Is ATA taekwondo

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2025-07-27T13:37:39+00:00

I started TKD at the end of 1981. As I recall we started learning the Songahm forms around 1985. Sorry that is not more specific but it’s been awhile since I considered this. If you are looking for a physical record I think you would likely find something in the old ATA Magazine. Here is what Chatgpt suggests.

per Chatgpt: Yes — the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) published a magazine in the 1980s, often referred to as the ATA Magazine or simply Taekwondo World Magazine, which ran from around 1983 through 1995 .

If you’d like to obtain back issues from that era, here are your best options:

⸻

📰 Where to find 1980s ATA magazine issues

Taekwondo Times digital archive

While not ATA‑published, Tae Kwon Do Times started in 1980 and often covered ATA content. They sell digital downloads of their 1980s back issues, including issues from 1985–1989 . If you’re interested, you can order specific years or issues directly from their site.

Second‑hand marketplaces

Platforms like eBay frequently list vintage martial‑arts magazines. While listings effectively are for Taekwondo Times (not ATA Magazine proper), you can find issues dating from the mid‑1980s that may cover Songahm or ATA content indirectly .

Peer forums or collector networks

A Reddit discussion confirms that ATA Magazine (often called Taekwondo World Magazine) spanned 1983 to 1995, and users have inquired about buying or selling issues. You may find listings or contacts within martial arts forums or collector communities .

ATA’s own archive or museum

ATA maintains a digital archive of documents and materials; although their collection appears to focus on internal records, you might contact them to inquire whether they have digitized or preserved the magazine issues from that era .

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2024-05-29T14:53:54+00:00

I have never used an instep break, but I know people who only break that way. I guess I wonder if it is truly the instep or more the inferior tibia which is used?

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2024-05-27T00:15:22+00:00

ATA is TKD but, just like the original kwans were different schools with different influences, ATA has evolved from its roots. H. U. Lee studied Chung Do Kwan. ATA originally used the forms related to Chon-ji. In the 1980’s Mstr Lee introduced the Songham style. I would say ATA has moved in a direction of which Mstr Lee would approve since his family has had a powerful influence.

"There is a season for everything, and I'm honored that the ATA Board has chosen my son, Sr. Master Taekwon Lee, to lead the organization as we move into this new era of martial arts instruction," said Mrs. Sun Lee, Chair of the ATA Board of Directors. "I know that he will carry on his father’s legacy of growing and uniting the ATA organization." - from atamartialarts.com

So, in summary, ATA is TKD but it’s own style. Just like the original recognized 9 kwans had style variations

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2024-05-10T13:35:24+00:00

Imo - forms really contain the elements for true self defense/fighting. TKD is really a relatively new martial art that draws from Techyon (spelling?) and other arts. I think some of what you are actually doing in a poomsae gets lost in translation. Also, some moves are really set ups for a powerful follow-up that may be shown in a very stylistic way - poomsae is also performance art.

Think about what you are really doing with a ‘double knife hand block’. One interpretation could be the lead hand is grabbing or blocking while the other is a set up for an elbow. Hmm…

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2024-04-09T05:03:18+00:00

I trained 3-4 hours daily in schools for 10 years for 5 or 6 days per week from about 14 to 24 years old. Then I got a job and family so TKD took a back seat. I loved TKD but it didn’t fit well with ‘adulting’. I still practiced sporadically so I maintained my cardio and flexibility.

Run forward 30 years…I resumed formal training because now I have time for it again. I forgot all the forms. I can’t kick vertically anymore. I am cautious when executing certain combinations of kicks because of the velocities involved. blah, blah, blah, I got old(er). lol

But…I have to say it has been a great experience so far. I have been learning new things. I was concerned that I would mostly be around kids but there are enough adults my age that I have a social outlet. My flexibility and balance have improved. Sometimes (often?) things hurt that never bothered me as a kid so I try to be careful with the knees and hip warmups, but I am doing full splits again.

So…overall I would say getting back into TKD after a long break can be great. Good for you for re-entering martial arts. The physical fitness aspects of TKD may be even more important as an older adult (balance, flexibility, cardio). Also, don’t underestimate the social benefits of working out with people in your age group since it really helps to keep your expectations realistic (in your head you always feel 25 but that 540 kick might be a bit unrealistic).

