Since 1969, Minton's ATA Black Belt Leadership Academy has provided its members with a road map to success based on self-defense, confidence and goal-setting skills.
3051 South 3rd Place, Terre Haute, IN 47802
Before I started martial arts training I came out on the wrong end of a confrontation. Hoping to learn from my mistakes, I started training in the martial arts and I soon fell in love. My martial arts journey has been one of the most profound experiences of my life, allowing me to travel and make friends around the world.
When I opened my school in 1970, I made a commitment to serving and empowering the community of Terre Haute by teaching children and adults the confidence, leadership, training and fitness skills that can only be achieved through martial arts.
• 7,200 Square-Foot Main Training Area With High Ceilings for Weapons Training
• Zebra Matted Training Area is Half the Size of a Basketball Court
• Climate-Controlled Throughout the Facility
• Comfortable, Open Seating for Parents & Spectators
• Men's & Women's Locker Rooms
• Equipped for Special Events Such as Workshops & Seminars
Active instructor of the country's largest martial arts organization since 1975.
Teaching Martial Arts and training Black Belts in Terre Haute since 1960.
In 2002 Chief Master Minton was awarded the “Sagamore of the Wabash”, Indiana's most prestigious award to a resident for excelling in the martial arts field.
Chief Master Minton has taught 1,000s of students throughout the years in the Wabash Valley area. In some cases, he is now teaching third generations. He started with teaching Judo in the early 1960s at the local YMCA and YWCA. He ran programs at both Y’s into the 1970s.
Minton’s first Academy was started in 1970. The Academy was located at 16 South 8th Street (Terre Haute Judo-Karate-Aikido School) and was at that location for 10 years. It was a one-room facility totaling 1,000 sq. ft. In 1980 he purchased a building at 820 Lafayette Avenue (Terre Haute Taekwondo Family Center) and was there for an additional 14 years. He continued to teach Judo, Taekwondo, and Aikido in this 3,000 square foot facility. During these years, Chief Master Minton also taught for the Vigo County School Corporation. In 1994, he retired from teaching with the School System and built the present 7,200 square foot facility at 3051 South Third Place (behind Honey Creek Mall & in front of the Movie Theaters).
Songahm Taekwondo is the style of martial arts practiced by ATA Martial Arts students.
The journey from White Belt to Black Belt (10 belts total) is one of incremental learning and skill development that students of any age any fitness level can embark on.
One of the most fun parts of martial arts training is the ability to test your skills by competing in a tournament. Tournaments are not only fun for competitors, but they also become a great social experience for parents as well! There are currently 130,000 ATA Martial Arts members worldwide. ATA Martial Arts students compete in local tournaments against other ATA schools, advancing from District levels, to State levels, to a yearly Spring National competition in Las Vegas, NV. The competition winners gather at the ATA World Expo Tournament in Little Rock, AR in the summer, competing against finalists from all over the planet in one of largest martial arts competitions in the world.
8th Degree Black Belt