these must be staged reviews lol... nobody mentions all the lawsuits they get off of these scandalous contracts they have vulnerable people sign?????

Senior Master Tracy Lee ThomasRespect can only be earned. There are two ways to earn respect. You can work hard and gain rank or position in an organization gaining respect from your peers, or you can work hard to support and enhance your peers lives directly.Senior Master Tracy Thomas does both. In fact his road to success is paved by the success of others along the way. Tracy Thomas does not need to wear his bright cobalt blue uniform to receive respect. People quickly find that his bright optimistically positive attitude, clear vision, and humble confidence places any issue into perspective. When we first came to this area, then 5th degree, Mr. Tracy Thomas came to visit our school. He immediately put us at ease by showing as much respect for us as we had for him. Rather than tell us how to improve our school, he treated us as equals sharing information and ways to improve both of our businesses.This is why Sr. Master Thomas breeds success. He never feels he is beyond lear

Senior Master Tracy Lee ThomasRespect can only be earned. There are two ways to earn respect. You can work hard and gain rank or position in an organization gaining respect from your peers, or you can work hard to support and enhance your peers lives directly.Senior Master Tracy Thomas does both. In fact his road to success is paved by the success of others along the way. Tracy Thomas does not need to wear his bright cobalt blue uniform to receive respect. People quickly find that his bright optimistically positive attitude, clear vision, and humble confidence places any issue into perspective. When we first came to this area, then 5th degree, Mr. Tracy Thomas came to visit our school. He immediately put us at ease by showing as much respect for us as we had for him. Rather than tell us how to improve our school, he treated us as equals sharing information and ways to improve both of our businesses.This is why Sr. Master Thomas breeds success. He never feels he is beyond learning from even the least experienced person. He knows that everyone has something to offer. A lost opportunity for anyone is lost to everyone. Nurturing and maturing his students, instructors, and peers is how he nurtures and matures himself.Mrs. Kelly ThomasMrs. Kelly Thomas earns respect from ATA Instructors and students alike. Not because of her husbands rank, but because of the respect she shows others. She is a magnificent supporter of the ATA, their family business Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts, and assisting in the goal of Changing Lives. Her passion and positive attitude shows in every aspect of her life. Her courtesy and caring nature is visible always. As the saying goes, Behind every successful man is a woman. I will have to add to this by saying, Behind this successful man is a GREAT woman. Mrs. Thomas is truly a Great woman and the Thomas have success in their goal of Changing Lives because of their love for each other and their love for their business/students.Respectfully,Sandy P (5th Degree) and Wayne P (4th Degree)

When our son, Robbie, first stated taking classes at the Princes Anne Academy we knew that this was what we wanted him to do. Shortly after he started our other son decided that he would also like to take classes. At that time we started as a family and soon after went into the instructor program, this was something that we wanted to do not only for our future but for others. As we grew in our abilities we began to see what a change that was occurring within ourselves and the other students that we knew. The changes that we have seen in the students with Senior Master Thomas are a fantastic accomplishment. From seeing parents have to stand on the floor with the kids the first few classes to seeing them grow to where they are in front of the classes assisting the instructors. The self-confidence that the students obtain along with the discipline is something that is amazing. The instructors work with the students to insure that they are always learning and that they are not bored, that is an accomplishment in itself. We are proud and honored that we have had the opportunity to be associated with Senior Master, he has Changed our Lives. Robert and Leigh N.

We have been associated with ATA since 2004, it has been an uplifting and most memorable experience to say the least. It has taught my son respect, self-esteem, discipline and perseverance. ATA has provided an opportunity for my son to excel in all facets of martial arts. The intensity and dedication by all instructors is above reproach. The dynamic attribute that ATA offers is a diverse, tailored training regiment for all experience levels.The instructors continually identify student deficiencies and reinforce by the "positive" attitude approach to teaching. Additionally, "private" sessions have been invaluable to my son's development. Although instructors are available, the student itself must train outside of their class. ATA affords parents to make choices for their children to enter a multitude of programs ranging from Leadership to Expert. The added benefit is for parents having the ability to observe their child's' progression to determine, with instructor consultation, if their child is ready for more challenges. ATA offers students the ability to rapidly advance to a next higher rank (belt or instructor level) through an intensive testing program designed to extract talents and abilities that a student may never have realized they had. Although intense, only after successful completion of this "boot camp", may they be advanced after a rigorous evaluation process.ATA also has the diversity of allowing striving competitor's to compete outside the local area. Competition tournaments, as well as tournament training are integral part of ATA's development cycle as to provide an active competitor the skills and ring knowledge required to be successful. Following each competition, the instructors actively engage competitors to assist with faults that were established during an event, and acknowledge their accomplishments during class.ATA is a "community" where people of all nationalities come together and be-friend one another. The biggest asset to this is the help attitude for the new person which may lead to becoming and traveling companion. Some friendships have evolved immensely outside of ATA. ATA, although a business, is a family oriented establishment teaching the youngest participant lifelong ideals and instilling confidence to all who are actively involved.~Frank T.

I have had the opportunity to work with Senior Master and Mrs. Thomas throughout the past five years. During this time, I have watched Changing Lives Martial Arts grow into the leading martial arts academy in Hampton Roads. Senior Master Thomas and his staff are continually changing to enhance the instruction and overall martial arts experience for their students. I am honored to have been a part in showing the community that Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts is not just another activity but a way of life for many families. I would personally recommend for everyone to try a class at any of his four Hampton Roads locations. I look forward to working with you and your staff again in the future!‎

During my ten years as a martial artist, instructor, and school owner, I have yet to meet a group of martial arts instructors as knowledgeable and professional as the Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts staff. Senior Master Thomas is not just an expert martial artist, he is an outstand instructor and leader as well. He has carefully chosen and developed a remarkable set of instructors I am proud to call colleagues. If your goal for yourself or your children is to grow and achieve success as a total person -- physically, mentally, and spiritually -- you need to be training at Changing Lives.‎