Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts hosted a community event called KIDZNPOWER TAE KWON DO CHILD SAFETY Open House that focused on teaching self-defense techniques, stranger danger awareness, and safety tips like calling 911 to over 125 local martial arts students and their families. Senior instructors from the American Taekwondo Association led demonstrations and workedouts. The event helped build children's confidence and taught them how to prevent abduction and handle bullying situations safely. The school also held a fundraising event to support the H.U. Lee Foundation which provides scholarships for ATA students and finished with additional training led by a chief master instructor.

1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br />CONTACT: Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts (Tae Kwon Do)<br />Senior Master T. L. Thomas, Master Instructor, 7th Degree<br />Phone: 757.471.9002<br />Website: http://www.ATAKICK.com<br /> Email: ChangingLivesMA@cox.net<br />Saturday, October 10, 2009 Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts hosted a community KIDZNPOWER TAE KWON DO CHILD SAFETY Open House at Landstown Middle School in Virginia Beach.<br />This spectacular event was kicked off with a Martial Arts Tae Kwon Do Self Defense workout for adults and instructors from Region 111. This workout was geared towards self defense and maintaining control in vulnerable situations.<br />Senior Master Thomas and his Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts Staff proudly welcomed the American Taekwondo Association Grand Master Candidate, Chief Master M. K. Lee and Senior Master Rick Abair. They were anxiously greeted by more than 20 ATA Martial Arts School Owners/Chief Instructors, 125 local ATA Martial Arts students with their families, and 50 Community Participants with their parents and siblings. As the event began, so did the confidence among the children as several slowly made their way to the floor. <br />KidzNPower is designed to focus on using breakaway self-defense techniques, recognizing possible Stranger Dangers and dealing with Bullies. It also reiterates 911, Fire Safety, and having a “Secret Code” with your parents. Senior Master Abair did an excellent job instilling these lessons, all while the children had fun!! We asked, Mrs. Tona Dano, “What has the ATA Martial Arts KidzNPower program taught your child?” She stated, “ATA Martial Arts has taught my son different ways to prevent abduction, and I am confident that he knows what to do in several different safety situations”. <br />Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts also held a board break-a- thon in honor of the Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee. The H. U. Lee Foundation was created to help ATA college bound students with the opportunity to continue their education. In the words of Eternal Grand Master, “Today Not Possible, Tomorrow Possible”.<br />We finished up the day with more than 30 ATA School Owners and ATA Martial Arts Instructors across the country participating in an enduring workout instructed by Chief Master M. K. Lee. As stated by Mr. Craig Willits, 4th degree black belt and owner of Spotsylvania Black Belt Academy, it was great having the opportunity to take part in such an outstanding workout with Chief Master M. K. Lee. Senior Master Rick Abair led an excellent child safety seminar. It was great to see and workout with many of my ATA Martial Arts colleagues. I thank Senior Master Thomas and his Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts staff for allowing us the opportunity to take part in the KidzNPower Child Safety Spectacular!!<br />Senior Master Thomas states, “The children, their parents, and adult students that attended now know that they don’t have to be a target and that they and their family can stay safe”. In addition, “the ATA families, tae kwon do students, and school owners once again proved what the ATA Martial Arts is all about, Changing Lives”… explain, Master Instructor, Senior Master Thomas.<br />Changing Lives Martial Arts will be offering a FREE 3 DAY SAFETY COURSE for all community members. Individualized classes for specific age groups. Learn more by visiting their website at http://www.atakick.com <br />