Terry's Bio

 
Grand Master Terry Middleton was exposed to Boxing as a child by his father in the early 1950's. His father began boxing in the Navy and continued to train after returning from World War II.

In 1968 Terry joined the first Karate studio in southern Indiana. The studio was started by Bob Lomax. Harry Schneinder, and Leo Fields who had practiced the Martial Arts in the service. Terry attended every class and became the caretaker of the studio.

After becoming an assistant instructor in 1969, the studio was sold to the World Tae Kwon Do Group the same year. In 1971, Terry earned his first-degree black belt and became a rotating instructor at the Louisville, Jeffersonville, and Sellersburg studios.

In 1972, Terry started his own studio in New Albany that has grown into the four-story school that it is today. Shortly after, boxing was added to the format which became the beginning of Kickboxing in this region. Terry added other styles of Martial Arts to the format which makes his blended style more interesting and effective.

Grand Master Jim Thomas presented Terry his 9th degree black belt in 2009.

Terry participated in many competitions and promoted Karate tournaments, Kickboxing and Boxing matches. He has trained state, regional, national, and world champions. In addition, he is a licensed boxing promoter, Kickboxing and Boxing judge and referee.

Holding countless ladies self-defense seminars, public exhibitions, and junior and senior high school clubs, Terry is well known and respected in the community and southern Indiana area. He has also produced ladies self-defense and Kickboxing workout videos.

Grand Master Terry Middleton is the highest ranked Martial Artist in this area and started training before most of the other studio or club leaders were born. Daily, you will find Terry actively training, teaching and sparring.

Terry inducted into the
USA Hall of Fame - April 2008


Terry was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame on April 12th 2008 at a black tie affair. He was inducted as a Master of Mixed Martial Arts at a doctrate level.

Many of America's Masters and Grand Masters attended including Bill "Superfoot" Wallace. These Masters and Grand Masters gave inspiring speeches about their lives as competitors and school owners.

Terry is an 9th Degree Black Belt and has been training and teaching the Martial Arts for over 40 years in Southern Indiana.



Terry with Bill "Superfoot" Wallace





Shirley Middleton with Bill "Superfoot" Wallace



Terry with Grandmaster Jim Thomas at Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in October 2007


Terry inducted into the
Martials Arts Alliance Hall of Fame - October 2007


New Albany’s Terry Middleton was recently inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held in Durham, North Carolina at a black tie affair held after a Martial Arts seminar and national Karate tournament. Middleton said he was honored to be included with all of the great masters who have helped so many people gain the benefits of Martial Arts.

Terry began training in Tae Kwon Do in 1968 and became an assistant instructor in 1969. He earned his first black belt in 1971 and started New Albany’s first Karate school in 1972. The New Albany school is one of Americas oldest and biggest schools. Middleton is currently an 9th Degree Black Belt Grandmaster in Karate, a Kickboxing trainer, and a Boxing coach.

Terry is a licensed Boxing and Kickboxing promoter, referee, and judge. He has given countless self-defense seminars, exhibitions, and school club programs. Middleton’s New Albany school is the only regional school that offers Karate, Ladies Kickboxing, a Boxing gym, and Judo at one location.
After four decades of training and teaching thousands of students, Middleton says, “I’m just getting started!”

READ NEWSANDTRIBUNE.COM article on Terry titled "Destined to be a grandmaster"
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