ATA Black Belt Academy of Virginia

We attend class at the Martinsville location through the Boys and Girls Club of the Blue Ridge. This is a huge positive experience for all the kids and we are happy to have the opportunity to have our child participate as well. The children are learning so much to help them through life in this class, but most importantly: self-respect, determination, leadership, how to handle themselves with BULLIES, always doing their best, doing the right thing, setting goals for themselves, RESPECT for their parents and teachers, not to mention the physical and mental accomplishments of taking a martial art. We cannot say enough good things about this program and we are so thankful to be able to have access to it through the Boys and Girls Club. We love it so much, we joined the adult class! Afterwards, we really came to know just who we were learning from, and amazing teacher and instructor, Mrs. Wargo, who goes way above and beyond for her students and cares more about teaching and the furthering of the children than anyone I have ever met, hands down. One of the most amazing people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and we are so thankful to have met her and to learn from her.

Do you ever doubt yourself or your abilities? Not have enough faith in yourself or your capabilities? Lost your self-esteem, your own value and worth? Haven’t we all? Isn’t it human nature? Heaven knows it’s been a battle for me. And then I made the choice to walk through the doors of the ATA Black Belt Academy of Virginia and that moment irrevocably changed my life for the better. The blessings that Chief Master and Mrs. Wargo have brought to my life, to my family and my friends simply cannot be put into words. It is so much more than Taekwondo, more than JUST martial arts. Self control, perseverance, respect...for yourself and others, goals...how to set them and how to REACH them, courtesy, honor, loyalty and integrity. And THEN self defense if you can’t walk away safely. I am also one of the few students to attend and help assist with classes at the Boys and Girls Club of the Blue Ridge. I am so blessed to have been with this program from the very beginning. Watching each of the students....close to 40!!!!....and the amazing way they have grown through the Taekwondo program has been the most wonderful experience. I have witnessed these beautiful children walk through the doors when the program began, shy, bareduk standing still, no self control in their movements....which can be quite dangerous in a classroom full of children learning to do kicks...I’ve witnessed several children who had spent the majority of their primary school years being bullied and harassed, stand up and say “STOP, you’re too close” and their bullies FINALLY be suspended. I’ve watched them grow in confidence and self esteem, but more importantly, I have witnessed the incredible acts of kindness and respect they now have for each other, their parents and their friends. All from ONE YEAR of training with Mrs. Wargo. Every class has a life lesson. EVERY class. And just when you think the blessings have overfilled your cup....more students are lining up to join the class...and this includes their PARENTS. Can you imagine being able to take Taekwondo with your children?? Being that the children’s class is at 5:00 and our adult class is 6:45, they each get the opportunity to watch each other and then practice together!! What Mrs. Wargo and the Boys and Girls Club have joined together to provide for these boys and girls...and parents?? There are no words. At least none sufficient enough to count all these blessings. If you’re looking for a place where blessings happen every day? ATA Black Belt Academy of Virginia is exactly where you need to go. If you’re just wanting to learn Taekwondo by the BEST instructors? ATA Black Belt Academy is where you need to go. Scared? So what. That’s an excuse. Don’t BE the statistic, be the person that changes the course of their own life for the better. Want to help other children have the opportunity to better THEIR lives? Then do BOTH....do YOURSELF the favor of walking through the doors of the ATA Black Belt Academy of Virginia, either here at the Boys and Girls Club of the Blue Ridge on Thursday’s, and do the CHILDREN a favor, and donate to the Boys and Girls Club or the Blue Ridge to keep this and other programs up and running! And thanks to God above for always putting the best people in my life....from Chief Master and Mrs. Wargo, to every new friend we have been blessed to have made....let me tell you there are some awesome people here....and especially those beautiful children. I am soooo blessed.

I am a black belt here and I find the training very professional and my instructor Chief Master Wargo has over 50 years of experience! There is a huge emphasis on personal development/ life skills and an equal training balance between mental and physical.

I started Taekwondo and their Ultimate Body Shaping Course 2016 and I lost 44lb😁. They understand each person has different abilities and learning styles, they patiently work with you and encourage you until you get it. So glad I joined this school!!!

The ATA BlackBelt Academy of Virginia is THE best TKD school we have attended. We have been involved in TKD off and on for many years however did not ever think we would find one that would accommodate our special needs son. Until we met Mrs Wargo. Chief Master and Mrs Wargo are amazing people and outstanding instructors. We can't say enough good things about the school.