Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Grand Forks
ATA Martial Arts has dedicated itself to delivering high-quality martial arts instruction since its establishment in 2002. Our mission remains rooted in providing a fun, positive, and structured environment where students of all ages can thrive. With a legacy of over 50 years of curriculum development through the ATA network, we emphasize character-building traits such as discipline, respect, and self-confidence. Our certified instructors, including Senior Master Casey Mihalek and Mrs. Shayna Mihalek, bring decades of personal experience and a proven certification process to guide students toward both personal and martial arts growth.We offer specialized programs tailored to Tigers (ages 4-6), Juniors (7-13), and Teens/Adults (14+), ensuring each participant receives personalized attention. Our adult programs focus on practical self-defense and fitness, while the Legacy Academy cultivates future leaders and instructors. With a history of excellence and a commitment to community, we empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential through Songahm Taekwondo.
Services
Tigers Martial Arts
Juniors Martial Arts
Teens/Adults Martial Arts
Self-Defense Training
Legacy Leadership Program
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer age-specific programs developed through 50+ years of ATA curriculum research.
- Our instructors complete an intensive certification process ensuring expert guidance.
- We emphasize character development alongside physical skills in every class.
- Legacy Academy trains future martial arts leaders and instructors.
- Senior Master Mihalek has owned and operated this location since 2011.
Services
Tigers Martial Arts
Our Tigers program (ages 4-6) builds foundational skills through fun, structured activities. We focus on motor development, attention span, and character traits like courtesy and discipline. The unique patch-based ranking system keeps young learners motivated and engaged through visual progress tracking.
Juniors Martial Arts
Designed for ages 7-13, this program combines martial arts fundamentals with life skill development. Students gain self-esteem, goal-setting abilities, and respect through individualized instruction. The curriculum balances physical training with mental discipline in a non-competitive environment.
Teens/Adults Martial Arts
Our adult program (ages 14+) merges high-intensity fitness with practical self-defense techniques. Classes improve flexibility, strength, and situational awareness while reducing stress. Participants progress at their own pace through a structured belt system that maintains long-term engagement.
Legacy Leadership Program
The Legacy Academy develops future martial arts leaders through advanced training in technical skills, character development, and management. This program prepares students for instructor roles while cultivating transferable life skills applicable to any career path.
Self-Defense Training
Integrated into all programs, our self-defense curriculum teaches practical techniques for modern safety scenarios. Training emphasizes situational awareness, de-escalation strategies, and physical defense methods tailored to real-world applications for all age groups.
People
Senior Master Casey Mihalek
Owner/Instructor
7th Degree Black Belt with ATA since 1988. Owned Grand Forks school since 2011 after operating it under previous ownership from 2002. Earned Senior Master title in 2019 after a decade of leadership.
Mrs. Shayna Mihalek
Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt trained since 2009. Former tournament competitor with state and district titles. Transitioned from Casselton club leadership to full-time Grand Forks instruction in 2022.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer programs for Tigers (4-6), Juniors (7-13), and Teens/Adults (14+). All classes are tailored to the developmental needs of each age group.
Are your instructors certified?
Yes, all instructors complete ATA's intensive certification process. Senior Master Casey Mihalek (7th Degree) and Mrs. Shayna Mihalek (4th Degree) hold advanced black belt rankings.
What benefits can I expect?
Students develop discipline, confidence, and physical fitness. Children improve focus and respect, while adults gain self-defense skills and stress relief through structured martial arts training.
How does the belt system work?
Tigers earn animal patches, while older students progress through traditional belt ranks. Testing evaluates technical skill, character development, and curriculum mastery at each level.
Do you offer family classes?
While not explicitly stated, our age-specific programs allow family members to train separately while sharing a common martial arts experience and values.
Reviews (5)
Zachary Holseth
Jan 24, 2020
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ATA has done wonders for my son. They are incredibly patient and work wonderfully with children teaching them some great life skills.
Joey Soderfelt
Dec 01, 2019
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Fair price. Great instruction. If you want your child to learn discipline, manners and self confidence, this is the place.
Matt White
Oct 04, 2018
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Best martial arts instruction in Grand Forks! I have had opportunity to train with Master Mihalek many times, and he is knowledgeable, patient, and determined to help you learn. Highly recommended!
Lee Smith
Sep 08, 2017
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ATA Helped me with self confidence and the ability to defend myself. I haven't been to a class in a while, but y'all should head over there and see them. They are wonderful people, they remember your name and they are very respectful. They are the better places to learn self discipline in Grand Forks.
Jon Marshall
Dec 01, 2016
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The first day I walked into ATA I was shocked that the students were responding to their instructor with Yes, sir, And No, sir. They were respectful, very respectful toward him. He wasnt demanding or demeaning. He was kind. Kindness is something that is lacking in all of us these days. The second day I walked into ATA he knew my name. He remembered the names of my two sons. He looked me in the eye and shook my hand like a gentleman. He smiled. He actually cared. Master Mihalek was born to teach. His passion is Taekwondo and it shows through every single thing he says and does.