ATA Black Belt Academy in Lake Ridge has been providing instruction in Songahm Taekwondo and ATA  Xtreme Martial Arts (XMA) to the Lake Ridge and Woodbridge, Virginia area since April 2004.  Thieme's ATA Black Belt Academies provides a safe and family-oriented martial arts experience for students of all ages and abilities.

The "ATA" in our name stands for the American Taekwondo Association.  We are the largest organization of professional martial arts schools and certified instructors under one Grand Master in the World.  We are not the best because we're the biggest; we're the biggest because we're the best. 

We hope you enjoy viewing our website!  Visitors are always welcome in our Lake Ridge school so please visit us if you are in the area.  We offer a FREE introductory lesson to anyone interested in our programs and the exciting art of Taekwondo.  

Take a virtual tour of our first class training facility in Lake Ridge!  Simply select "Virtual Tour" in the "About" drop down menu listed above.

What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art, characterized by its powerful, fast, high and spinning kicks. There are multiple interpretations of the name Taekwondo.  Taekwondo is often translated as 'the way of hand and foot.'

Disciplines of Taekwondo:

• Forms
• Sparring
• Self-defense
• Board Breaks

It is the combination of these four disciplines that make the art of Songahm Taekwondo.

Objectives of Taekwondo:

1. to develop an appreciation for Songahm Taekwondo as a sport and an art
2. to achieve physical fitness through positive participation
3. to improve mental discipline and emotional equanimity
4. to learn self-defense skills
5. to develop a sense of responsibility for one's self and others

Taekwondo is the most powerful of the kicking styles of martial arts. Taekwondo competitors tend to fight at an extended range, and keep opponents away with their feet.  The American Taekwondo Association sponsors nearly 200 tournaments a year across the country.  While tournaments test competitors abilities in forms, sparring and weapons, the basics serve as the foundation upon which a great martial artist is built.