ATA Black Belt Academy Introduce
Introduction / Overview
For residents of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding Allegheny Valley communities, ATA Black Belt Academy offers a local option for those interested in Taekwondo. Situated in a small, close-knit town, the academy provides a range of programs for both children and adults. The school is a part of the local landscape, offering classes that focus on the discipline and techniques of Taekwondo, a popular Korean martial art. While the primary focus is on Taekwondo, the academy also incorporates programs designed to suit different age groups and skill levels, from beginners to those aiming for their black belt. A key aspect of any martial arts school is the quality of instruction and the environment it fosters, and ATA Black Belt Academy has been a subject of local discussion. As with any significant investment in time and money, it's essential for prospective students and their families to thoroughly understand what a school offers, including its curriculum, teaching style, and overall philosophy. This guide aims to provide a factual overview of ATA Black Belt Academy based on publicly available information and community feedback, helping local users make an informed decision about their martial arts journey.
The decision to enroll in a martial arts program is often motivated by a desire for physical fitness, self-defense skills, or character development. For children, it can be a way to build discipline, confidence, and respect. For adults, it provides a unique form of exercise and a new set of skills. ATA Black Belt Academy presents itself as a place where these goals can be met. The school’s presence in Vandergrift makes it a convenient option for local families who prefer to train close to home. Understanding the school's structure, from its accessibility features to its program offerings, is the first step in determining if it aligns with your personal or family goals. This overview is designed to be a starting point for that exploration, encouraging you to consider all factors before committing to a program.
Location and Accessibility
ATA Black Belt Academy is conveniently located at 146 Grant Ave, Vandergrift, PA 15690, USA. Its position on a main street in the heart of Vandergrift makes it easily identifiable and accessible for residents of the town and neighboring communities such as Apollo, Parks Township, and Washington Township. The school has considered the needs of all potential students and visitors by providing important accessibility features. The facility includes a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can enter the building without difficulty. Additionally, a dedicated wheelchair-accessible parking lot is available, which simplifies arrival and departure for those with disabilities. The academy is also equipped with a restroom, contributing to a comfortable experience for all who visit the facility. Its central location and focus on accessibility are practical benefits for anyone in the region looking for a local martial arts school.
Services Offered
- Kids Program: Specifically designed for children, this program focuses on teaching the fundamentals of Taekwondo in a structured and engaging environment.
- Karate For Kids: While the school specializes in Taekwondo, this program name indicates a focus on providing martial arts instruction that is suitable and tailored for younger students.
- Adults Program: Classes for adults provide a way to improve fitness, learn self-defense techniques, and engage in the discipline of Taekwondo.
- Taekwondo For Kids: This program is a core offering, teaching children the specific skills and forms associated with Taekwondo.
- Blackbelt Program: This advanced program is for students who are committed to progressing through the belt ranks and ultimately achieving the black belt, a significant milestone in martial arts.
Features / Highlights
- Local Presence in Vandergrift: As a local business, the academy is an integral part of the Vandergrift community, offering a convenient option for residents who want to participate in a nearby program without traveling far.
- Programs for All Ages: The school offers separate programs for children and adults, ensuring that the curriculum and teaching methods are appropriate for each age group. The Kids Program and Adults Program address different needs and goals.
- Accessibility: The facility is designed to be accessible to a wide range of people, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot.
- Focus on Taekwondo: The academy specializes in Taekwondo, which allows them to concentrate on a single martial art and provide focused instruction on its techniques, forms, and philosophies.
- Convenient Payment Options: For ease of transaction, the school accepts debit cards and NFC mobile payments, providing modern and secure payment methods for students and their families.
Contact Information
Address: 146 Grant Ave, Vandergrift, PA 15690, USA
Phone: (724) 567-7174
What is worth choosing
When considering a martial arts school in the Pennsylvania region, and specifically in the Vandergrift area, making an informed decision is paramount. ATA Black Belt Academy, as a local Taekwondo school, offers a convenient option for families who want to train close to home. The academy provides structured programs for both kids and adults, which is a significant plus for families looking for a single location to meet everyone's needs. The focus on Taekwondo allows the instructors to specialize in one discipline, potentially offering a more in-depth and focused learning experience in that specific martial art. Additionally, the school's commitment to accessibility, as evidenced by its wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking, makes it a welcoming place for a diverse range of individuals.
However, it is important for prospective students to consider all aspects of the school's reputation. Public reviews and feedback, as found online, mention concerns about the school's financial practices and the perceived quality of instruction. Some former students have raised issues regarding the cost of belt testing and the overall focus on money. Others have expressed doubts about the instructors' ability to demonstrate advanced techniques. While the academy may be praised for being "very good with the kids" and for its local presence, these factors are important to weigh against the noted criticisms. For anyone considering ATA Black Belt Academy, it would be wise to read multiple reviews from different sources, visit the school in person, and perhaps even speak with current students or their families to get a balanced view. Exploring other local options, such as those mentioned in the reviews like The Mat Factory in New Kensington/Burrell or Steel City Martial Arts in Pittsburgh, could also be a valuable step in finding the perfect fit. Ultimately, the best choice is a school that aligns with your personal goals and provides a transparent, supportive, and high-quality training environment, ensuring that your investment of time and money is well-spent on a positive and rewarding experience.
ATA Black Belt Academy Services
Taekwondo School
- Adults Program
- Blackbelt Program
- Karate For Kids
- Kids Program
- Taekwondo For Kids
ATA Black Belt Academy Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Amenities
- Restroom
Payments
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
ATA Black Belt Academy Photos


ATA Black Belt Academy Location
ATA Black Belt Academy
146 Grant Ave, Vandergrift, PA 15690, USA
ATA Black Belt Academy Reviews
Its an ok place. But. Bring ur money cause that is all they care about is this cost this and that cost that. They are all about money. But they are very good with the kids. I pulled my child out of this. Because every time I walked in the door. Theywant money read other reviews. I'm not the only one. And some advice to aka. U have a half good product stop acting like ur the best and worry about people not money money money. I took my children to the mat factory in new ken / Burrell. And they train with pro fighters. Like bellator dom mazzatta.
April 18 · Dave Hughes with MMA weeklyWhen you’re learning how to perform the kicks that this art demands you to be able to do it would be helpful if your chief instructor was able to efficiently demonstrate the techniques. If Ernie Hollis is still running this school I would highly recommend finding somewhere else to train as he is incapable of producing a kick of any kind much above his own knee. And be careful of the money game they play with you as you progress through the belt ranking system ... the more you go past your first degree black belt the higher the price is to achieve your next belt and you pay every midterm and belt testing , which they pretty much just hand you a belt for after paying the money because everybody these days deserves a trophy right??? Lmao ... I trained for years with this guy and I never advanced past first degree because I had no desire to “purchase”my next belt rank and to top it off, what good does that rank do for you when I’m a first degree squaring off with a fifth or sixth degree and I can completely mop the floor with your ass?? Don’t waste your money at this joke of a training school. Go to steel city martial arts in Pittsburgh or Aikido of Pittsburgh ... you’ll thank me later
January 23 · Adam HilemanMy son has been at the ATA in Vandergrift for some time now and we love them!
June 07 · matt kanick- July 04 · Emily Zornow
- April 12 · Ben Gregg
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