ATA goes online after shutdown

Students at Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts know that perseverance and discipline are keys to a successful life. As the threat of COVID-19 began to close gyms and martial arts schools across the country, Master Melissa Bilyeu and Daron Bilyeu made the decision to move their classes online so the students could continue their training while doing their part to help everyone stay home. Setting up virtual dojos through Zoom video conferencing, students come together for training even though they are far apart from each other.

“Closing our doors was the hardest decision we have made in 13 years of operating the school,” said Master Bilyeu, “but ATA teaches that we are to always have an ‘Always Training Attitude.’ We have to help kids keep some semblance of normalcy in their lives while they are at home.”

To that end, the Bilyeus are offering two weekly classes for free using Facebook Live. Every Tuesday and Friday at 3 p.m., students and guests will come together to workout, learn some new skills and even have the opportunity to learn from a few guest instructors. Everyone can watch the class at www. facebook.com/ssatama or by searching for Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts on Facebook Watch.

“The ATA is a worldwide organization,” Daron Bilyeu said. “We’re all coming together to help each other during this time. Some of the best martial artists in the world are creating great workouts and content to share with everyone. We’re looking forward to sharing some of this with everyone in our community.”

Elizabeth Stegient, mother of three black-belt students, shared how ATA online classes are helping her children.

“Being part of the ATA family for going on nine years now, it has become a way of life. Something we would be lost without. Our ATA family has been through many tough times, but we have been able to overcome. We will continue to support those who support our children, those that are role models, and those that have become family,” Stegient said. For more information about the online training or the Facebook Live classes, visit online at www.sulphurspringsata.com.