ATF Black Belt Academy

My son is currently enrolled at ATF Academy and has been with them for a year now. He is having fun and now a blue belt. He not only gained self-confidence but build his body muscles as well. His hyper active energy is diverted and uses it to something productive. ATF Academy is highly recommended. more

My kids LOVE it. I came to ATF Academy looking for an after school activity for my two kids and loved it. We’ve been coming here for almost 2 years now and it really has changed them for the best. I never thought my kids would be this well behaved because of taekwondo. They enjoy training, the instructor (Mr. Melatti), and the belt system really helps to motivate them to do their best. They take real good care and they are on top of all of their kid’s behavior in and outside of the training floor. I recommend ATF Academy to anyone who has ever thought of putting their kids into any sport to help them be better than they already are. more

When we moved back to Las Vegas, from another military base (Korea), we tried out ATF Academy for the shallowest of reasons: (a) great military family’s recommendations, (b) good reviews on the web, (c) son badgering us endlessly about taking martial arts and trying out ""taekwondo"" moves on toddler sister. We figured at the rate we were going either he was going to kill her or we were going to kill him, or maybe both.\r \r Given our motivations, we did not deserve to end up in such a great environment, but we did. The ATF Academy classes have been fantastic. Extra bonus points go to Mr. Melatti for reinforcing the message that kicking and punching is for the dojang only. So our son is now trying to teach his sister different stances instead of inadvertently beating her up.\r \r Mr. Melatti is amazing with the kids. My sense is that martial arts programs for little kids tend to draw what you might call a non-random sample. They all have ants in their pants. They are fizzy. Based on conversations with parents of my son's kindergarten classmates alone, I would say that we're all trying martial arts for a reason, and that is the hope that some of our kids' energy can be redirected without the use of prescription medication. This makes for a challenging teaching environment. It is very, very impressive to watch Mr. Melatti (et al) take these kids in stride and lead them to want to learn.\r \r Finally, they have an awesome program for military families, and it helped us tremendously. We just felt at home again. So we're all happy.\r more

When we moved back to Las Vegas, from another military base (Korea), we tried out ATF Academy for the shallowest of reasons: (a) great military family’s recommendations, (b) good reviews on the web, (c) son badgering us endlessly about taking martial arts and trying out ""taekwondo"" moves on toddler sister. We figured at the rate we were going either he was going to kill her or we were going to kill him, or maybe both.\r \r Given our motivations, we did not deserve to end up in such a great environment, but we did. The ATF Academy classes have been fantastic. Extra bonus points go to Mr. Melatti for reinforcing the message that kicking and punching is for the dojang only. So our son is now trying to teach his sister different stances instead of inadvertently beating her up.\r \r Mr. Melatti is amazing with the kids. My sense is that martial arts programs for little kids tend to draw what you might call a non-random sample. They all have ants in their pants. They are fizzy. Based on conversations with parents of my son's kindergarten classmates alone, I would say that we're all trying martial arts for a reason, and that is the hope that some of our kids' energy can be redirected without the use of prescription medication. This makes for a challenging teaching environment. It is very, very impressive to watch Mr. Melatti (et al) take these kids in stride and lead them to want to learn.\r \r Finally, they have an awesome program for military families, and it helped us tremendously. We just felt at home again. So we're all happy.\r more

¬If you're looking for the best place around N. Las Vegas, this is it; Mr. Melatti and his taekwondo family offer everything from self defense, conditioning, technique and more! My son has been a student at ATF Academy for a little more than a month and I absolutely am in love with the sport! You will DEFINITELY get your money’s worth, the staff is great with helping every single student individually and the people in the school are great to work with! more

I love this school! My girl has improved in every aspect of her life, not just in self defense! She is doing very well at school, at home, and with her friends. She now makes better choices. She loves Mr. Melatti, he is a great teacher and a wonderful person! Very strong spirit and an example of a hard working man. I am so thankful to him and to his family for the way they have been helping my child to become a better person. Their daughter Shannan is always there to support and to help their school and we just adore her!!!! This girl is also an amazing teacher and always helps her family no matter how busy her life may be. She definitely practices all tenants of this beautiful martial Arts Taekwondo. She holds the rank of 2nd degree black belt and is very talent. Shannan Melatti is an example of teenager. My child looks up to her! Beautiful young woman in every way. I am so happy of having my daughter around such a great family and environment and I'm so proud of her accomplishments! Like Mr. Melatti says all the time, Taekwondo is a way of life! And to me, ATF academy is the best school to learn it! Without a doubt I recommend this school to anyone that wants to improve their lives through martial arts training. more

