time for class? Martial arts can offer a plethora of benefits to children, from physical fitness to discipline, confidence and improved focus. However, sometimes kids may resist attending their martial arts classes even though they enjoy them once they are […]

Back to School with Confidence: How Martial Arts Can Help Students Succeed As the back-to-school season approaches, students may experience a mix of excitement and nervousness about the upcoming academic year. One way to equip students with the confidence and mindset needed to succeed in school is through the practice of martial arts. Martial arts […]

Communication Listen: How to Truly Connect Through Active Listening In our fast-paced world, communication has become more important than ever. But what sets effective communication apart from simply exchanging words? It’s the ability to truly listen, not just hear. Many people use the terms “listen” and “hear” interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference between […]

Nonverbal Communication: The Power of Unspoken Language (Look) In our daily interactions with others, a significant portion of our communication is nonverbal. We convey messages through more than just words; our body language, facial expressions, and even our posture play a crucial role in how we express ourselves. Moreover, nonverbal cues can also influence how […]

  In life, we often come across situations that require us to dig deep within ourselves and find the courage to keep moving forward. The belief pillar of courage teaches us to stay afraid but do it anyway, to face our fears head-on and push past the boundaries of our comfort zones. Embracing Fear Courage […]

  Determination, like a hidden ember within the human soul, burns brightly even in the darkest of times. It is the unwavering resolve that propels us forward, defying adversity and surmounting obstacles. Let us delve into the essence of determination, exploring its facets and celebrating its indomitable spirit. What Is Determination? At its core, determination […]

Vision is the ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. could develop in the future and to plan in a suitable way. (Cambridge dictionary of American English) Beyond a dream, vision, is a detailed picture of that desired situation to which we are truly committed. A dream without a vision will always remain […]

Dream: a cherished ambition or ideal  A dream is a fantastic, vivid, wild, vizualization of a situation we want. We use dreams as motivation to move towards our goals. Our dreams give us a reason to commit, take risks and sacrifices. they give us a reason to believe. Dreams and Belief: An Intrinsic Connection Dreams […]

Belief is “Yes I Can” Our students learn to tell themselves the affirmation “Yes I can” and they learn to develop a growth mindset when things are difficult.   The first pillar of our life skill belief is trust.   Trusting in oneself is a fundamental cornerstone of building self-efficacy. When you have confidence in […]

In the journey of personal development and success, possessing self efficacy is paramount. Believing in oneself can be the driving force behind achieving one’s goals and overcoming challenges. Self efficacy is the belief in one’s capacity to execute specific tasks or reach particular goals successfully. It’s about having the confidence in your ability to accomplish […]

In life, we all have dreams and aspirations that we hope to achieve. Whether it’s landing that dream job, starting a successful business, getting fit, or traveling the world, setting and reaching goals is essential for turning your vision into reality. However, many people struggle with setting clear objectives and following through with them. Setting […]

  In a world that often emphasizes external achievements and comparisons, it can be easy to feel like we are not enough. We may constantly question our abilities, worthiness, and value. However, the affirmation “I am enough” holds immense power in transforming our self-perception and boosting our self-esteem. This article will delve into the meaning […]

Martin Luther King Jr. wrote this Letter from Birmingham Jail while he was imprisoned for leading nonviolent civil rights demonstrations in Alabama in 1963. The Letter explains to the clergymen why MLK believed people had a responsibility to follow just laws and a duty to break unjust ones. It is important to note these clergyment […]

Commitment is a crucial aspect of discipline. Without commitment, it becomes difficult to stick to our goals and follow through on our obligations. Whether it’s personal goals or responsibilities towards others, commitment plays a vital role in our ability to stay dedicated and focused. In this article, we will explore the first pillar of discipline: […]

DYNAMITE DISCIPLINE | LIFE SKILL THAT IS AN ESSENTIAL BUILDING BLOCK TO SUCCESS Some days, it’s tough to get out of bed.  Some days it’s tough to focus on school, training, progress on that homework project or on completing chores at home. That’s when discipline comes in. Discipline is one of the life skills we […]

