The "Songahm Star" is the pattern that is formed on the ground if all 18 forms of the Songahm system are completed. In a perfect Songahm Star, the distance from the center point of the star to the top point is nine feet ("feet" being the student's foot length). The total distance from the top point to the bottom point equals 18 feet, representing the number of forms in the Songahm system.

Like any martial art properly taught and properly practiced, Taekwondo is a non-agressive and ethical system of self-defense.

Taekwondo developed from humble beginnings over 1,000 years ago and has since spread internationally to become one of the world's most successful and popular martial arts. Its practitioners enjoy physical and mental discipline, as well as excellent fitness and the ability to defend themselves if necessary. Taekwondo is not only a combat sport, but is also a way of life for enthusiasts around the globe.

The word Taekwondo itself is made up of three Chinese/Korean words: Tae, meaning to kick or jump; Kwon, meaning fist or hand; and Do, which means "the way." Loosely (if not literally), it can be thought of as "The Way of the Hand and Foot."

While famous for its wide range of kicks, Taekwondo also emphasizes breaking power, such as splitting wood and bricks using only the bare hands and feet. Training involves a variety of techniques, to include punching, kicking, dodging, jumping, parrying and blocking. Taekwondo also focuses on sparring and learning formal patterns of movement called forms.

The style of Taekwondo supported by the ATA is known as Songahm Taekwondo, a style specifically developed over 20 years' time by Eternal Grand Master H. U. Lee to make it accessible to anyone willing to learn, and to truly reflect Taekwondo and the strength and beauty of its kicking techniques.  

We offer all members a VIP Discount when considering whether Taekwondo is right for them. Try our classes ABSOLUTELY FREE for 30 days, and see why so many parents choose ATA for their families.

Take a glance at our TESTIMONIALS, and read through our FAQs, to find out if martial arts is right for you. Conveniently located inside the NorthPark Mall in Joplin, Missouri, our school boasts the most family friendly martial arts facility around. Drop by and say "HELLO"... we'd love to hear from you!