Best all around! My kids have been training with Mr. Melatti for almost 3 years. You won't find anyone around that has anymore expertise as he does in the Martial Arts field in this area. Mr. Melatti and his family are the Best! Their history with Taekwon-Do alone is incomparable to others. The ATF Academy is highly recommended for children and adults. more

This is a great place to train. Mr. Melatti takes great care in structuring a program that delivers on its promise to make your child a better person and get your child in great shape at the same time. My son was in reasonable shape before, but 7 months of training, ATF Academy knocked off that stubborn last bit of belly fat my child had, and his cardio has never been better. \r \r If you're looking for a martial arts school where you can chat and socialize while you children train, this is the place for you; a very good atmosphere. That said, just about everyone that I've run across here is very nice. My child have made new friends and it's extremely rare to encounter anyone with an ego or an attitude problem (unless, if you are one the “not so gracious parents” that is always unhappy with your own life…)\r \r In response to a couple of rogue comments on this board accusing ATF Academy of overcharging and not having tap water available to your children, don't buy them, because they're bullshit. You just don’t go to a gourmet restaurant and expect to pay the WalMart prices. If $1 water is too much for you, quit the Starbucks for some time. Mr. Melatti really is a gifted teacher and successful businessman who know how to explain things clearly as well as inspire your kids to work as hard as they can. He takes time with everyone, without exception.\r more

\r \r \r \r Wow... This last comment is definitely from someone that really doesn't understand what it takes to become a Black Belt in Taekwondo.  It's sad to know how people can be so ignorant!\r My two kids are working toward to become a black belt and don't need to participate on tournaments for that, specially here in Vegas where open tournaments are organized by different associations with different rules, not Traditional Taekwondo!  Some times they don't even know what they are judging because, most open tournaments include different styles ( you see Judo, Karate, all mixed with Taekwondo).  So, in my opinion , I don't think it will ""define"" if my boys will have the skills and knowledge to defend themselves if they eventually need. They do practice it at ATF a lot!  And yes, they do use tournament rules of ONLY Traditional Taekwondo.  Why? Because that's what they teach, not just to ""fight"".\r NO, you don't become a Black Belt because you know how to fight, you become a Black Belt because you know how to control yourself avoiding a fight with integrity and also, when you acquire the knowledge of how and when to use special skills to also protect yourself in case a fight is inevitable, then you have the right to defend yourself and you will be able to apply all the techniques that a true Black Belt knows not matter what age or gender. And believe me, I have been watching all the sparring classes and I don't think this knowledge is something that anyone can have. It takes a great teacher, great parents to support, great discipline, great energy, and yes, amazing kids that want to become better in every aspect of their lives.\r By the way, ATF academy is a private school and yes, they sale their uniforms and equipments just like any other private school.  Everybody must use the same thing, like many other organizations or just single private schools. Their price is very affordable and actually cheap when I compared it with other Taekwondo school.  My boys are taking almost 8 classes a week and they enjoy every moment. They will become a true Black Belt in Taekwondo, and hopefully, the only time they will have to spar someone will be when they are training at the school or on future tournaments ""IF"" they choose to attend!  They learn the discipline to practice almost everyday a little bit and we try to take them as much as we can to all the classes.\r The Melatti Family have a great school and we are grateful for the kind of direction they are using to teach our kids the best of Taekwondo,. Discipline, self control, and integrity!\r  By the way, the water fountain never worked since day one and wasn't turned off by the school, what a malicious comment saying that ""they force the students to buy water or to bring their own...""  YES, bring your own!!  And stop ""forcing"" your kid to drink tap running water!  \r \r Love everything about ATF Academy!\r Really LOVE the Melatti Family for the kind of job they are doing and for the confidence they are helping my children develop.\r more