  Martial arts is not just a physical activity that teaches you how to defend yourself. It is also a mental and spiritual practice that helps you develop discipline, focus, respect, and other essential life skills. Martial arts can help you improve your self-discipline which is important for your personal and professional growth. Discipline is […]

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel drained and lacking in energy. The demands of work, family, and everyday life can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to boost your energy levels, martial arts might be just what you need. Martial arts […]

Tommy the Turkey’s Taekwondo Adventure Tommy the Turkey was a shy and timid bird who lived on a farm with his family and friends. He always wanted to learn Taekwondo, but he was afraid of failing or making mistakes. He thought that Taekwondo was only for strong and brave animals, and that he was not […]

Martial Arts and Violence: Debunking Common Misconceptions When we hear the term “martial arts,” it’s easy to imagine intense fight scenes from popular shows and movies like “Kobra Kai” or “Enter the Dragon.” However, it is crucial to separate reality from fiction and understand that martial arts is not about violence. In fact, it is […]

How Does Martial Arts Help a Person with ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in controlling attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These challenges can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, academic performance, social life, work life, and overall well-being. While medication and therapy are commonly used to manage ADHD […]

Martial Arts for Building Confidence Martial arts have long been recognized not only as a form of physical exercise but also as a powerful tool for building confidence. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, martial arts can help instill a sense of self-assurance and empowerment. In this article, we will explore how […]

Gratitude is a powerful human emotion that can have a positive impact on our mental health. According to a study, when we express gratitude and receive the same, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for our emotions, and they make us feel good. Gratitude also has the ability to reduce […]

School can be quite the experience for children It is a place where children not only learnsacademically but they also learn to socialize and function in the world. Unfortunately, there are many negative experiences that children may face when going to school. Participating in martial arts classes can help students overcome those negative experiences. The […]

9 HEALTHY SUMMERTIME HABITS   Summer Break Doesn’t Have to Mean a Break from Training Summer break is here, but that doesn’t mean a break from the healthy habits you’ve been practicing in your daily life as part of your Taekwondo training.  As a martial artist, you should stay focused on fueling your body with […]

Martial arts can be a great way to learn the tools to be successful in life. It teaches you to focus on the task at hand and to stay calm in difficult situations. With the right guidance, martial arts can help you become more regulated in all aspects of your life. So if you’re looking […]

Communication.  Colleges and universities offer degrees in communications.  Major businesses and corporations devote entire departments and staff to managing their message and getting it out to the public. It is a complex and vital life skill but what makes communication so important? As defined by the Cambridge Dictionary of American English, communication means “The process […]

The Best Habits to Develop Better Self-Discipline In a previous blog post, we talked about implementing ATA Life Skills in the new year as part of your New Year’s Resolutions. The first Life Skill of the cycle is Discipline – which is convenient for starting off a new year because we need Discipline to actually go […]

Grade school can be quite the experience for any child. It is a place where a child not only learns academically but one where a child must learn to socialize and function in the world. Unfortunately, there are a lot of negative experiences that a child may have when going through school. Whatever those experiences […]

A LIFE RENEWED THROUGH MARTIAL ARTS #MakeItPossible   Frederick’s ATA is home to a spectacular martial arts program in Helena, Montana. Owned by two-time ATA World Champion, Mrs. Elena Frederick, she and her team of instructors, provide a safe and fun learning environment for students and families. One of the most beloved ATA instructors of […]

This year, ATA Martial Arts has been hyper-focused on achieving the goals we set. We have talked a lot about goals that pertain to healthy eating, getting fit and practicing productivity. However, there are plenty of other goals some of you may have that we haven’t touched on. One of them may be cleanliness. Many […]

