ATA?

What's the deal with ATA? Is it a mcdojo, or what?

I'd say it's a bit too big to make a generalisation like that. From what I understand, the ATA is a collection of schools and the standards vary from school to school. However, the organisation does have a poor reputation of producing McDojos.

I'm sure there are good ATA schools out there which are worth the price you pay for them. There may even be inexpensive schools, there are always exceptions to the rule.

They do seem to have a lot of "Black Belt Acadamies" though...

And the camo belts, oh dear...

The reason I ask is because I may have a chance to train with an ATA 4th dan black belt on tuesday, and I hope it is a good solid training session.
Yerah, I didn't know about the camo belts. They're probably a gimmick to attract young students.

Quote:

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The reason I ask is because I may have a chance to train with an ATA 4th dan black belt on tuesday, and I hope it is a good solid training session.
Yerah, I didn't know about the camo belts. They're probably a gimmick to attract young students.

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Could be.

Well, never mind that, just make the most of it. Remember, it's the artist who makes the difference. Just because the ATA has a poor reputation doesn't mean that 4th Dan you're training with will follow that reputation. His/her training may turn out to be excellent. Just have to wait and see and try not to prejudge him/her.