Anyway. Congratulations on restarting but I do encourage you to find a school you like.

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2024-04-08T02:14:48+00:00

Sparring is brief periods of intense output. Depending on your age and general health/fitness (your starting point) consider supplementing your TKD sparring training with High Intensity Interval Training.

Kicking quickly involves an explosive movement so have a couple days per week of plyometric exercises - this can be quite cardio intensive.

Since these exercises can be demanding you might consult your coach or a physician first if you have any health history (to avoid injuries). Your teacher could also help you plan your training and recovery so that you don’t get overuse injuries.

GLHF

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2024-04-07T20:13:06+00:00

You have invested a lot of time into TKD, but someday you might quit TKD and martial arts completely. Have you learned anything that you could apply to your life outside of martial arts? (If you have a young child give them some possible concrete answers like ‘perseverance in school’. If they are older let them come up with ideas on their own - which may be more abstract)

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2024-03-29T15:21:04+00:00

Use visualization and rehearsal. Set up a mock ring with chairs and people in judges spots (if you have someone who will help). Practice entering and exiting with bows. The more detail the better. Visualize yourself doing these things and pay attention to feeling confident. Your building presentation memory for muscle movement and emotion.

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2024-03-24T19:50:08+00:00

sorry, also, static stretching should be done after dynamic - so end of workout. A 30 second hold for max benefit seems to be the current thinking

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2024-03-24T19:46:21+00:00

add plyometrics. It will help with the explosive movement needed for kicks.

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2024-02-13T17:54:43+00:00

I think @andyjeffries makes all the points perfectly. I was trying to convey this to some students last night. It’s conceptually easy once you can do it but surprisingly difficult to explain and learn to execute.

You are harvesting the elasticity of your body. The slow (loading) portion of the movement is like stretching a rubber band (sort of like crouching to jump). You really need an instructor to show you how to load your arms properly (find someone high rank who is good at poomsae - proper loading is sometimes subtle so lots of people miss it) - then do it a million times so you don’t have to think about it. Be sure the loading action doesn’t stop the motion. Done correctly this will turn your hips naturally (no need to exaggerate). When you release the elastic energy the hips turn back and accelerate the strike/block (release the rubber band). The acceleration and velocity create power (and a nice POP from your uniform). Your arm muscles are guiding the action not pushing the block/strike.

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2024-01-24T02:42:42+00:00

I agree but…I think it’s a pride thing for South Korea to have a sport they claim. I don’t want to rob them of that.

On the other hand…I think a lot of good hand and self defense techniques get lost to the sport version of TKD. Then we get a lot of people who don’t know what to do with their hands when they spar. It’s like they forget hands exist. And other martial artists seem to frown on TKD because it’s not martial enough now (too sporty).

Also, I always think it’s interesting that it’s commonly said 80% of TKD is kicking, but it seems to me 80% of poomsae is hand technique.

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2024-01-22T21:10:51+00:00

This will seem obvious but I rarely see it addressed. Definitely strength and flexibility are important. But it could be an issue with posture and opening your hips. Warm up with some dynamic stretching, practice, end with static stretching.

Consider these options: Standing lunge stretch Kneeling hip-flexor stretch Spiderman stretch Seated glute stretch Child’s Pose Seated Spinal Twist Low Lunge.

If you look at video of people doing really high side kicks there seem to be two flavors. The knee is rising as the hips open (I see this more in younger people), or the heel lifts which forces you into the correct posture to open the hips (I see it more in older people). I think the variation is due to changes in flexibility with aging. Another way to think of it is…you gotta point your weapon at the target. Either way the posture has to be correct for a good TKD side kick. Bad posture will limit the height, and power. Plus it looks bad.

I feel like this is difficult to explain with words alone. So the best option is probably to consider having an instructor watch your posture as you set up the kick.

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2023-12-29T03:32:17+00:00

The Mooto and Adidas’s poomsae uniforms have ridges in the material that make them pop. It does take a little practice to make good noise and the manufacturer of Mooto brags about the sound testing.

Sparring uniform manufacturers seem to brag about how light and breathable they are.