Mastering The Life Skill That Gives Us Confidence Most people begin to believe in something at a very young age, whether it’s a superhero or the monster in the closet. But as we get older our belief system matures and grows stronger, and we begin to use belief not just as a basis of proof […]

Building ‘Yes I Can’ Confidence  As children, we have big dreams about doing and becoming anything our heart desires.  I mean, who hasn’t thought about going to the moon or becoming a Ninja Turtle?!  The older we get, however, the more reality sets in.  It’s not that you can’t do everything you dreamed of.  But […]

Many of our students just competed in tournaments that last two weekends. Whether or not they placed or earned the medals they wanted to earn we are proud of them for their attitude, perseverance, hard work, focus, sportsmanship, and courage to compete. The motto of ATA tournaments is “to compete is to win.” Although, we […]

DYNAMITE DISCIPLINE | LIFE SKILL THAT IS AN ESSENTIAL BUILDING BLOCK TO SUCCESS Some days, it’s tough to get out of bed.  Some days it’s tough to focus on school, training, progress on that homework project or on completing chores at home. That’s when discipline comes in. Discipline is one of the life skills we […]

Today, as we reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we wanted to share some ways you can continue his legacy. 1. Educate Yourself. Try to learn things about Dr. Martin Luther King that you didn’t learn in school. Read some of his books, letters, and speeches. Watch films and read books […]

For Those Having A Hard Time Getting Motivated For 2022, we are all about GOALS! ATA Martial Arts is all about setting goals and doing what we can to help each other reach them. Many of you set goals at the beginning of the new year and are already struggling with the motivation to push […]

As a martial artist, courtesy and respect should be second nature. “Yes, ma’am” and “No, sir” roll off the tongue without hesitation, and you don’t think twice about holding the door for an elder.  But what happens when you step off the mat and pick up your smartphone or sit in front of your laptop […]

CHOOSING TO BE HAPPY ATA Martial Arts’ Self-Esteem Life Skill Cycle is coming to a close, so I wanted to end it with a word of encouragement to all of you. We all struggle with Self-Esteem from time-to-time and that struggle can often result in negative feelings that not only bring yourself down more, but […]

What are the Signs of Low Self-Esteem & How Do We Improve It? Self-Esteem is one of the important ATA Martial Arts Life Skills that we must maintain in our daily lives. A positive self-esteem is the provider of belief in our abilities and keeps us motivated to navigate life which makes it a crucial […]

R.E.S.P.E.CT The Life Skill that Empowers You and Others  When you look at the Leadership life skills, one stands out for being important—not just in your own Songahm journey— but it also affects those around you.  That life skill is RESPECT.  “It’s not what you say; it’s what you do.” There are many levels to […]

We all know how entering the new year goes. You make a list of New Year’s Resolutions and do well at implementing them for about the first month or so, then the motivation and desire to fulfill those resolutions gets lost by the end of the year. Here at ATA Martial Arts, we challenge you […]

Getting and Giving the Message Communication.  Colleges and universities offer degrees in communications.  Major businesses and corporations devote entire departments and staff to managing their message and getting it out to the public. It is a complex and vital life skill but what makes communication so important? As defined by the Cambridge Dictionary of American […]

Mastering The Life Skill That Gives Us Confidence Most people begin to believe in something at a very young age, whether it’s a superhero or the monster in the closet. But as we get older our belief system matures and grows stronger, and we begin to use belief not just as a basis of proof something […]

DYNAMITE DISCIPLINE ____________________________________________________________________________________ Life Skill that is an Essential Building Block to Success Some days, it’s tough to get out of bed.  Some days it’s tough to focus on school, training, progress on that homework project or on completing chores at home. That’s when discipline comes in. Discipline is one of the life skills we […]

The Ultimate New Years Resolution The New Year is here, and with thousands of goals and resolutions in sight as well, 2017 is the year you should try something new! Martial arts is an established system that can better the entirety of your being. Whether you need mental benefits like furthering your discipline muscle, physical […]