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Taekwondo a family affair

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Contributed by: Karen Groves /YourHub.com on 1/10/2008

On Jan. 10, a "Tigers" class was in session at ATA Martial Arts studio in Golden.

Taught by black belt Lindsy Pederson, 21, kids ages 2 to 5 bounced, jumped, kicked and bowed as she ran through a series of commands. A row of seats on the perimeter of the matted floor was lined with adoring parents.

Owner Jeff Pederson was preparing for the next class at the front counter. At his side was sister Katie, 23. His mom, Susan was working on a laptop nearby.

She said, "My older kids (there are seven) are homeschooled. When Jeff announced he wanted to be a taekwondo instructor as his life's work, we all got more involved."

Susan recalled, "Jeff started lessons when he was 17. His siblings began at an earlier age. Sara started when she was 9, Riley, who won a state championship title, started at age 6, Devan started at 6 and Angelina started at age 5.

The Pedersons live in Morrison. "We had to find another place to set up a studio because there is already an ATA studio in Littleton. This turned out to be perfect," Susan said.

The American TaeKownDo Association sponsors studios around the country. Susan said she thought the sport at early ages was less about defense and more about children learning how to focus and be disciplined.

"They learn how to get along with one another, and we have classes people can attend as a family, so it becomes a sport that is family-oriented," she said. "There aren't that many sports where an entire family can participate together."

Pederson said in order for someone to open an ATA business, they must have 300 hours of instruction. "There is a lot of training involved and ATA offers business seminars and two national competitions."

"We encourage students to go on, even though when they first start they don't have a clue. They change so much, and become more focused. There have been studies that show taekwondo for young people helps with school work and self confidence."

Pederson said the black belt, which is the ultimate goal for students, symbolizes planting a seed for the future. "It's a great sport at any age," she said.

For more information about ATA Martial ARts, call 303-279-7795 or visit www.ActionFamilyATA.com or e-mail info@actionfamilyata.com. It is located at at 710 Golden Ridge Rd. in Golden.

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