If you want to create resilient kids, kids who have the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, who can face the world when they leave your home then this is the place for your family. Each student is challenged to always do their personal best. It's not a belt factory where everyone passes a belt rank test every time. If you believe in pushing your child to be their best then you'll want to check them out. There's no surprise that resiliency is a characteristic of some of the world's most successful people. It's also a required trait to endure and succeed in some of the toughest specialties in the U.S. military. According to former Navy SEAL, Eric Greitens you need the following skill set to instill these qualities in every student. At Keene's ATA Martial Arts they work on these very skills. . 1. Set A Great Example. Like any self-improvement program, increasing resiliency requires demonstrating a commitment. And if you hope to inspire others, such as your children, it's doubly important. "To paraphrase Ralph Waldo Emerson, who you are will speak more loudly to your children than anything you say," says Greitens. "If they see you always able to pick yourself up when you've been knocked down, that's behavior they're going to adopt intuitively." 2. Take responsibility. Responsibility here means over everything that you can control in your life. There are things you can't control, sure--but know the difference. "Teach your children early not to pass the blame or make excuses, but to take responsibility for their actions" says Greitens. 3. Seek to serve others. Besides positively affecting the rest of the world, service to others emphasizes that life really isn't about just one person (you). It also helps you increase resourcefulness and empathy. "Children who know that they have something to offer others," Greitens says, "will learn that they can shape the world around them for the better." 4. Practice daily gratitude. This is one of the things that the most successful people do under any circumstance. Expressing gratitude to others improves your performance as a leader and also frames your mind to appreciate the things you've been given. Because, let's face it, even on your worst days, you probably have things a lot better than most people in the world. 5. Let others solve their own problems. Certainly this doesn't mean letting other people founder or even flounder--especially your own children. However, there's often as much to be gained in learning how to solve problems as there is in solving the problems themselves. "Your children should know that you're always there for them, and that they can call on you when needed," says Greitens. "But give them the opportunity to learn to solve their own problems." 6. Be a mentor--not a savior. Sometimes the best thing that can happen is to make a big mistake and live with the consequences. However, it's often the case that the mistakes we make as children have fewer long-range effects than things we screw up we get older. So, better to learn from smaller mistakes while we're young. Moreover, allowing your children to live unimpeded through the consequences of what they choose to do can also have another benefit. It demonstrates that things are rarely as bad as they might appear at first blush--and that sometimes good can arise out of bad. 7. Embrace failure. It's almost a cliché among entrepreneurs, but failure is a prerequisite to success. Nobody accomplishes anything great if he or she is afraid to fail. "In failure, children learn how to struggle with adversity and how to confront fear. By reflecting on failure, children begin to see how to correct themselves and then try again with better results," Greitens says. 8. Encourage risk-taking. Risk-taking and failure go hand-in-hand. People who are afraid to lose what little they have will likely never achieve very much more. 9. But assert your authority where it's sensible. Greitens is writing for parents who want to increase their children's resiliency, but this is likely applicable to any situation in which you have some authority over others' actions--as a boss, a coach, or a mentor. "Not every risk is a good risk to take," Greitens says. Sometimes we all need an experienced, more authoritative person to show us the better way. 10. Express your love for the people you care about. Resilient people know that they rely on the love and care of others in their communities. One of the best ways to reinforce this is to express how you feel to those people often. read more

Keene's really changed my life in an incredibly positive way. I still carry the life lessons the taught me with me even a year after I left. The instruction in phenomanal, staff is friendly, and the facilities are amazing. I recieved my black belt from them last May and I look at it hanging on my wall everyday and smile. They taught me how to defend myself but they also taught me how to be a better person; honesty, strength and self-confidence are only a few of the things they instill in all of their students. There is never a time when they don't push you to do your best and be the best you can be, striving for perfection is familiar and you are always asked to perform outside your comfort zone. This program really shaped who I am and I enourage anybody who wants to learn how to defend themself and how to be a better person to attend Keene's, I promise you will never regret it. read more

This is a great school for taekwondo. Two of my children have been students and we have been there for over six years. The level of instruction is very high. The teachers and student teachers are very supportive and patient with the students as they guide them, and yet the bar is set high as far as their expectations go. Students learn not only the proper techniques, but also the nine life skills along with general core and strength training. It is really a good overall program - fits in well with the kinds of attitudes and skills that any parent would like their child to learn. This school is truly topnotch. If you spend time watching the classes and students, it becomes evident right away. read more

