At Elevate ATA, we teach a traditional martial art, called Songahm Taekwondo. White Belts learn seven beginner techniques to practice a form, sparring drills (one steps), combative drills (warrior combos), and a self defense manipulation. These basics build the foundation for all future training.

We divide our classes by age because students learn differently at each developmental stage. Tailoring instruction to age groups helps ensure that every student gets the right balance of challenge, support, and structure. By thinking about each student’s learning needs first, we set them up for the greatest success.

Classes are also divided by rank because each level of martial arts training has its own unique skills and curriculum requirements. Grouping students into beginner, intermediate, and advanced ranks allows everyone to train at an appropriate pace. This is similar to how traditional schools separate students by grade level. This ensures productive training and steady progress.

Elevate ATA Martial Arts is owned and operated by Chief Instructor Emily Burris. Our staff includes additional full-time and part-time instructors, all of whom are certified and professionally trained under ATA International standards.

We recommend attending two classes per week. Consistent training is the key to developing confidence, skill, and long term success in martial arts.

Like any sport or activity, students will occasionally need equipment to participate. This included weapons that rotate every few months during the curriculum cycles. As well as sparring safety gear, required once a student begins sparring for rank advancement. All equipment is ATA approved to ensure safety and consistency in training.

Students should wear their traditional Taekwondo uniform, the do-bok, to every class. Students participating in weapons training should bring their weapon. Once students begin sparring, they should bring their sparring gear bag to each class.

Weapons training is an exciting part of Songahm Taekwondo that helps students build fine motor skills, muscle development, coordination and accuracy, and distance and control. We use Protech Safety Weapons, meaning they are ATA approved and designed with safety foam to keep training safe.

Sparring is one of the most dynamic aspects of Taekwondo. Beginning at Camouflage Belt, sparring becomes a requirement for rank advancement. Sparring allows students to apply their skills in real time, helping them develop distance, timing, speed, and control. All sparring is done in a safe, controlled environment, and students wear full safety gear during each class.
Students eager to begin sparring early may do so! Be sure to speak with an instructor to determine the right class and gear needed.

Board breaking is fun, but it also serves a deeper purpose. It teaches students to combine power, precision, focus, and confidence in a single technique. Board breaking begins at Purple Belt and becomes part of the requirements for each rank moving forward. As with all training at Elevate ATA, board breaks are taught in a safe, positive, and age-appropriate way.

Testings are an important part of the Elevate ATA experience. They give students the opportunity to showcase their skills for family and friends, demonstrate their progress and hard work, and participate in a positive, family-oriented event where encouragement and growth are the focus.

Testing is considered a formal event within ATA. Along with tournaments, testings are among the most formal experiences students will have in their Taekwondo journey. We want students to take pride in the moment and approach it with their best “Black Belt Attitude.”

Not every student will be ready for every testing and that’s perfectly okay. Students are encouraged to train at their own pace. Life events such as vacations, illness, and injuries may delay testing, and we would much rather a student wait until they feel confident and prepared than rush.

Elevate ATA Martial Arts hosts six belt testings per year, roughly every eight weeks. Testing gives students a chance to demonstrate what they've learned in front of family and friends. Every belt has its own set of requirements. Once students earn their “Ready to Test” stripe, they are invited to the next testing event.

Yes! Performing under pressure is an important life skill, and testing gives students a safe environment to practice it. Feeling a little nervous is normal — and often a sign that they care. Testing also helps students build confidence and self-esteem, celebrate their progress publicly, move forward in rank alongside their classmates and friends.

Later in training, Black Belt Rank testings require participation in formal testing events, which is why attending formal testings early on is highly recommended. The practice and experience will be invaluable.

We understand that family commitments or vacations sometimes interfere. For those situations, we offer make up testings during the week following formal testing. These must be scheduled in advance with our Instruction Staff.

When our academy hosts its formal Rank Testings, regular classes are not held. We always work to post testing schedules well in advance so families can plan accordingly.

We also close for most major holidays, and, just like with testing dates, we make every effort to share these closures early.

Because Elevate ATA is part of an ATA region that includes Columbus, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh, our academy will occasionally close for regional tournaments, which take place four to five times per year in those areas. In addition, our academy closes for several major annual events: Songahm Taekwondo World Championships in Phoenix, AZ (approximately one week in July), District Championships (May/June), National Tournaments(March/April and October)

As always, we provide as much notice as possible for any planned closing to help our students and families stay informed.

Yes! As part of the American Taekwondo Association, our students have access to one of the best tournament circuits in the nation. Tournaments are always optional, but they’re a great way to build confidence, learn life skills, and make lasting memories.

All memberships are month-to-month and can be canceled at any time with proper notice to an Elevate ATA staff member.

Training has natural ups and downs, and we encourage perseverance, goal setting, and open communication. If you or your child ever feel unsure, please speak with an instructor, we’re here to support your journey!

Yes. Living in Ohio means winter weather can affect our schedule from time to time. If Franklin County is under a Level 2 Snow Emergency one hour prior to the business opening, our academy will be closed. 

Text messages and emails are the quickest and most efficient ways for us to communicate with our Elevate ATA families. We use an internet-based platform called Spark to send important reminders about upcoming events, schedule changes, weather closures, and other updates. We also share this information on Facebook and other social media platforms. 

Please know that we never sell or share your personal information. Your email address and phone number are used solely for communication between you and our academy. If you ever choose to stop receiving messages, you may opt out at any time.