I'll try and write an unbiased opinion here:\r The Good: Nice facility, The Melatti's are very friendly and go out of their way to help their students achieve their goals.\r \r The Bad: I was lured in by the $99 a month rate only to learn that did not include sparring or weapons classes, so I kicked in another $50 a month and a two year contract to have my son participate in the ""Black Belt Club."" After the down payment and extra fees, the monthly rate is closer to $175 a month. The water fountain is turned off so you are forced to spend a dollar for bottled water or bring your own. Sparring classes emphasize tournament rules, but in three years, this school has never participated in a national or local tournament. If this is the case, just teach the kids how to fight, not hold back on head shots. Also, you must purchase all uniforms and equipment from ATF at an inflated price even though there are stores in town (check google) that offer drastic discounts over what they charge.\r Also, many students are promoted well beyond their abilities. There are ten year old Black Belts at this school that have never fought in a tournament and were promoted even though they clearly were not ready.\r \r Overall, save your money and check around, there are more quality Martial Arts Schools in town that are much more reasonably priced and won't make you sign long term contracts. more

I was shocked to see how nice this facility was. The layout, size and overall look and feel was by far over the top. I had no idea that a school could look this professional. The instructors were teaching class when I went in and I was amazed as to how well the class was going. Attention to detail and overall atmosphere was fun to say the least. I am looking forward to my first class. Mr. Melatti was very polite and helpful to my concerns. I would recommend this place to anyone. They teach all ages and give personal training that I am sure I will need. more

ATF Academy has surpassed all our expectations!! Mr. Mellatti and Mr. Walling were born to do this! They are so patient with the kids, and are excellent instructors. They teach discipline, while allowing the kids to have fun at the same time! Top Notch School for your kids! You won't be disappointed! more

My kids love this place. My 4 year old practices at home with his sister and she at 3 years old begs to go. We love the family atmosphere and friendly people they have there. Mr. Melattie and his family are a great addition to our lives. more

Great martial arts school for families and singles alike. Friendly atmosphere with experienced and fully-trained instructors. They will never make you do silly things like some taekwondo schools... (Punching a tree until it dies to make master or sparring the black belts during your first class anyone? Thought not.) They just want to bring out the best in everyone. They also make a really big deal out of academic excellence and good behavior at home for the kids they teach. Just great! Pros: Great instruction, quality students! Cons: None. Just the greatest. more

I RARELY FREQUENT BASH SITES LIKE THIS WHERE PEOPLE WITH AXES TO GRIND BLAST PEOPLE AND COMPANIES THAT WILL NOT ALWAYS TELL THEM WHAT THEY MIGHT WANT TO HEAR. I HAVE BEEN A VERY SATISFIED CUSTOMER OF ATF BLACK BELT ACADEMY FOR YEARS. NOT ONLY DO THEY HAVE THE GREATEST PRICES AND THE BEST (YES I SAID BEST) CUSTOMER SERVICE, BUT ALSO I HAVE FOUND NO OTHER MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL IN TOWN WITH MORE KNOWLEDGE , STYLE AND CLASS. I KNOW IT'S TOUGH FOR SOME PEOPLE TO COME TO THE REVELATION THAT THEY DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERYTHING, AND ATTEMP TO REDEEM THEIR EGO BY COMING ONLINE AND CALLING PEOPLE NAMES. I HAVE BEEN DOING TAEKWON-DO FOR A LONG TIME AND HAVE NEVER FOUND ANYONE WHO TRULY CARES ABOUT MY CHILDREN AND ME LIKE ATF DOES. GET A LIFE PEOPLE! THIS AWFUL ATTITUDE WILL NOT GOING TO TAKE YOU ANYWHERE! Pros: KNOWLEDGE AND CLASS ""A"" REPUTATION more