Both of my kids have trained at this academy for two years, starting at ages three and five. The instructors are top-notch and do a great job with the little ones, keeping the curriculum fun and exciting. This program has helped my kids develop their motor skills, self-control and respect for others. We are very pleased with Keene's ATA! Yesterday, my oldest son held his bitrthday party at the academy, inviting 20 guests. This too was very organized and both the kids and the adults had a blast. If you are looking for an "out of the box" birthday party, I highly recommend considering this as an option. read more

My son attended Keene's ATA for approximately 2 years in their Tiny Tiger program. It is a great program for teaching young kids self confidence, discipline and respect! I was most impressed with the way the instructors handled the kids, they do not "bully" the kids or over power them the way some coaches and/or instructors do. They handle the kids with mutual respect which makes the kids want to succeed and work twice and hard! I have had my kids in many different sports and recreation programs and Keene's ATA was by far the best program I have come across. Becky Schreiner read more

My husband and I are very pleased with Keene's ATA Taekwondo Black Belt Academy. Our daughter has been attending this ATA Academy for 4 year know and has learned so much, not just the physical aspect of the Martial Art but has learned life skills and self defense. We are very happy with the Instructors our daughter has had so far. They are patient and very encouraging with all their Taekwondo students. We happily recommend Keene's ATA Black Belt Academy everyone who ask about how our daughter likes paticipating in this Martial Art. read more

ImageWorx Printing has worked with Anne and Nick for over 12 years. They are great people to work with, honest, sincere, and truly love their kids and adults who take classes from them. Our grandson took a class and truly enjoyed himself while learning respect, confidence and trust. Keene's ATA Martial Arts is truly an inspiration to this community and may success follow for many more years to come. Sincerely, Nancy, Glen and Donna ImageWorx Printing / Spartan Promotional Group. read more

I've had a chance to work with Anne and the team at Keene's ATA, while working together on their advertising campaign for the past 6 years. They are still one of our favorite clients to work with. They are example individuals that love and give back to the community. Every time I witness one of their classes, I can see that they are bringing empowerment, joy and a great leaning experience to kids. They truly make a difference! read more

I have three girls and when I met Anne and her husband and saw the work they were doing with children I was really impressed. I know 'Bullying' is an issue in schools today and with my three girls all under 8 years old I want them to be prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally. I trust Anne Keene and her programs. Their programs are flexible, and affordable and the facility is top notch. read more

We have known and have done business with the Keene's for many years now and can say that, It is a pleasure in our continued friendship and business relationship. I am sure that the way they work with their own Children carries over to their training program at the ATA facility and that is with respect, patience, Confidence building and care. Sincerely, Daniel Alvarado Adobe Images read more

I know Anne through my networking in the valley. She is a great person and truly cares for women and young children. She offers special classes for empowering women because, lets face it, women are at high risk these days for attack & abuse. I admire Anne and her commitment to make a difference and it shows. If you are a woman I highly recommend contacting Keen's ATA Martial Arts. read more

My daughters & I have been students of the Keene's for a year & a half now, we absolutely love it! I feel it is my home away from home! There is a great family feeling and I couldn't ask for more when I have my kids involved, they are confident, respectful, and they show their honor well. Taekwondo is a great activity for the entire family and Keene's ATA is the place to be!! read more

Many gyms and martial arts places teach kicking and punching. ATA teach self respect (by extension, respect for others) as well as self protection. This is a place for kids and adults to learn more than a karate chop. This is a place to learn how to be who you are. I only wish I had sent my kids there but the youngest is now 31! Don't make the mistake I made. read more

Martial arts at ATA martial arts is the ideal place for my kid! I also started training here and the instructors are better than any personal trainer or any teacher I have ever experienced. If you're interested in martial arts, getting in shape, teaching your kid respect or self confidence this is the place! read more

Great school. Instruction is top notch and they really make the kids learn their form, no one just gets passed from belt to belt unless they earn it! Great confidence builder for our son and daughter. They provide great physical exercise and mental growth. I would recommend Keene's to any parent. read more

Great Martial Arts school in the valley! I've watched them grow from a small start up, to a very successful and beloved school. I know quite of few of their students and everyone I've talked to loves the school and the staff on board. Only good things, and I totally recommend! read more

I signed up my two daugthers at the school with the hope that they would learn some self-defense. I was stunned at how much my girls loved the school and how much self-confidence they developed. I liked the school so much, that I signed myself up! read more

Thank you keenes for giving my daughter the opportunity to work with me thru my move from ri we have had some tough times with my health issues. You gave my daughter a chance to allow her to keep her confidence see you soon mrs. Hitchcock. read more