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McCranie ATA
5 ★★★★★ 86 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Semmes, Alabama
Part of ATA Martial Arts
Style / system: ATA / Songahm — based on the school's own site and student reviews. Taekwondo systems (Olympic/World Taekwondo, ITF, and ATA/Songahm) differ in forms, sparring rules, and tournaments; if lineage matters to you, confirm it with the school. ATA vs WT vs ITF, explained →
Affiliated school — reviews and the school's own info point to a recognized taekwondo organization or franchise (think ATA Martial Arts, Kukkiwon certification, World Taekwondo, or ITF). If credentials matter to you, ask which association the school belongs to and where the head instructor earned their black-belt (dan) rank and certification.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most schools welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Kids & teens classes kids and teens taekwondo classes — built around discipline, focus, confidence, and anti-bully skills
- Beginner-friendly all ages and levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Sparring sparring classes, from Olympic-style to point sparring — controlled, gear-on training that builds timing and confidence at your own pace
- Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule mccranieata.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (251) 473-0015
Hours
| Monday | 12:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 1–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:30–8 PM |
| Thursday | 1–8 PM |
| Friday | 2–6 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“We've been here for two years so far and my child has grown confidence, respect, and overcome so many fears and worries.”
“2 years here with our son who started as a Tiny Tiger and is now in Karate Kids.”
“Classes are divided by age and rank so I have little exposure to teen and adult classes which occur at different times.”
Other martial arts here
“Karate is an outlet for him and a chance to learn something that he can carry into adulthood.”
What students say
“Fantastic program and for all ages and fitness levels.”
“As other reviewers have stated the McCranie Martial Arts team treats you and your child like family, and it’s a great family to belong to.”
“The instructors are friendly and patient, making classes enjoyable for my kids. They've improved skills and gained confidence and discipline.”
“All the instructors have won numerous State and District titles and a majority of the instructors hold multiple World Titles from multiple years of tournament competition.”
“McCranie ATA is an exceptional choice for martial arts instruction, and we whole heartedly recommend it.”
“We've been here for two years so far and my child has grown confidence, respect, and overcome so many fears and worries.”
From the reviews
My son started about 9 months ago and not only has his self discipline improved but so has his attitude! Their patience is unmatched!!!!
This is the best place for the entire family. I have been to another TKD school and it was nothing like this place. They make you feel like family. My son and I go together and we LOVE it! They are so good with the children. My son has improved in so many areas since he's been going to McCrainies ATA.
I can’t even being to praise this school enough. I signed my son up in January for the free trial and he loved it so much we signed up for the leadership program. He has blossomed out of his shell and has gained so much courage and disciple in the few short months he’s been there.
Instructors are so amazing.... my kids love coming here and have so much fun. great place to be... instructors and staff are absolutely fabulous and make you feel like family... my oldest has always had an issue with being social with others, he has been able to be himself and gain friendships in the process..
New to taekwondo? Start at McCranie ATA
McCranie ATA comes up as a beginner-friendly school, going by their listing and students’ reviews. If you've never trained or set foot in a dojang, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and instructors scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable schools build fundamentals (stances, blocks, kicks, and basic forms) for weeks, sparring eases in gradually and with gear on, and instructors keep it controlled and safe. Third, all ages and all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most schools are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first taekwondo class at McCranie ATA
Nervous about walking into a taekwondo school for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, and kicks with a partner or on pads — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: loose athletic wear you can move in (or a dobok if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the floor. What to bring: water and a positive attitude — many schools lend a loaner dobok for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll get your own dobok and belt, and sparring gear (mouthguard, headgear, and guards) once you begin sparring. Sparring eases in gradually, once your fundamentals and forms are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the instructor. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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