ATA Tigers (Ages 4–7) – Taekwondo for Young Children

Maximise Your Child’s Potential & Accelerate Development With Mango Martial Arts Academy

Young children are naturally curious and active — and sometimes they find it hard to control their bodies and their behaviour. They thrive on structure, and they respond well in an environment that’s supportive, educational and fun.

The ATA Tigers programme is designed to enhance your child’s ability to pay attention and follow directions. In an age of sensory overload, this is a skill that produces immediate results, reflecting positively on their academic work and everyday life.

We welcome students from ages four to seven years old.

What Your Child Will Learn

In each ATA Tigers class, your child will

The programme places focus on

Confidence

Belief in oneself is a real core component of Taekwondo. Your child will learn to face challenges and enjoy the sweet fruits of success.

Respect

Many characteristics of martial arts are traditional in nature, teaching children respect in their classes — be it bowing or patiently waiting for their next set of instructions.

Focus

The structure of the classes is such that the importance of focus is drilled into them, teaching children to apply it to easily achievable tasks. The focus they gain in class is carried home and into the classroom.

Discipline

Discipline is doing what is right. Children learn to follow instructions immediately, confidently and respectfully towards others.

Bullying Prevention

The programme teaches children to avoid being targeted by bullies, to keep calm, to sensibly approach situations, and how to speak to a trusted adult about bullying.

Self-Defence

We teach simple and effective methods of self-defence: striking vulnerable targets with power, staying aware of your surroundings, and escaping from grabs.

These core pillars are interwoven within every session to ensure your child gains so much more than kicks and punches: they build character, confidence and resilience.

How the Classes Work – Fun Meets Structure

Every class is carefully structured to allow each child to feel safe, supported and engaged, and, importantly, to enjoy learning.

A typical session includes

  •  

    Warm-up

    light movements and games to involve the body and brain.

  • Skill drills

    practising basic Taekwondo stances, kicks, punches and footwork.

     
  •  

    Focussed tasks

    Short, directed activities that build coordination and discipline, such as partner mirror drills or navigating obstacle patterns.

  • Self-defence and awareness

    Age-appropriate lessons in staying safe, using their voice, escaping gentle holds, and recognising unsafe situations.

     
  •  

    Fun challenge or game

    Designed to reinforce movement and teamwork through playful exercises like “ninja tag”, target kicking or obstacle races.

  • Reflection and recognition

    Children review what they achieved, get positive feedback, and may earn a stripe or badge towards their next belt.

     

Small class sizes are maintained so that each child receives individualised attention and feedback.

Our teachers emphasise encouragement over competition, allowing children to progress at their own rate while celebrating every step of success.

Benefits for Your Child and Family

Registering your child in the ATA Tigers programme has numerous benefits for both the child and the family.

Improved Focus and Listening Skills

In today’s distracting world, children who learn to follow physical instructions, wait for their turn and engage cooperatively develop stronger focus. Parents often notice improved concentration at school and quieter behaviour at home.

Improved Coordination, Agility and Fitness

The movement patterns, exercises and drills in Taekwondo build balance, coordination, flexibility and overall fitness in a fun way. Healthy habits that form early in life can last a lifetime.

Confidence and Self-Esteem

Every small success — mastering a new movement, earning a stripe, or receiving praise — reinforces a child’s belief in themselves. This confidence translates into the classroom and beyond.

Respect and Self-Discipline

Martial arts instil respect towards instructors, peers and oneself. Sitting quietly, following instructions and waiting patiently are all aspects of discipline that promote positive social behaviour, complementing academic success and family harmony.

Bullying Awareness and Safety

Rather than promoting aggression, the programme equips children with awareness, confidence and communication skills to handle difficult situations calmly and responsibly.

Family Connection and Long-Term Value

For many families, martial arts become a shared experience — siblings or parents often join classes too, making it a unifying and long-term commitment to health and well-being.

Our Instructors and Teaching Approach

At Mango Martial Arts Academy, our ATA Tigers classes are instructed by experts specialising in early-years teaching. They combine Taekwondo mastery with child-centred coaching techniques.

  • All instructors are certified through ATA International and have years of experience teaching children aged four to seven in safe, positive settings.
  • We believe in guided discovery: children are encouraged to try, make mistakes, learn and grow. Instructors provide patient, constructive support.
  • Our environment is inclusive; every child matters, abilities vary, and classes are tailored to suit different learning speeds.
  • We uphold strict safety standards: all sessions are supervised, equipment is maintained and class sizes are kept manageable.
  • We encourage parents to observe, ask questions and stay involved with their child’s development. Open communication between the instructor and parent reinforces good habits at home and maximises progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Children from four to seven years old can enrol in the ATA Tigers programme.

Not at all. Complete beginners are most welcome and will advance gradually at a comfortable pace.

Comfortable active clothes are great for the trial class. Once signed up, we will guide you on how to order the official ATA uniform (dobok).

We recommend one to two sessions per week for consistent progress, although flexibility is provided.

Children earn stripes for displaying particular skills and can test for a higher belt when ready. It’s all about personal development, not competition.

Yes — we teach awareness, verbal assertiveness and basic escapes suitable for young children.

Many parents notice that their child’s concentration, confidence and cooperation improve at school and at home.

Enrolment and Getting Started

Starting your child’s journey is easy:

  • Book a free trial class

    let your child experience the environment first-hand.

  • Choose your schedule

    select from our available class times for beginners.

  • Attend your first session

    comfortable clothes are all that’s needed.

  • Follow their progress

    watch as confidence and skills grow, week by week.

Our Location and Community

Mango Martial Arts Academy, based in Castlebar, County Mayo, invites you to bring your family closer together through our classes. Our bright and modern dojo is family-friendly, ensuring that young learners are both secure and inspired. Parents appreciate our focus on both physical training and character development. We believe martial arts should nurture respect, focus and confidence just as much as physical skill.

Enrol Your Child in The ATA Tigers Programme Today

If you want your child to be active, confident and respectful while having fun, then the ATA Tigers at Mango Martial Arts Academy is the place for your child.

Children aged four to seven step into a structured, exciting world of martial arts that supports their growth physically, mentally and socially.

When you are ready, we are here to welcome your child to begin their Taekwondo journey with us.

Here at Mango Martial Arts Academy, we believe Taekwondo is not merely a sport. It’s an art of becoming stronger, more self-assured, and more concentrated in all aspects of your life.It’s an art of becoming stronger, more self-assured, and more concentrated in all aspects of your life.

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  • +353 896181208

  • info@mangomartialarts.com

  • Company Registration: Mango Martial Arts Limited (Reg. No. 755280)

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