West of the Moon ATA holds first rank testing at new Oswego location

Jan. 22, 2012 - PRLog -- The culmination of ten weeks of training for students of West of the Moon ATA martial arts was rank testing this past Saturday.  Students demonstrated the material they had been taught and were graded according to the level of competency observed.  Eligibility for rank testing was determined by regular class attendance and proficiency in the material taught.

“It was a packed house,” says chief instructor Nick Zorn.  Students had to be separated into two groups by age/rank to accommodate the large number of guests expected.
Students were first put through a challenging physical workout by the four high-ranking black belt judges.  Then, each rank group was brought up to perform their required material.  Students were asked to perform self-defense techniques, contact sparring, board breaks, and many other aspects of their training.

“The most rewarding part of what we do is awarding new rank, especially to students that have had to overcome a lot,” says Zorn.  Many students start martial arts training to improve focus and concentration.  The nationally-accredited program taught at West of the Moon encourages good behavior at home and offers incentives for students.  Students learn important life skills and are challenged to use them in everyday life.

West of the Moon opened its new Oswego location on November 14, 2011.  The school is located in the Oswego Junction shopping center at the intersection of Orchard Rd and Mill Rd.  Previously, the school was part of the Oswego Family YMCA, but the popularity of the program forced the school to move into a larger location.  Since moving, the student population has nearly doubled.

The school is a member of the American Taekwondo Association.  Approximately 1,200 ATA-affiliated schools and clubs operate across the country.  The ATA offers the nation’s leading martial arts program, with more students than any other organization.

Information about training at West of the Moon ATA can be found at www.myataschool.com.

# # #

Family-friendly martial arts school in Oswego, Illinois that offers programs for both kids and adults