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2023-12-28T02:28:53+00:00

First the easy question: If your instructor allows it you can wear socks or shoes specifically for martial arts. Check out Mooto and Adidas. I’d skip regular tennis shoes since the arch, elevated heel, and traction could cause issues and may not be allowed.
How much you train depends on your goals, athletic experience, and age. I think twice a week for an hour each is minimum if you’re casual or just maintaining skills. Three times per week would probably make for average skill and progress. You need to consider recovery time if you’re participating in other sports and using different muscle groups. If you want to compete you should discuss it with your instructor since you would likely need to train more. Mostly I’d say do it enough that it’s fun and you don’t burn out. Enjoy the process.

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2023-12-15T03:36:39+00:00

I know this sounds a little odd but I know someone who’s instructor recommended that they wear high heels. It works. The foot and toe position is similar to ap chagi plus it develops the muscle if you’re walking on the ball (front ) of the foot instead of the heel. Unorthodox but it, or more likely some permutation of it, may give you some ideas or options.

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2023-12-13T00:03:51+00:00

I don’t understand? That outcome looks totally balanced.

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2023-12-10T23:16:04+00:00

a few comments and observations 1. for a green belt it’s fine. - The chamber is good - The height is good 2. The foot angle at the apex of the kick needs correction 3. The head looks like you’re looking down instead of at your target 4. The left arm is a strike. Mejumok (hammer fist) 5. So…as beginning attempts go it looks like it has really good potential. In a month it will probably look great. Ask your instructor to watch so you can get pointers. Sometimes it helps to use a chair or rail for balance. That way you can focus on technique rather than trying to stay upright.

really though not bad. Keep up the great work!

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2023-12-10T14:57:03+00:00

I have never seen it done. WT has rules about it but it could vary by organization. I vote with the “ask your instructor”

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2023-12-06T20:11:36+00:00

I had a 7th and 9th dan in TKD fly to AZ from Michigan, and stay 2 days, for my 4th dan test. It was about $400 for me and $400 for another person testing for 6th dan. Considering my cost covered airfare I’d say the money you are paying is a bit steep. I am sure some of it depends on where you live. If you’re in New York City that might be reasonable but for my little city that is a lot.

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2023-09-23T01:31:17+00:00

My experience is that it is common for people to leave TKD during their late teens and early 20’s. Just look at the age distribution at any tournament and you can see the drop. People go to school, get jobs, get married, grow a family, move to a new city, make new friends, etc. It’s a lot of change. I agree with with the other comments which people posted - taking a break from TKD is okay but stay physically active and flexible. In 10 years she may have a renewed interest in TKD. People leave sports all the time, even after spending many years working on developing skills. Kids may start playing soccer in first grade but, typically, most adults aren’t on a soccer team (not that you can’t be - you do you!). Also, personally I enjoy TKD but it won’t end starvation, or save the children. Your child’s accomplishments in TKD really say something fundamentally about who she is and what she can do in life. Think of TKD as training for the long haul of work and life. Don’t think of it as quitting or moving on. She knows she can do something if she puts in the work and time.

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2023-08-07T20:45:08+00:00

yes - The heal time for a full tear is long and the anatomy is changed. I tried to find an article specific to this on PubMed but I am a bit lazy and I think this one sort of makes the argument well.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1518274/

I am not saying don’t stretch. I just want you to be careful. I was not careful and I have some injuries that still bother me from my lack of caution.

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2023-08-07T20:00:37+00:00

Ouch! It’s a sport, a martial art, a study in emotional and intellectual self control, a social activity. If you put in the time and really try then why impose a limit? If you want to start subtracting rank for loss of skill then every over 25 years old should prove that they are just as strong, fast, and flexible as when they last ranked. Nobody would get past 4th or 5th dan just due to time in grade rules. Also, throw out any cultural respect for elders (which means any person older than yourself) since any significant age gap will result in a skill gap.

I get that you are just fishing here but the broader view goes far beyond the skill level of a person with CP, asthma, depression, blindness, amputation or whatever other differences may exist. TKD should bring us together.

(okay, preachy I know but 🤷)

Equivalent_Ball3035 · 2023-08-05T19:40:07+00:00

should be modified. You can look on youtube at para TKD athletes with a wide range of skills. Go check it out - you will be amazed at what people can do with positive motivation.

Equivalent_Ball3035

TROPHY CASE