In many martial arts styles, the assumption traditionally has been that once students earn their black belts they are ready to teach other students. But the ATA does not believe that simply being able to do something well qualifies a person to teach it. During the last 30 years, the ATA has developed an intensive instructor training program to insure that all ATA instructors are skilled and professional teachers.
Before becoming certified, ATA black belts spend 2-3 years as instructor trainees, during which time they are required to teach at least 300 hours under the supervision of a senior instructor. They are also required to earn certification in CPR and Youth Protection and to attend instruction camps.
Mr. Segal attended college in New York State in 1985, and pursued a degree in Psychology. He started training in Taekwondo in 1982, with the National Karate and Jujitsu Union. In 1990, he moved to California. He received his second white belt with his current instructor, Master Shon Bates in 1991, under the ATA, and earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in 1993.
Mr. Segal ran a school in Southern California under Master Shon Bates from 1994 -1997, during which time he earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt, as well as becoming a certified instructor in 1995, and his 3rd Degree Black Belt in 1997. He then moved to Northern California and opened Segal's ATA in 1997. In 2001, he earned his 4th Degree Black Belt, and 5th Degree Black Belt in 2006. He is a certified instructor in Haganah fight system, defense tactics, spontaneous knife defense, along with multiple weapons systems.
Mr. Segal has a wealth of experience working with people from all walks of life. He has worked as a wilderness expedition leader for kids of all ages. He has also worked with developmentally delayed adults and in the Special Education classrooms in the local Sonoma County school system for many years.
Mrs. Strain Graduated with an agricultural degree from Cal Poly. She started training in Taekwondo in 1993 and received her 1st Degree Black Belt in 1996, and her 2nd degree Black Belt in 1999.
In 2001, she came to train with Mr. Segal, subsequently earning her 3rd Degree Black Belt in 2002, certified instructor in 2004, and 4th Degree in 2006. Mrs. Strain is also a certified instructor in multiple weapons systems.
In her spare time, she is a wine maker for local private vineyards.
Mr. Finch started his training in Taekwondo in 1999 at the age 13. After eight years of training, he is now a fourth degree Black Belt and Specialty Trainer at Segal’s ATA.
Mr. Finch graduated from Maria Carillo High School in 2004, and is currently a student at Santa Rosa Junior College. He hopes to become a certified instructor in the coming year, and his personal goal is to become a fifth degree by the age of 28.
Miss. Marocco, has been training in Taekwondo for almost 10 years. Recieving her 3rd degree two years ago, she plans on testing for 4th degree next year, when she turns 18.