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Sanders ATA Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 160 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Council Bluffs, Iowa
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
- 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
- Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule sandersata.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (712) 328-2884
Hours
| Monday | 9–11 AM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9–11 AM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 4:30–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Master Sanders and his instructors are very patient with the kids and teach them great life lessons beyond the mat.”
Other martial arts here
“Excellent place to learn karate and other services too.”
What students say
“The instructors are friendly, patient, and knowledgeable.”
“This is definitely more than just taekwondo, and I could not be happier with the experiences that my kids have had and the growth they’ve shown. Confidence, respect, and manners.”
“Master Sanders and his instructors are very patient with the kids and teach them great life lessons beyond the mat.”
“Sanders ATA Martial arts is such a fun thing to, so worth it too.”
“Each session has a theme focused on a quality every parent wants their child to embody, taught by instructors who clearly care and take time to correct and praise the kids.”
From the reviews
15 years ago, my older son and I got our black belts together. It is one of my favorite memories and proud moments. Now I have my younger three in class. The entire program is wonderful! Can't say enough good things.
Excellent place to learn karate and other services too. My son has been going for 2 years and just loves it. All instructors are very respectful and professional. I would recommend this place to families and friends.
My daughter and whole family loves Sanders ATA! My daughter has gained confidence, leadership skills and discipline while attending classes here. She loves the instructors and I appreciate that they not only know taekwondo and the ins and outs but they also know how to teach children in a variety of ways.
I highly recommend Sander's ATA for any parent considering martial arts for their child. The instructor is exceptional with kids, making each class engaging and fun. My daughter is not only excited about attending her classes, but she's also inspired to become a black belt leader.
New to taekwondo? Start at Sanders ATA Martial Arts
Sanders ATA Martial Arts 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 Sanders ATA Martial Arts
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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