Atlanta’s United Tae Kwon Do

Bottom line: We feel extremely fortunate have our son train with Master Mast.
Last summer I spent a lot of time researching martial arts studios for our almost 5 year old son. My father in law is a teacher and had remarked about the significant difference he saw without exception among students who practiced martial arts. He noticed greater self-​confidence, self-​control, self-​awareness, better discipline, better focus, better grades, better manners and I could go on. We also had a consultation with an Occupational Therapist who advised us that this type of training would be one of the best things we could do for improvement in areas where our son needed help.
While researching I saw that this studio hosted birthday parties. We viewed a class and decided to have his birthday party there. After invitations went out several parents told me they had also had parties at the studio or been to a party there and that the only downside would be that it will be impossible to top a birthday party at ATL TKD. True to this high proclamation, the party was spectacular. The cake, the pizza the party bags and a piñata were included! He cut his cake with a samuri sword. The kids got to break boards and were guided through a class as well. All the adults watched in amazement as Master Mast controlled, and entertained 20 ⁴⁄₅ year olds who were in definite party mode. It was the best.
We then signed up for classes in November. I have seen such a dramatic difference in my son in this short time that it seems unreal. Even I as a parent have learned so much from Master Mast. He has high expectations for the students. He doesn’t modify these expectations or lower them for anything. Each child is expected to rise to the expectation and they do. Sure they are kids and this fact is not lost on Master Mast, but his true gift to them is that he makes them see that they can do it, and seeing this they in turn want to do it. The class is also benefited by the help of other adult instructors; so all of the kids regardless of class size or differences in ability are all given a great deal of attention. The other instructors are also great spirited gifted teachers who add so much to the experience. I am glad this studio is close to our home, but we would drive and do whatever we could to have Master Mast teach our son TKD

Last night, we got an email from Master Mast telling us that ATL UTKD is now on Unilocal.I told my 5-​year-​old daughter, who has been a student there for nearly a year. After explaining to her what Unilocal is, she instructed me, «GO ON THERE AND GIVE MASTER MAST 100 STARS!!» I explained to her that 5 stars is the highest possible rating, and she was not pleased, as 5 is apparently not enough stars.
I could not agree more. Master Mast is, from an observer’s perspective, an outstanding teacher. He has a way with his students, be they 4 years old (as my daughter was when she started) or full-​grown adults (as are many in the school). My daughter loves going to class and has learned a lot about Tae Kwon Do as well as about herself. I am consistently impressed at the confidence and self-​discipline she shows in class. And, as a parent, it is hard not to be proud of someone accomplishing such things. But, I have to say also that it is hard not to give a great deal of the credit to Master Mast, as well as my daughter.
Master Mast’s ability to be stern, clear, confident and direct while also approachable, friendly, and engaging with the students is remarkable. My daughter often suffers from a fear of failing. But, in his class, she tries everything and actually enjoys being pushed to do her best while also improving. Here’s an example. During her first color belt test, she was asked to break boards with her punches and kicks. She had never seen anyone else do it and was clearly afraid. After a few attempts, Master Mast let her go without having to break them. But, he said to her, «don’t worry, we’ll get them broken.» The next day, in class, one of the first things he did was bring out those boards again, and, with the confidence of having passed her test, she broke them on the first try.
So, the bottom line is, this school is outstanding, and though I’m not a student there, I can see how thrilled the students are. My daughter usually attends three days a week, but recently, upon learning there is a fourth class she can attend (the Saturday family class), she has begun to insist that we take her four times a week. We will do so happily! So, take it from her, 5 stars are not enough.

Very proud to be a part of the ATLU TKD community. I am thrilled by the discipline and focus our six year old is learning from class and his interactions with other students. Don’t miss Saturday open mat sessions!

**Birthday Party Review**
I was pleasantly surprised! The instructor and his helper were very involved with the 3 – 6 year olds. They taught the kids some different moves which the kids all loved. They had the kids do some stretches first which I thought was cute. Then the kids had snacks and cake. The cake cutting is really cool (kind of scary too). The instructor helps the birthday kid hold a Samurai sword to make the 1^st cut. Then the kids break boards and the instructor writes their name on it. Then they do a piñata and the instructor has a ton of extra candy for the kids so everyone gets a lunch. Goodie Bags are included too.
There is plenty of party here and the place is well lit with a lot of natural light. No hats or shoes allowed in the studio which has a mirrored wall.