The owner is a self proclaimed Black Belt instructor who will gladly take your money to put you or your child on the fast track to receiving your belt. We were clients for one and a half years and found ourselves ""nickeled and dimed"" to death with his money raising tactics for our child to work up the belt ladder. Owner constantly prints and sells new t-shirts and then quickly considers and disallows previous t-shirts that you have purchased from being worn to classes. In addition, increases of fees to test, practice for testing and for workshops are added later and ""strongly encourage"" to you for your child to be ""successful"". All equipment and supplies must be purchased solely through HIM or you and your child will not be allowed to participate in class. We routinely found much cheaper supplies but were forbidden from using them in his studio.\r \r If you don't want to take my word for it, interview several other Tae Kwon Do Instructors in the Summerlin and North Las Vegas area and they can bring you up to date on his ""reputation"". \r \r Good luck finding a great studio. But if you want to earn your belt from a qualified and reputable Instructor, ATF Blackbelt Academy is NOT the place. Pros: Classroom size Cons: Lack of quality instruction, being ""nickeled and dimed"" to death with additional fees, expensive supplies and required items more

I am not here to defend anybody, but the circumstances here are not about the feelings or about contracts. I had the same problem as ?HOOOOO? and when I approached Mr. Melatti at ATF with my current financial situation I was acknowledged with class and professionalism. He understood the way the economy is at this time in the entire Vegas area and offered me an ?out-of-this-world? solution. Not only had he given us the opportunity to continue at ATF with normal classes, but he also allowed us to freeze the contracted payments (my own responsibility) until things gets better.\r \r Now, ?HOOOOO?, take a quick look at your disposition and don?t walk away from your responsibilities. If you are not paying ATF, I?m sure you are not paying anybody else! That?s wrong, that?s repulsive! Pros: Professionalism and Work Ethics. Cons: Can't think of it... more

SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE GREAT,CLASSES ARE AWESOME!!! BUT CONTRACTS ARE NOT, I SIGNED UP THINKING THAT NOTHING WILL GO WRONG IN THE TIME I HAD THE CONTRACT, UNFORTUNALY I HAD TO PICK BETWEEN EATING OR PAYING THE ACADEMY FEE, WHEN THINGS GO WRONG IN LIFE I THING TAE KWON DO CLASEES ARE LAST, I GAVE AN EXPLANATION TO MR MELATTI AND IT WAS SAD TO HEAR ""THERE IS NO FEELINGS"" WHEN A CONTRACT IS MADE, ON TOP OF BEING SUFFERING FROM STRESS AND ECONOMICAL SITUATION I HAVE TO FACE AN ATTORNEY FROM ATF ,,,,IT WOULD OF BEING GREAT CONTINUE TAKING THE CLASSES BUT RENT AND FOOD IS 1ST, I THOUGHT TAE KWON DO WAS ABOUT LIFE EXPERIENCE ""NOT ABOUT MONEY"" HOPE IN THE FUTURE GO BACK TO TAKE CLASSES BUT NOT AT ATF, WILL FIND A SCHOOL WITH NO CONTRACTS AND FEELINGS, WHAT SHOULD OF HAPPEN IF I WENT PHYSICALLY IMPAIRED TO PRATICE THERE IS NO FEELINGS AND I STILL HAD TO PAY THE CONTRACT EVEN KNOW I COULDNT WALK?? O WELL,,,,ATF NEEDS TO LEARN LIFE CHANGES IN A MINUTE, OF COURSE THEY CAN DO SOME RESEARCH IF YOU TELLING THE TRUTH BEFORE SAYING THERE IS NO FEELINGS!!! Pros: MR GARCIA Cons: CONTRACTS more

A beautiful, 4000 sf. martial arts offering a whole host of arts: Taekwondo, Self-Defense and the EBB Program. This is a great academy that cares about the people they train with. They offer kids and adult classes. Comprehensive after school program for ages 3-12 offered. Summer and belt camp too. ATF instructors are great people, great place! Pros: Big school, great instructors! Cons: They requested a contract... It's OK to do it! more

Although I'm only 17, I've been practicing taekwondo for 7 years now under many different instructors and academies. ATF Academy is different from most schools out there and I like it for learning how to focus better. ATF instructors have helped me correct my forms. In just three months I learned more than I would from a year of my previous trainings. Its not just good for advanced students like myself, but is great for beginners by teaching them every detail of the proper taekwondo form. You learn to feel your muscles and know your body. I'm going to keep going and in 1 year I know I will achieve better results and win more championships than before, either way I know my form, my body, and my fitness is getting in the best shape ever. ATF Academy is so awesome!!!! Pros: Great instructors, clean school & a brilliant organization! Cons: Wish I could train all day long!!! more