ATA Karate for Kids: Changing the World, One Black Belt at a Time

For almost 30 years, the has been serving the community and offering top-notch instruction in a safe and positive learning environment.  The ATA was founded by Eternal Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee, one of the original pioneers that brought martial arts to America.  The American Taekwondo Association academy has trained over 1,500 students, some of whom have gone on to earn the titles of Illinois, National and even World champions.

The ATA has over 1 million members and is still growing strong.

Owner Gene Candreva takes great pride in his students and has been teaching for over 39 years. His two daughters, ages 21 and 19 are both fourth-degree black belts, while his wife attained a first-degree black belt and is testing for her second-degree.

Candreva , a seventh-degree black belt and one of the highest-ranking instructors in the American Taekwondo Association, is assisted by Larissa Demakos at the school in Oak Forest. Demakos started out as a Tiny Tiger herself.  Now 18 years old, she instructs class like a professional and has trained under rigorous standards.

Classes are offered on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the Oak Forest location while other days and classes are available at the Bradley, IL location. Tiny Tigers advanced for ages 3-6 is offered from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  This class is for the children who have already completed the Tiny Tigers beginners’ class, which is offered from 5:30 p.m. to 6pm.

Candreva explained the use of geometry in this class. "The kids use lines, rectangles, multiple squares and everything is ambidextrous as they learn to use both left and right arms and legs," he said.

Candreva is proud of the fact that his school is family-oriented, and he encourages families to learn Taekwondo together for a special bonding experience. The Advanced class addresses dexterity and form of the learned skills.

The classes are taught under an 8-week curriculum based program wherein, according to Candreva, "knowledge gained is rewarded with upward movement in the belt system." The system is made up of colored belts representing the level of expertise of the student, beginning with white and ending in the ninth-degree black belt.

Every year students from the school travel to Little Rock, Ark. for the World Championship competition where they compete among the best of the best in the world. Currently the school boasts 12 World Champions, 20 United States National Champions, and many Illinois State champions. 

Candreva also participates in a nationally recognized anti-bullying leadership program in schools to help promote healthy problem-solving and confidence. Volunteering his time to help at-risk as well as special needs children is a passion for the instructor, as well.  He is currently involved in various programs and pursuing his masters degree in special education. Martial arts are widely recommended for kids with attention deficit disorders, Candreva said.