ATA Leadership NOW
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Training with other leaders taught me how to set and achieve my goals. As a member, I even earned a college scholarship! Look out world, here I come!
Letters from ATA members and their families published in ATA World Volume 19,
Number 4 – Winter 2012
My name is Brooke Hathhorn. I am 10 years old and train at Kaminski’s ATA in
Allison Park, Penn.
I took a babysitting course, which was offered by Hampton Township School
District. Within that class I learned CPR. I didn’t expect to use those skills,
but I did two days later when I went on vacation in Wisconsin. My cousin Noah
fell into a pool. His mom was able to pull him out and begin CPR. My dad called
me over, knowing I just had finished a CPR course. I said, “I can do this,” and
finished CPR on my 4-year-old cousin. He spit up and was taken to the hospital
and released. He is doing just fine now.
I am in the Leadership program at Kaminski’s ATA, which includes helping the
younger Tiny Tigers. I was in the Top 10 in Creative Forms in 2011 and a State
Champion in multiple divisions in 2011 and 2012. I am a strong student who loves
math and English.
I hope other students get a chance to learn CPR. You never know when you may
need to use those skills in a moment’s notice.
Brooke Hathhorn
2nd Degree Black Belt Rec.
Gibsonia, Penn.
In 2005, I enrolled my son Joseph into Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts Academy
in Virginia Beach, Va. I had no clue at the time that it would end up being the
very best thing that I could have done for him. During this time he was
diagnosed with autism. The discipline and structure set by Senior Master Thomas,
along with his instructors, brought many positive changes in his life. Joseph’s
focus, confidence, flexibility, and balance improved with each class. I saw joy
and the ability to truly harness the very best of what lies inside him. The
biggest reward from ATA was the feeling of acceptance.
Now, in 2012, Joseph just hit a huge accomplishment becoming a 3rd Degree Black
Belt. His passion and determination for a World Champion title this year was
strong. Joseph’s goal was to compete in five events in Arkansas. After a year of
hard work and strenuous competition, Joe earned first place World Champion
titles in Traditional Weapons, Sparring, and XMA Forms. He also earned second
place in Traditional Forms and XMA Weapons.
Christine Feser
Virginia Beach, Va.
