Business Details
Empowering Families Through Martial Arts in Bridgeton, MO
ATA Martial Arts has been dedicated to empowering individuals through martial arts training since our founding. Our programs emphasize confidence, discipline, and self-respect, tailored for children, teens, and adults of all skill levels. With certified instructors trained through the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) and over 300 hours of supervised preparation, we prioritize safety, cleanliness, and personalized instruction. Our curriculum integrates goal-setting methodologies, bullying prevention strategies, and specialized programs for individuals with special abilities, ensuring an inclusive environment.We actively engage parents through progress reports and collaborative events, fostering a community where students develop physical fitness, mental focus, and life skills. Recognized for our commitment to excellence, we provide a structured yet engaging atmosphere where students of all ages achieve personal growth and martial arts mastery.
Services
Martial Arts Classes
Self-Defense Training
Special Abilities Programs
Kids Karate
Family Martial Arts
Highlights and features
- We offer goal-setting programs to help students achieve success in and out of training.
- Our instructors are certified with over 300 hours of training and safety certifications.
- Specialized bullying prevention and self-defense training for real-world confidence.
- Inclusive programs for individuals with special abilities, focusing on individual strengths.
- Parent involvement opportunities to support student progress and community building.
Associations and certifications
- American Taekwondo Association
What people say
Caring instructors
Improved discipline
Inclusive programs
Amazing instructors
Active and self-disciplined
Services
Martial Arts Classes
Structured martial arts programs for all ages develop physical fitness, mental focus, and life skills. Students learn self-defense techniques while building confidence and discipline through a curriculum emphasizing respect and goal-setting. Classes cater to individual progress.
Special Abilities Programs
Inclusive martial arts instruction tailored for individuals with disabilities. Our approach focuses on strengths, offering modifications to ensure accessibility while promoting physical activity, self-confidence, and social integration in a supportive environment.
Self-Defense Training
Comprehensive self-defense courses teach practical techniques for real-world scenarios. Students gain confidence through situational awareness training, bullying prevention strategies, and physical defense methods applicable across all age groups.
Kids Karate
Age-specific programs for children aged 3-12 build motor skills, focus, and character. Through engaging activities, kids develop respect, discipline, and social skills while improving coordination and physical fitness in a structured setting.
Family Martial Arts
Family-friendly classes that strengthen bonds through shared learning experiences. Participants of all ages train together, fostering mutual support while developing martial arts skills, physical health, and collective goal achievement.
People
Master Joan Cather
Chief Instructor
With two Masters of Education degrees and special education certifications, Master Cather has taught since 1992. She specializes in adapting instruction to individual strengths, particularly for diverse learners, combining martial arts expertise with educational leadership.
Mr. Micky Ingardi
Assistant Instructor
A 5th Degree Black Belt with teaching experience since 2015, Mr. Ingardi focuses on personalized instruction. He emphasizes student strengths and has trained extensively in ATA methods since 1999, bringing both technical skill and mentorship to classes.
Questions
What age groups do your martial arts classes accommodate?
We offer programs for Tigers (ages 3-6), Martial Arts Kids (ages 7-12), and Teens/Adults (ages 11+), each tailored to developmental needs.
How does martial arts training benefit children's development?
Our programs improve physical fitness, self-discipline, and confidence while teaching respect, focus, and social skills through structured, engaging activities.
Do you offer specialized classes for children with special needs?
Yes, our Special Abilities program provides adaptive martial arts training designed to accommodate diverse learners in an inclusive, supportive environment.
Can families train together in your martial arts classes?
Absolutely! We encourage family participation through group classes that strengthen bonds while developing shared skills and mutual support.
Is prior martial arts experience required for enrollment?
No prior experience is needed. Our instructors guide beginners of all ages through gradual, confidence-building progression in a welcoming atmosphere.
Do you offer trial classes for new students?
Yes, we provide a 4-week trial program with a free uniform to help families experience our training before committing to regular classes.
Reviews (5)
Sarah Ruth
Jan 21, 2022
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Our son has been taking classes since June 2019 and we could not be happier with his progress! Ms. Cather and her staff go above and beyond and has helped our son develop not only his martial art skills but boosted his confidence and leadership abilities. We would have been totally lost without their guidance and zoom classes during the pandemic. We will be forever grateful to Ms. Cather and her wonderful team. You all are amazing!
Caitlin C.
Jan 13, 2022
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I have two children in ATA Bridgeton, both at different belts. The instructors are great about tailoring their teaching methods for different skill levels. My kids confidence level have increased immeasurably. They have learned respect and accountability. The instructors, especially the junior instructors are always welcoming, inclusive, and eager to help. I highly recommend ATA Bridgeton, especially if you have a child that might need to come out of their shell a little bit.
Diana Whitmore
Jan 12, 2022
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Best place to be if u are looking for someone to help u or your kids with confidence, discipline and overall test your limits, the instructors and staff are great!!! 100% recommend
Phyllis Roberts
Jan 09, 2022
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I have been a part of this ATA family since 2010. Through the patient and professional instruction from all of the instructors and the leadership of our Chief Instructor Master Joan Cather I have accomplished tasks that I would never had imagine. Through my experience I have reached the level of a second degree blackbelt, as well as becoming a World Champion in forms, weapons, sparring, and combat sparring. I have been able to transfer my Taekwondo teaching experience into my professional life as well. More than gaining Martial Art training I am now part of a family that I know will be there whenever
Kat Twins
Jan 03, 2022
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I was a student there, I don't know how to spell her name but one of the instructors there grabbed my sister's wrists even though my sister said no, and then she tried to gaslight my mom and say it didn't happen. Apparently they aren't teaching us some basic things we are supposed to do anyways. Gonna miss the students there but we're not going back.
