Martial Arts Training Center Austintown

Master Tom Ritchie began studying Taekwondo at the age of 40 with his two sons Tony and Sam. It became a true love affair as he has continued on to become a Kukkiwon Certified 5th Degree Black Belt.

Kukkiwon is the governing body of the World Taekwondo Federation in South Korea. They are the same organization in charge of all Taekwondo participants in the Olympics. Master Ritchie began his first school in 2005 in Struthers, Ohio. Having outgrown it, he moved to his present location in Poland, Ohio where he has been located since September of 2010.

Master Ritchie will tell you that Taekwondo has many benefits including staying physically fit. It definitely helps with ease of movement as a person goes though the aging process. Master Ritchie has taught many students, some of whom, have gone on to be Champions at many tournaments both locally and as far away as Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. His motto is, “Be Prepared”, which carries over into daily life as well as Taekwndo.


Our instructors are all blackbelts that have been trained by Master Ritchie. They’ve been through our curriculum and know how to teach it in the Martial Arts Training Center’s traditional methods. From beginners to veterans, our students are all in good hands being taught by our staff.

Taekwondo will help your child to:

Increase focus
Burn off excess energy
Build confidence
Slow down or stop “fidgeting”
Escape from would-be attackers
Become coordinated

Beginning of class: I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that could reduce my mental growth or physical health. I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others. I will use common-sense before self-defense and never be abusive or offensive. This is a blackbelt school. I’m motivated, I’m dedicated, I’m on a quest to be my best. Winners never quit, quitters never win, I choose to be a winner.

End of class: I am a dedicated student of the martial arts and live by the principles of blackbelt: Modesty, Courtesy, Integrity, Self-Control, And Perseverance.