Best Martial Arts School

1. ATA Portage Blackbelt Academy

Portage / 219.762.7070

At the ATA Portage Blackbelt Academy, the focus is on more than fighting, says owner Tera Littlejohn.

“We focus on life skills as well as the martial arts,” she explains. For example, kids in their Tiny Tigers Tae Kwon Do and Karate for Kids classes keep “good deeds sheets” that detail both grades at school and good behavior at home. Kids with good marks on each front get patches and pizza parties. “It teaches goals and self-discipline,” she says.

In addition to kids’ martial arts, there are adult classes (ages 14 and up), MMA and aerobic kickboxing programs, and the Extreme Leadership course combin-ing tae kwon do, gymnastics and weapons use. Participants in the latter perform community service as part of the program, and often perform at fundraisers and charity events.

“Obviously, we’re thrilled [to be named best of the region],” Littlejohn says.