Reviews of ATA Martial Arts - Conway

My child has been attending this school for over 2 years. When we first started at the previous location things were very good. After about a 6 mo-1 yr things changed and the business went downhill. Communication between the owner and his instructors is non-existent for the most part. The owner is rarely around and does not order equipment and uniforms timely that are pre-paid. The contracts are insane and the price can get quite high. Most recently, the students tested for graduation to the next rank/belt. On that night he informed the parents and students that he was testing and that they would get a report card the following week with results and if they passed they would get their belts. In the previous two years belts were always awarded on the night of testing and they never got a "report card. " It is now just over two weeks later and we have not heard back from him. The air conditioning was out for about 6-8 weeks this summer and temps in the room got up to 85-87 degrees in the training room. This is unacceptable. The instructor is sticking with the program for the kid's sake and does a great job but I feel bad for him as he rarely sees his boss either. We are looking elsewhere now for training and I suggest you do the same.

Our issues are regarding poor communication (one of the traits taught to our children in class), and extreme disorganization were some of the major downfalls there at the ATA Conway location. There is an absent Owner and no managerial staff. You will not be given any kind of handbook as a parent to help navigate your way through belt rankings, competitions, etc., you will be left to figure all the rules and regulations out on your own, the Conway location includes a state and district champion, yet no one seems to know what's going on or how to sign up for a competition, or how to keep track of ATA's point system that will happen to make you eligible or ineligible to compete for a big tournament in which they recommend you register your child for. We have decided to drive 30+ miles out of our way, in hopes that another facility can offer the promised program that is advertised on the ATA website. Our daughter truly loves the sport, and I do feel ATA has more to offer, but unfortunately, the Conway location is building a strong negative reputation, and the owner’s consistent response of “I can let you out of your contract” or his long list of excuses is unacceptable to me as a fix to us addressing any issues. While I understand the locations are independently owned, ATA’s name is on the sign, and I believe the ATA name will be quickly tarnished with the reputation Conway is building for the ATA organization. While I believe this sport is a great tool for teaching our children respect and life lessons, I do not believe disappointing a dedicated, loyal, and deserving student the opportunity to compete due to poor leadership at an individual location is a reputation the organization truly desires. For several months, we have watched the parents of students, friends, and co-competitors quit and go to a local competitor, or just try different sports as a whole. Word to the wise, please try a different location first.

They don not record payments, then try to charge multiple times. Even after you give them proof that a payment was made they do not refund.