First Day at a KA!
Posted: August 12, 2026
An exciting time is coming up as your student is about to join our Karate Atlanta family!
Karate Atlanta is a part of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) and has been in the Atlanta area since 2000! We are excitied that you have chosen us as your martial arts home and can't wait to make an impact in your child's life through Taekwondo.
The first day is an improtant day as it helps ease the students into class, create expectations, learn how to "move" and perform at Karate Atlanta. Even if you don't normally come on Saturdays, you need to make an exception and be here Saturday, August 15th @ 12:00 NOON for our orientation class.
Step 1: Arrive Early
It's Atlanta! We get everyone is busy and usually bouncing between activity to activity. We respect your time and want to make sure we are starting classes exactly when we say we are. We don't want to be the reason you're late for your next appointment. Not only this, but students will have less anxiety if they come into class before it gets started. We know that students who are rushed into class while it's already moving might not have the best experience and will make them nervous when they go to attend their next class.
Step 2: Be in uniform
We do have rest rooms that students can change if needed but with it being orientation class we always expect more than regular classes. This goes back to step 1 about being ready, if you need to change try and arrive early to give your self ample time.
Step 3: Take your shoes off
Taekwondo is practiced barefoot. Students will need to take their socks and shoes off before class. Students can put their items in our shoe rack, or mom and dad can hold on to them.
Step 4: Grab your card!
Each student will have a card with their name on it located near the front door. Students will need to grab their card and hold onto it to give to the instructor. If you cannot find your child's card then please see an instructor ASAP as they can get you one made before class. We use this card system to track attendance and to make sure your child receives their rewards when they have reached their 3rd class.
Step 5: Have a seat and enjoy!
Karate Atlanta prides itself on having parents being able to stay and be a part of their child's martial arts journey. Students get a chance to learn exciting fun martial arts and mom and dad get a chance to support their child through clapping, cheering, and good reminders. We understand that sometimes you might have to step out to take a call or dash over to target. However, for the first class we encourage parents to stay and get all the information so they can help reinforce the expectations.
Effort, Attitude, Attendance.
For students to earn their white belt they will be graded on three things. Effor, attitude, and attendance. Like we stated earlier - attendance is tracked using our cards. Effort will be explained to the students as their imediate response to an instructors direction. Attitude will be judged by students responses, confidence and behavior in class. As martial arts experts we know this might be new for most students and we will make sure to make clear expectations with them and guide them through earning their first belt!
What happens after 5 classes?
The 5 class trial is not only a trial for your student to confirm they are ready for classes, but also a trial for our instruction and goals to see if they align with the direction you would like to see your student's martial arts path follow. When your student receives their white belt an instructor will set up an appointment to go over the 3 membership options with your family. In the 5 class trial there is no obligation to continue after the trial -- but you will receive incentives for joining the membership before the trial expires.
Who we are:
Karate Atlanta was formed in 2000 by our Founders- Senior Master Sul, Senior Master Wolfel, and Master Brabazon. Karate Atlanta has grown to 15 metro-Atlanta locations and is one of the largest martial arts groups within the American Taekwondo Association. Karate Atlanta Milton was started in August of 2002. Over the years Karate Atlanta Milton has grown from our humble beginnings in a 1,600 square foot facility to the facility you see today (This is our 4th "version" of Karate Atlanta Milton's location!)
The team at Karate Atlanta Milton is composed of 6th Degree Black Belt and partner Master Jimmy Bell, 5th Degree Black Belt Derrick Beillier, and 4th Degree Black Belt William Robinson. Not to mention all of our Black Belt assistant instructors and helpers! Master Bell has been with Karate Atlanta since June of 2002 and has been with KA Milton since the very FIRST day! Master Bell has two children, Harper a 12 year old at Hopewell and Spencer a 9 year old at Birmingham falls. They both hope to achieve their Black Belts soon! Master Bell's wife is a pre-k teacher at Alpharetta Methodist and also a 1st Degree Black Belt! The Bell's have been in Milton since getting married and are proud to not only be local business owners but the ability to support the community and friends in which the area they live in. Der