Ramires ATA Black Belt Academy has been building confident, disciplined champions through the American Taekwondo Association curriculum since 2007. Led by a 4th Degree Black Belt and 22-year law enforcement veteran. Programs for ages 3 through adult — beginners always welcome.
Every student. Every goal. Every belt. We're here every step of the way.
Ramires ATA Black Belt Academy was founded in December 2007 by Frederica M. Ramires — known to students as Dolly — a 4th Degree Black Belt with 40+ years of martial arts experience and a 22-year career in law enforcement, rising from Corporal to Chief. Training in a 1,750-square-foot facility in Swansboro, NC, Ramires ATA follows the American Taekwondo Association curriculum, developing strength, focus, discipline, and real self-defense skills in students from age 3 through adult.
Owner & Chief Instructor · 4th Degree Black Belt
Frederica M. Ramires — "Dolly" to her students — founded Ramires ATA Black Belt Academy in December 2007, building it into the Crystal Coast's premier ATA school. A 4th Degree Black Belt certified by ATA International headquarters in Little Rock, AR, Dolly brings 40+ years of martial arts experience alongside a 22-year law enforcement career that took her from Corporal all the way to Chief. She holds a Level 3 Krav Maga certification and is a specialist in ATA Xtreme Forms, Xtreme Weapons, Creative Forms, Sparring, and Traditional disciplines — plus defensive tactics and sexual harassment and rape prevention instruction. That law enforcement background gives Dolly's Women's Self-Defense program a credibility and real-world depth that most instructors simply can't match.
We don't just teach ATA Taekwondo — we build better people.
Students earn every belt by demonstrating real technique — we don't hand out ranks. With a 4.8-star Google rating and 19 years in Swansboro, our standards speak for themselves.
From young kids to adults, complete beginners to returning martial artists — everyone feels at home at Ramires ATA Black Belt Academy. This is a family, not just a gym.
Parents and students report improvements in focus, confidence, and discipline within the first 30–60 days. Our structured curriculum ensures every student progresses at every level.
Something for everyone — from toddlers to adults, beginners to competitors.
Tiny Tigers introduces our youngest students to the fundamentals of Songham Taekwondo — balance, focus, basic techniques, and following instructions — in a structured, age-appropriate environment. Students learn rank-specific skills, beginner weapons forms, and board breaking, all while building the self-control and confidence that carries right into school and home life.
Our core ATA Taekwondo program guides kids and teens through the full rank system — white belt to black belt — while developing discipline, leadership, and real martial arts skill at every step. The curriculum rotates every two months to reinforce life skills as well as technique, and students at every level compete, perform, and grow together as a community.
Adult ATA Taekwondo at Ramires is a full workout and a serious discipline — building strength, flexibility, focus, and practical self-defense skills simultaneously. Led by a 4th Degree Black Belt and former law enforcement chief, classes are structured, goal-oriented, and welcoming to complete beginners. No prior experience needed — just the decision to start.
Three easy steps to your first class — no experience required.
Click the button below or call us at (910) 326-7677 to reserve your free intro session at a time that works for you.
Arrive in comfortable workout clothes. We'll give you a tour, introduce you to the team, and guide you through your first class.
If you love it — and you will — we'll find the perfect program and membership that fits your goals, schedule, and budget.
No commitment. No experience needed. Just show up.
Rated 4.8 from 57+ reviews on Google
"Kudos to the current Leadership and Owner on their persistence and dedication to the students. It's amazing to see Sam and Miranda continue to grow and improve. Ramires ATA has been an incredible experience for our family."
via Google
"ATA Ramires is an outstanding place for individuals of all ages to grow, both physically and mentally. The instruction instills discipline, respect, and perseverance. Highly recommended for anyone looking to develop martial arts skills and character."
via Google
"Absolutely awesome place. They are so patient with the little kids. My daughter has grown so much in confidence and focus since joining. They have been an absolute blessing to have for my firecracker."
via Google
"Ramires ATA has been a phenomenal experience for my 3 daughters and I. The self-discipline and confidence we have learned here will last a lifetime. Ramires ATA has truly become like family to us."
via Google
"My son attends taekwondo here and he enjoys it so much. The staff is very friendly and it's a wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great martial arts program."
via Google
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Ramires ATA Black Belt Academy