"Let me start off by saying ATA Karate Denver is my first experience with any formal martial arts school for my children and I find them to be a 1 1/2 star school thus far. So how do I come to this decision with nothing to compare it to? How can I be so arrogant as to what should be the expectation? One of my children started back in March of this year and the teachers have been patient, encouraging and joyful to be around. However, one of my issues is the turn over of the teachers on the staff. Through the course of 7 months I have personally seen 6 different teachers come through the school and it's aggravating and disappointing for my children and for myself. How does one build a rapport and trusting relationship when teachers come and go? ATA Karate Denver also has issues with equipment orders and getting the correct size for children. When my child started back in March, he was given the wrong size headgear from the start and we had to wait about 2 months before we purchased our own headgear for him. We took our son out of the school because of other obligations and since we were under agreement the school let our daughter take his place. For my daughter who started 2 months ago we're currently still waiting for a chest protector. I find these incidents totally unacceptable and not the proper way to operate a school when safety is an issue. We've also dealt with less than ethical contractual agreement issues with respect to outright lying. When we decided to enroll our son into the school we spoke with some type of manager. He played well in getting my son excited about Karate and wanting to become a black belt. When it came time to discuss cost of tuition and length of contract time things became muddy and dishonest. We were told that the only option available was a 3 year agreement and what the tuition would be. It sounded off but what did we know? So again we asked him was a 3 year agreement the only option available and we were told yes, so reluctantly we signed up. After about a month we found out we were lied to because we talked to other people signing up with less than 3 year agreement and we brought it up to management. At that point we're told that there are agreements less than 3 years and the main office set us up with a satisfactory agreement that we could be comfortable with. So there you have it, that's our experience. Many issues to deal with and our contract will be up soon. Can I say this has been a learning experience? Yes. Can I say we will repeat it? No!, ATA Karate of Denver needs to become more honest, organized and consistent and have instructors stay for more than a couple of weeks. This has been extremely frustrating and I only speak for my family but I assure you that other parents feel the same. Could I recommend this school to you in good faith and honesty? No, look elsewhere and if you have any recommendations please let me know." read more

We have just enrolled with ATA Denver NC and are all exited to move forward with the program. The manager and instructors have encouraged discipline and a healthy lifestyle. My children are learning more respect through the classes and I have seen advancement in their confidence as they take pride in themselves when they "suit up" each week. It is a commitment on the parents part, as well. When I was approached by who seemed to be a recruiter, I was impressed with the assertiveness and self confidence of this young individual. Although I did not sign up immediately, there was no problem in communicating with the management to further understand the program. ATA Karate helps promote current, positive lifestyles for children and also assists in potential future endeavors for participants of all ages. Keep up the great work! read more

Let me say I agree and observed everything that was discussed in Anthony's post. We were lied to. We had six different instructor changes and they even tried to change thier requirements for cancellations. I strongly recommend that you look elsewhere for a school for your children. read more

ATA Denver is a huge money pit for parents. They do not tell you things are non-refundable, they will pump your child up on upcoming events and then tell the parent that there is a additional charge for the child to participate. Parents cannot afford this type of service in todays economy read more

My daughter has been with ATA Karate for several years and she is a confident 1st degree leader. I see it, her school teachers see it, and others see it. It makes me proud. I know that it starts in the home but ATA Karate has contributed to increasing her confidence and leadership skills. The exposure she has had with the several instructors has only made her better not only in techniques but in adapting to different perspectives and styles of thinking and teaching. When you want the best for yourself or your family, it is an investment and a commitment whether it be martial arts, dance, soccer, and I so on. As a parent, I am the one who determines what is best for my child and I would definitely recommend others! read more

My son has been going to this "business" for almost a year. I call it that because all they care about is the money. They are supposed to be teaching respect and honesty to children but don't practice these things themselves. I called to discuss issues with class cancelations and instructors not being on time. I had to leave as message to never get a return call. I did however get a call a few days later to ask if I wanted the belt promotion fee to come out automatically from my account. My son hasn't been to classes much this month or last due to being out of town and because they cancelled 2 of the 3 classes he went to. So no he will not be getting another belt because he hasn't earned it. No one wants to take responsibly to handle the issues and you get tossed around. This is the worst place to go to get the true experience you should when you sign up for classes like these. I would highly discourage anyone from signing up with this place ever! read more