07/05/2026
Respect Starts With the Little Things
Last week we talked about fresh starts.
This week, we're taking the next step.
One of the biggest misconceptions about respect is that it's only about how we treat other people. While that's certainly important, respect actually begins much closer to home—it begins with how we take care of ourselves and the things we've been entrusted with.
This week our students will learn that the little things matter.
A clean uniform.
A neatly tied belt.
Taking care of their sparring gear.
Putting their equipment back where it belongs.
Keeping their bedroom clean.
None of those things earn a trophy.
But every one of them builds character.
Those small daily choices become lifelong habits, and those habits eventually shape the kind of person our students become.
Color Belt Life Skill: Respect
This week our Color Belts continue exploring Respect by focusing on personal responsibility.
Students will be challenged to:
Keep their uniform clean, neat, and ready for class.
Respect their training equipment by taking care of it and putting it away properly.
Show self-respect at home by keeping their room clean and organized.
Family Challenge
Ask your child to prepare their own uniform before class this week and challenge them to keep their room clean and organized.
Sometimes the greatest lessons begin with the smallest responsibilities.
White Belt Life Skill: Belief
This week our White Belts continue learning that Belief is "YES I Can!"
Our focus this week is Trust.
Students will learn to:
Trust themselves when trying something new.
Trust their instructors to help them grow.
Trust that their parents always want what's best for them.
Every challenge is another opportunity to build confidence.
From My Heart
One of my favorite moments this week happened after class.
A parent came up to one of our instructors and asked, "Are you teaching on Monday?" When the instructor said yes, the parent smiled and said, "Good... my son really connects with you."
That simple conversation was a reminder that the greatest impact we make isn't always through teaching the perfect kick or form.
Sometimes it's simply taking the time to build a relationship.
Every child deserves to have someone who believes in them, encourages them, and makes them excited to come to class.
Those connections are what make our ATA family so special.
Happy Birthday!
Little Rock
🎂 Tallia Ahmed
🎂 Ethan Harris
🎂 James Wilkerson IV
Maumelle
🎂 Mercer Cunningham
Bentonville
🎂 Ranajay Meduri
🎂 Adya Naraharisetti
🎂 Anvi Padmanabhi
🎂 Zahra Rahmani
🎂 Sansa Rane
Happy Birthday to all of our ATA family members celebrating this week! We hope your year is filled with growth, success, and many memorable moments on the mats.
School Updates
Rank Advancement Camp
This week is one of our favorite weeks of the year—Rank Advancement Camp!
We're excited to watch our students challenge themselves, learn an entire curriculum cycle, build new friendships, strengthen old ones, and discover what they're truly capable of.
Growth doesn't happen inside our comfort zone, and this week will be filled with opportunities to push limits, set new goals, and celebrate hard-earned achievements.
We can't wait to see everyone level up!
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your family's journey.
Every week we have the privilege of watching students grow—not only as martial artists, but as young leaders with confidence, discipline, and character.
Thank you for trusting us to be part of that journey.
Stay safe, take care, and if you can… take care of someone else.
We'll see you on the mats!
With gratitude,
Master & Mrs. van Tonder
and the wonderful ATA Teams
