ATMAA Celebrates 5 Years of Taekwon-Do, Community Service, and Changing Lives

The American Taekwon-Do Martial Arts Academy (ATMAA) celebrates its fifth anniversary, marking five years of dedication to Taekwon-Do, personal development, family, leadership, and community service.

Founded by Master Krishna Balal in 2021, ATMAA was created with a vision extending far beyond operating a martial arts school. Its mission is to make Taekwon-Do accessible to the community and help people of all ages become healthier, stronger, more confident, disciplined, and responsible. Through ATMAA, Master Balal has worked to strengthen families, serve the community, and make a positive difference in people’s lives.

A Distinguished Record of Leadership

Master Krishna Balal served as President of the Nepal International Taekwon-Do Federation (NITF) for more than a decade. During his tenure, he was one of Nepal’s most active and dedicated ITF Taekwon-Do leaders, helping to strengthen NITF as the national governing body representing ITF Taekwon-Do in Nepal.

Master Balal was also the Founder and President of the Nepal National Martial Arts Games Confederation, established under Nepal’s National Sports Council. Through these leadership roles, he worked to promote martial arts development, organizational unity, national recognition, and opportunities for athletes and instructors.

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He continues his international leadership and service as the current President of the American Cooperative Taekwon-Do Institution (ACTI). His lifelong commitment to Taekwon-Do, leadership, education, and community development remains the foundation of ATMAA’s mission.

A Strong Foundation

ATMAA gratefully acknowledges Co-Founder, Owner, and CEO Tika Karki and Co-Owner and Chief Administration Officer Sarala Karki for their vital contributions to the academy’s establishment.

Their decision to purchase the building that became ATMAA’s home provided the academy with a permanent place where students and families could learn, train, and grow together. Their commitment, trust, and continued support remain an essential part of ATMAA’s journey.

More Than Martial Arts

One of ATMAA’s greatest strengths is its dedicated team of Masters and instructors. Each brings valuable knowledge, experience, and teaching methods to the academy.

Their responsibilities extend far beyond teaching physical techniques. They share practical wisdom, mentorship, and personal experiences that help students overcome challenges and develop into confident, respectful, disciplined, and responsible individuals.

Students are encouraged to live by the Five Tenets of Taekwon-Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. The goal is not simply to memorize these principles but to practice them at home, at school, at work, and throughout daily life.

ATMAA teaches that Taekwon-Do is more than a martial art—it is a way of life.

A Year of Outstanding Achievement

The past year has been exceptional for ATMAA, with students competing successfully at local, national, and international levels.ATMAA athletes participated in two online world championships and earned numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals in individual pattern and poomsae competitions. The academy also achieved Team Pattern Gold at both world championships.

At the KTA National Championship, ATMAA competitors continued their success by earning additional gold and silver medals in sparring, board breaking, and poomsae.

ATMAA Hosts Its First Championship

Another major milestone was the successful hosting of ATMAA’s first Inner-School Taekwon-Do Championship.The event gave students an opportunity to compete, demonstrate their skills, test their abilities, gain valuable experience, and celebrate their hard work in a positive and supportive environment.

Parents, families, Masters, instructors, volunteers, and supporters worked together in unity to make the championship a memorable success.

Developing Future Leaders and Officials

ATMAA hosted a referee and judge training seminar for adult members and Black Belts. The seminar provided valuable knowledge about competition rules and officiating while helping to develop future referees, judges, and leaders within the Taekwon-Do community.

Master Krishna Balal also represented ATMAA internationally as a referee at a world championship in Italy, further demonstrating the academy’s growing involvement in the international Taekwon-Do community.

Giving Back to the Community

Community service is central to ATMAA’s mission. As part of its fifth-anniversary observance, the academy once again organized its annual blood donation drive.

This meaningful tradition brings members together to help people in need and reflects ATMAA’s belief that the values learned in the dojang should extend into the wider community.

Throughout the year, ATMAA was also honored to welcome distinguished guests and community leaders. Students, Masters, and instructors received special recognition for their achievements, leadership, service, and contributions to the community.

Recognizing Excellence

Although every member contributes to ATMAA’s success, the fifth-anniversary celebration provided a special opportunity to recognize individuals whose dedication, leadership, performance, and service were especially noteworthy during the past year.

2026 Award Recipient

Instructor of the Year	Master Sharada Rai
Leadership Excellence Award	Assistant Master Namrata Paudel
Best Supporter of the Year	Garson Lazo
Best Male Player of the Year	Neevan Paudel
Best Female Player of the Year	Sahara Karki
Best Disciplined Player of the Year	Rayan Bahadur Khadka

ATMAA proudly congratulates all the recipients for their exceptional discipline, leadership, loyalty, service, and valuable contributions to the academy.

Looking Ahead

ATMAA’s journey does not end with its fifth anniversary. In November 2026, ATMAA members are scheduled to travel to Vienna, Austria, to participate in international Taekwon-Do activities, technical training, and officiating seminars.

This international experience will expand their knowledge and allow them to bring valuable lessons, skills, and perspectives back to the ATMAA community.

The academy is also planning the first American Open Taekwon-Do Championship, creating another opportunity to unite the Taekwon-Do community while promoting competition, friendship, respect, cooperation, and sportsmanship.

ATMAA Celebrates Five Years—and Only the Beginning

ATMAA’s success reflects a collective effort. The academy extends its sincere appreciation to all Masters, instructors, students, parents, families, volunteers, friends, and supporters who have contributed to its journey.

Masters and instructors provide knowledge, mentorship, patience, and leadership. Parents and families make the sacrifices that allow students to train, compete, and achieve their goals. Students bring discipline, determination, courage, and a willingness to learn. Volunteers and supporters generously contribute their time, energy, and resources to help ATMAA’s programs succeed.

Five years of ATMAA represent thousands of hours of training, countless challenges overcome, achievements celebrated, friendships built, families united, and lives positively influenced through Taekwon-Do.

The academy’s mission remains strong: to promote Taekwon-Do, develop confident and disciplined individuals, strengthen families, serve the community, and inspire people of all ages to become the best versions of themselves.

About ATMAA

The American Taekwon-Do Martial Arts Academy serves students and families from Reston and the surrounding Northern Virginia community. ATMAA provides traditional ITF Taekwon-Do and sport Taekwon-Do training while promoting discipline, respect, confidence, physical fitness, leadership, personal growth, and community service.