Kids Martial Arts

Sanders ATA Martial Arts features nationally-recognized, specialized programs created exclusively for children. Our programs cover two age groups, both of which teach the fundamentals of martial arts for kids.

Our ATA Tigers program is for children ages 4-6, and the Karate for Kids program is for children ages 7-12. The foundation of Sanders ATA Martial Arts curriculum is the ongoing review and development of life-skills such as positive mental attitude, high goal-setting, perseverance, self-control and confidence.

Click on each benefit below to learn more about how martial arts can change your child's life!

Can parents watch their child's class?

Yes! We love having families involved. You're welcome to stay and watch classes from our seating area. Some even join in – we offer family classes where parents and kids can train together!
What do students need to bring or wear?

Just a water bottle and a smile to start! We provide a full uniform with our intro program. Uniforms help students feel confident and part of a team, and they’re comfortable for active movement.
How much do your programs cost?

We offer a variety of programs to meet different family needs. A great place to start is our 8-week beginner package, which includes classes, a uniform, a t-shirt, and more – all for just $124. We also run seasonal specials and family discounts. No long-term contracts are required to get started.
At what age can my child start classes?

We accept students as young as 4 years old. Classes are age-specific and designed to match your child’s developmental stage. Our programs grow with your child, offering structure and progression every step of the way.
Are your classes safe?

Absolutely. Safety is our top priority. We maintain a low student-to-instructor ratio to ensure personalized attention, and all instructors are certified with hundreds of hours of training. Classes are highly supervised and structured to match each child’s ability level – challenging, but never overwhelming.
Will martial arts make my child aggressive?

Not at all. In fact, we teach the opposite. Our students recite a student creed that includes: "I will use self-control in my actions." Respect, courtesy, and self-control are core values we emphasize in every class. Our goal is to build character, not conflict.
How often do students need to attend classes?

Most of our beginners start with 2 classes per week. We offer classes up to 6 days a week, so families can find a schedule that works. Consistency is key to building skills and confidence.
What if my child is shy or has trouble focusing?

Martial arts is one of the best tools to help with confidence, focus, and social skills. Our instructors are patient, experienced, and trained to meet kids where they are. We've helped countless shy or high-energy kids thrive on the mat!
What makes Sanders ATA different?

We are the only full-time martial arts facility in Council Bluffs with certified instructors, a six-day-per-week schedule, and a global organization backing us with over 600 schools. We've been serving families since 1991 – and we’re here for the long haul.
Will my child have fun?

Definitely! Martial arts at Sanders ATA is energetic, engaging, and full of positive reinforcement. In addition to training, we host exciting events like pizza parties, summer camps, buddy nights, and themed challenges. Kids have a blast while building confidence and friendships.
Monday

9:00am Warrior X Fit Kickboxing 10:00am Krav Maga 4:30pm Camo - Red/Black 5:15pm White/Orange/Yellow 6:00pm Tigers: White/Orange/Yellow 6:45pm Camo - Red/Black 7:30pm All Ranking Black Belts
Tuesday

11:30am Adult Taekwondo 4:30pm Tigers: White/Orange/Yellow 5:15pm Camo - Red/Black 6:00pm White/Orange/Yellow 6:45pm All Ranking Black Belts 7:30pm Leadership/Legacy 7:30pm Warrior X-Fit Kickboxing
Friday

4:30pm White/Orange/Yellow All Ages 5:15pm Camo - Red/Black 6:00pm 1st & 2nd Rec. Black Belts 6:00pm Warrior X-Fit Kickboxing 7:00pm Krav Maga
Saturday

9:00am Warrior X-Fit Kickboxing 10:00am White/Orange/Yellow All Ages 10:45am Camo - Red/Black 11:30am All 1st & 2nd Degree Black Belts
Wednesday

9:00am Warrior X-Fit Kickboxing 10:00am Krav Maga 4:30pm 1st & 2nd Rec. Black Belts 5:15pm Camo - Red/Black 6:00pm White/Orange/Yellow All Ages 6:45pm Camo - Red/Black 7:30pm 2nd Dec. & 3rd Black Belts
Thursday

11:30am Adult Taekwondo All Ranks 4:30pm White/Orange/Yellow 5:15pm Tigers: White/Orange/Yellow 6:00pm Camo - Red/Black 6:45pm All Ranking Black Belts 7:30pm Leadership/Legacy 7:30pm Warrior X-Fit Kickboxing 8:30pm Krav Maga
Goal Setting / Achievement

Most forms of martial arts are based around an accomplishment system of colored belts that signify the wearer's degree of skill. When your child strives toward each new belt, they are learning valuable lessons about setting and reaching his/her goals.
Life Skills

The benefits of martial arts training don't end in the classroom. The boost in confidence, increased fitness level and new cooperation skills will also help your child navigate the academic and social aspects of school, affect their behavior at home, and have an all-around good influence on him/her as they develop into an adult.
Physical Activity

Limiting screen-time is a great idea when it comes to getting kids off the couch and encouraging them to be more active, but it only goes so far. Enrolling an inactive child in such a physically demanding pastime not only discourages the sedentary lifestyle she's used to, but also gives her an enjoyable activity that inspires her to keep moving.
Sense of Respect

Learning any Songahm Taekwondo will require your child to show their instructor unflinching respect. Today's kid culture doesn't always include respect for authority, adults, or those in advanced positions. When he/she goes to Songahm Taekwondo class though, your child will be learning lessons in respect, along with new moves.
Self-Discipline

One of the central tenets of all forms of the martial arts is an absolute focus on self-discipline. Today's kids are so accustomed to receiving instant gratification that lessons in self-restraint and discipline aren't always easy to come by. Kids with a martial arts background, however, are continually reminded of how essential self-discipline is.
Teamwork Skills

Whether he or she is breaking boards to get a new belt or sparring in a practice setting to master a new maneuver, there are few things that your child does in martial arts classes that will be done on their own. Working together to learn new things and accomplish goals is an important life lesson for kids to learn, and instruction in the martial arts can help your child learn that lesson.
Socialization Skills

Kids who don't always thrive in highly social environments may find it easier to get to know people and make new friends when they're in a room filled with peers who share a common interest. The kids on the playground may not always have much common ground, but devotees to the martial arts are able to get to know one another through shared pursuits. Partner-driven training can also foster camaraderie, as they force kids to pair off and build their skills together.
Listening Skills

In order to master the skills being taught, and advance through the belt ranks, your child will have to exercise superior listening skills. Kids who aren't always adept when it comes to paying attention to what they're told can benefit from the verbal instruction and one-on-one work in the classroom.
Self-Esteem

Confidence comes with achievement, so your child's self-esteem level will get a boost with every new move he masters and every belt he/she earns. Kids who struggle with a low sense of self-worth usually become more confident as time progresses while they're enrolled in a martial arts class.
Non-Violent Conflict Resolution

Thinking that martial arts instruction promotes violent behavior is justified if your only experience with the activity comes from television or movies. In fact, many defensive styles teach kids peaceful, non-violent conflict resolution skills and emphasize the importance of avoiding a physical altercation.

Get Started Today!

I love this program for my boys, they have a hard time focusing in class sometimes, but overall they enjoy practicing and getting their steps learned. They also love to remind one another to act like a “black belt leader” . - Baleigh M.