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21 Years
experience
Confidence Building Martial Arts Classes in Franklin Park
As the owner of ATA Martial Arts, I founded this school in 2005 with a commitment to empowering individuals through martial arts. Our programs emphasize personal development, instilling confidence, discipline, and self-defense skills in students of all ages. With over 50 years of combined experience, our certified instructors create a supportive environment where children and adults thrive. We specialize in Songahm Taekwondo, parkour, and fitness-focused martial arts, blending traditional values with modern techniques.

Our curriculum is designed to build life skills, from goal-setting to resilience, ensuring students carry their growth beyond the training floor. Recognized as part of the largest martial arts organization in the U.S., we uphold rigorous standards of excellence while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere. Every class reflects our dedication to community enrichment, helping parents raise confident leaders and adults achieve their full potential.
Services
Karate for Kids Adult Martial Arts Parkour Classes Summer Camp Tournament Training
Details
  • Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
  • Certified instructors with 40+ years of combined experience
  • Proven curriculum blending traditional Taekwondo with modern fitness
  • Specialized programs for children, teens, and adults
  • Focus on life skills like goal-setting and resilience
  • Family-friendly environment with community-focused values
Associations and certifications
  • American Taekwondo Association (ATA)
What people say
Boost in confidence Amazing program Laser-like focus Family-friendly environment Lifelong skills
Services
Karate for Kids
Our Karate for Kids program teaches essential life skills through structured Taekwondo training. Students develop discipline, respect, and confidence while learning self-defense techniques. The curriculum emphasizes goal-setting and perseverance, helping children build character that lasts a lifetime.
Adult Martial Arts
Adult Martial Arts combines high-intensity workouts with practical self-defense training. Participants improve physical fitness, mental focus, and stress relief through dynamic Taekwondo techniques. This program fosters personal growth and community connections in a supportive environment for all experience levels.
Parkour Classes
Parkour Classes enhance agility, strength, and confidence through movement-based challenges. Designed for ages 5+, the program teaches safe, controlled techniques while promoting creativity and problem-solving. Students gain physical coordination and mental resilience in an engaging, team-oriented setting.
Summer Camp
Our Summer Camp offers immersive martial arts training combined with character development activities. Children build confidence, social skills, and physical fitness through daily classes, games, and teamwork exercises in a fun, structured environment.
Tournament Training
Tournament Training prepares students for competitive martial arts events at local, state, and national levels. Participants refine techniques, develop strategic thinking, and build sportsmanship skills under expert guidance, fostering both personal and competitive growth.
People
Jim Wade
Owner
Jim Wade, a 6th Degree Black Belt, founded ATA Martial Arts in 2005 after witnessing the transformative impact of martial arts on his own children. He specializes in pediatric programs and community empowerment.
Marcy Wade
Owner
Marcy Wade, a 5th Degree Black Belt, co-owns ATA Martial Arts with her husband Jim. She focuses on child development and family engagement, bringing expertise in creating inclusive learning environments.
Daniel Wade
Chief Instructor
Daniel Wade, a 5th Degree Black Belt, leads adult and advanced student training. He specializes in adapting traditional martial arts for modern fitness and self-defense applications.
Tom Sawyer
Instructor
Tom Sawyer, a 5th Degree Black Belt, focuses on child development programs. He emphasizes creating structured, engaging environments that foster discipline and confidence in young students.
Lydia Wade
SKILLZ Instructor
Lydia Wade, a 3rd Degree Black Belt, specializes in early childhood development through martial arts. She designs age-specific curricula that build foundational skills for preschoolers and young children.
Questions
What martial arts programs do you offer for children?
We offer Karate for Kids (ages 4-12), Tiger Cubs (ages 3), and Jump Stars Parkour (ages 5+) with age-specific curricula focusing on confidence, discipline, and physical development.
Do you provide adult martial arts classes?
Yes, our Adult Martial Arts program combines high-intensity fitness with practical self-defense training for ages 14+, emphasizing mental focus and physical conditioning.
Are trial classes available?
We offer limited-time trial programs with no commitments, including free first classes and discounted introductory packages for new students.
How do martial arts benefit children?
Our programs improve confidence, focus, and discipline while teaching self-defense skills. Students develop social skills, goal-setting abilities, and physical coordination in a supportive environment.
What makes your school different from other martial arts studios?
As part of the largest martial arts organization in the U.S., we combine 40+ years of tradition with modern teaching methods, certified instructors, and a family-focused community environment.
Do you offer summer programs?
Our Summer Camp program provides daily martial arts training, character development activities, and physical fitness exercises for children ages 5-12 in a fun, structured setting.