ATA Black Belt Academy; Karate for Kids reaches anniversary

The ATA Black Belt Academy and Karate for Kids, at 1836 Maple Road, is celebrating its second anniversary.

The two school owners and instructors, Anthony VanMaele and Patrick Rae, said they continue to update and improve their instructional abilities by attending international seminars and leadership camps offered by the American Taekwondo Association's Masters Council and Grand Master.

They added that their training is to ensure that the students are receiving the best quality instruction that the martial arts industry has to offer.

The Amherst school, an affiliate of the American Taekwondo Association in Little Rock, Ark., is one of 45 schools in Region 117, which includes schools in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.

The ATA and its affiliated organizations have registered more than 950,000 members worldwide, including 53,000 black belts and more than 3,500 certified instructors.

Since the first class was taught, the focus has remained the same: "To provide students the highest quality martial arts instruction available in a safe and positive learning environment that people of all ages can enjoy."

ATA Black Belt Academy and Karate for Kids has developed several programs to choose from: Jump Start Tiny Tigers (3-year-olds), Tiny Tigers (4-, 5- and 6-year-olds), Karate Kids (7- 13-year-olds) and adults.

VanMaele and Rae said the programs offer children a strong foundation in essential character qualities such as courtesy, respect, and discipline. In addition, the program is designed to improve children's motor skills and enhance their ability to pay attention and follow directions.

In April 2006, after months of training, VanMaele was tested by ATA Grand Master Soon Ho Lee and was promoted to the rank of fifth-degree black belt. During the 2005-06 tournament season, Rae earned the title of New York State champion and became the third-degree black belt state champion in weapons forms.

For more information on classes, call 688-4254 or visit www.ataonline.com to find out more about the American Taekwondo Association.