FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2023

INFORMATION CONTACT:

Keegan Ireland

501-568-2821

keegan.ireland@ataonline.com

tryata.com

ATA International Offers Free Membership to Displaced Students from Non-Affiliated Martial Arts Organization in Central Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS (March 24, 2023) – ATA International, the Little Rock-based martial arts organization with over 1,000 licensed ATA Martial Arts locations worldwide, today offered assistance to students affected by All Star Martial Arts’ abrupt decision to close its Bryant school.

“All Star Martial Arts has had no affiliation with ATA International since 2020,” said Keegan Ireland, who operates ATA Martial Arts academies in Bentonville and Little Rock. “Nonetheless, we are saddened that students and instructors have been displaced by All Star’s sudden closure of its Bryant school. We are especially concerned by reports that some students have prepaid memberships and have been unable to obtain refunds. Although we have no affiliation or other relationship with All Star, we will allow displaced Bryant students to train with ATA Martial Arts and we will honor their ranks and their prepaid All Star memberships.”

ATA International (also known as the American Taekwondo Association) was founded in 1969 by Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee. “Grand Master Lee’s vision was to provide martial arts instruction to people from all walks of life,” said Ireland. “He always opened his arms to students and instructors in need. We intend to continue advancing that vision as we prepare to open five new central Arkansas locations in the next three years.” 

ATA Martial Arts academies have provided martial arts lessons in the central Arkansas area for over 45 years, teaching the principles of respect, integrity and honesty to families and students of all ages.

About ATA International

The ATA was founded in 1969 by Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee. The organization is internationally headquartered in Little Rock, AR and has called the state capital home since 1977. With active membership approaching 300,000 worldwide, ATA is North America’s largest martial arts organization dedicated to the discipline of Taekwondo. ATA is a pioneer in the martial arts industry because of its unique Songahm style curriculum.