My Review of the Anthem ATA Martial Arts School in Anthem, AZ

My family and I went to the Anthem ATA Martial Arts school for 2 ½ years.

In order to get into a program that would allow advancement to black belt, we had to sign a 3 year contract. There was a one-time membership fee of $1176 (we were allowed to make payments), plus 35 payments of $360 per month. This rate covered 4 family members, and subsequent family members could be added at no charge. The contract could be canceled without penalty anytime within 30 days after the date it was signed. Otherwise, the contract could only be canceled under very specific circumstances, such as permanent disability, or moving more than 25 miles away from any American Taewkondo Association (ATA) school. Our contract also had an automatic renewal clause. If one doesn’t cancel the contract at the end of the contract, the membership agreement will automatically renew for an additional 12 months, at $200 per month.

A teaching cycle lasts approximately 8 weeks. If a student has attended the required minimum number of classes (15), and is able to demonstrate the material to the instructor, the student is given permission to graduate to the next belt. In general, the student must be able to demonstrate a Songahm Taekwondo form, a weapons form, a board break (or board break combination), 1 or 2 self-defense sequences, and proficiency with a sparring combination (lower belts) or sparring (at higher belts).

Lower belts are allowed to spar. Higher belts are required to spar. Protective gear must be worn, and the amount of contact allowed is none to light contact with lower belts. Otherwise, it is dictated by what the person being hit is comfortable with (usually light to medium contact). In any event, punches to the face, or contact to the back and lower body are prohibited.

I can’t really speak to the quality of instruction, as this is the only martial arts school I have attended, but it seemed like decent martial arts training. Thankfully, I’ve never had to put it to the test in a real life situation. I have a generally positive outlook on the curriculum, especially for children. The school also teaches “Life Skills” to round out the martial arts training.

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this school. We had a major falling out with the owners a few months back, when one of the owners treated my wife poorly multiple times in the space of a few days. We have not attended classes since. Although the co-owner promised that our contract would be cancelled, and she said there would be no hard feelings, the co-owner reneged on that promise, and we are obliged to honor the contract. Thus, I have come to the conclusion that the owners do not follow the “Life Skills” they themselves teach. The details can be found at http://www.ughfest.com.

When it comes to choosing any martial arts school, be very cautious when signing a long-term contract. Be wary of schools that include an auto-renewal clause in their contract. And finally, know that while you may initially get along with the school staff, things may go south. Don’t be like us: paying on a contract to a school you are unwelcome at.