ATA Karate For Kids Opens in Learwood Square

The owner of the new ATA Martial Arts Karate For Kids Studio in Learwood in only 21-years-old, but already is an accomplished business manager and competitor.

Erin Shelley, who owns the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) studio next to the newly opened Taki’s Greek Kitchen, is a fourth-degree black belt, an instructor and manager of the ATA location, which opened Sept. 1

“I worked at the Mentor ATA for seven years; the last three as manager,” Shelley said.

The Painesville resident, who has been practicing Taekwondo since fifth grade, began instructing others at 14 at the Mentor location and as the location’s manager by age 17. Opening her own studio was the next logical step.

Although Shelly has placed third world and national competitions, and has earned multiple state championships in sparring Weapons and Forms Competition, she says instructing is her long-term goal.

“I’m a much better instructor than competitor,” Shelley said.

“Karate For Kids” might be a bit of a misnomer. The ATA center, one of several across Northeast Ohio, accepts students from 4-6 in the Tiny Tigers program, 7-12 in the Karate Kids program and 13 to adult in the oldest group.

“My father started when he was 50,” Shelley said, noting that her father, a third-degree black belt, often spars with her.

The benefits of Karate are many, Shelley said, and in addition to physical fitness, can help children with attention issues.

“It’s great for kids with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD; it helps them focus,” she said.

Each month features a different theme (i.e. Courtesy, Respect, Self-Control and Self Improvement) and students have report cards focusing on if they applied the theme at home, school and at karate.

Many of her students are also involved in other sports as well.

Students can work their way up from white belt through different degrees of black belt. Classes , which range from 30 minutes for Tiny Tiger to 45 minutes for Karate Kids and adults, are separated by skill level. Four classes are offered for each age group and level and students can select two of the four classes per week.

“Students can compete at ATA tournaments,” Shelley said. Competitions range from regional (Ohio and Pennsylvania) to national competitions, held this past year in Las Vegas in March and Orlando in October. The world competition, if students meet that level, are held in Little Rock, ARK.

“They are closed tournaments for ATA kids only,” Shelley said. “That way the students know what to expect.”

Classes average 20 students per session. The center is open from noon – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, with classes starting about 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For more information visit avonlakeata.com for specific schedules or call 440-933-9399.