Echelbergers Ata Blackbelt Academy

I went to ATA for four years. My older brother did real martial arts and then I found out that ATA is not a real martial art. I do Kenpo Karate now, and looking back, I see it as the worst self defense system ever! ATA’s self defense are COMPLETELY WORTHLESS. When the head instructor tried bending my fingers to bring me down, it didn’t work because she did not know how to do the pressure point. She made up a lame excuse saying that I was «double jointed». ATA does not show you how to actually fight. All they do is «point sparring», and they only let you hit 10−20% because they want to avoid lawsuits. When people go to ATA and say it’s a good martial art, they are totally wrong and don’t know what a good martial art is. When they test you for your belt, they don’t care. All ATA wants is your money and they give you your belt even when you look terrible. Also, when they teach stick fighting they only teach you a worthless defense with worthless strikes. But get this! You can learn more if you join thee almighty leadership program! Don’t worry, it’s only $ 150 – 200 DOLLARS A MONTH. Plus the very little kids class (Tiny Tigers) is legit baby sitting. The people at ATA only want your money because the people at the ATA HQ are rich and greedy. If there are anyone who goes to ATA and thinks I’m wrong, then don’t even try arguing with me. I would destroy you in an argument against ATA. If you think I’m wrong, go to a real karate school for at least 6 months and tell me what you think. I honestly feel sad for the people at ATA. It is so commercialized.

Went to a kids birthday party there and the sell was on! It was a horrible experience… they also tried to sell the kids too! My family has done martial arts for about 12 years and I would never expect to see anything like this at a professional school. If you are good at what you do you dont need sales people, the people will seek out information if they are interested. Look around before you sign up for anything!

I attended this school for about five years. The first few years were a great experience for me and my fellow peers. But the last few years was not a good experience. Mr. Echelberger was rarely at the school and he left the school in charge to young adults who weren’t mature enough of properly operating the school. Many of the students who tested for black belt didn’t know their forms too well; and seemed to be «dominated» in sparring by color belts in regular classes. Yet they still «earned» their black belt. Echelberger’s ATA is not the martial arts school to attend if you want to become more athletic and disciplined.

This isn’t Echelbergers ATA, it’s Cory Ball’s ATA. The owner is nonexistant in teaching classes. Mr. Ball doesn’t teach any of the forms or one step sparring.
Each time I complained, my son was offered a higher rank. He came in as a camo belt and at the end of 30 days, they were offering him recommended blue if I’d resign.
There are some really great ATA schools, but this is not one of them. The windsor and Rohnert Park school far surpass the talent here. These kids are missing out on a true martial arts experience.
Our son ran their «black Belts» across the floor in sparring. It got so bad that Mr. Ball had to step in repeatedly to yell at the black belts about running away.
I feel bad for the kids because the owners have checked out and Mr. Ball for all his great effort is not the answer.

Echelberger’s ATA is a wonderful place for kids and families to train in the martial arts. They truly care about each and every student and make sure to take the time to get to know you personally, which makes it easy for them to help with improvements on form and training skills. My son has been at Echelberger’s for a little over 2 years now, and has shown such improvement, not only in his Taekwondo skills, but also in his attitude, focus and determination. Mr. Ball is by far our favorite instructor. He is very gifted in working with people of all ages and abilities, and really takes the time to encourage and support each and every student.

Yes — there are a lot of belts, and a fee for each, but this IS a business. The expense being acknowledged, the instructors here are incredible and really work hard to connect with the kids, encourage and inspire them. Our experience (2 ½ years) has been overwhelmingly positive.
The physical and mental benefits from martial arts training, as well as the increased self-​esteem my daughter has experienced have been substantial. She feels a great sense of achievement when she earns a new rank. and has remained motivated to learn and improve, which is a testimony to the quality of the instruction at this academy.

VERY commercialized. Fifty trillion belts, each coming with the privilege of a belt fee. You get a belt whether or not you suck, but as long as you keep paying.
Poor communication and staff awareness. Parents are left without information about progression or requirements, making for a lot of confusion.
Mr. Echelberger is very nice, and has good intentions, but this is as commercial as a martial arts school gets.