Hall of Fame


Martial Arts Pioneer - April 2009


Terry was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame as a “Pioneer” in the Martial Arts in April 2009.

Terry trained in the Martial Arts in the 1960’s when Karate and other styles were in their infancy in America. Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and others were not household names then as they are now.

Terry took Karate from a small club type of program to a large mainstream school in this area. The New Albany school is one of the oldest and biggest in the United States, and one of the first to offer Karate, Kickboxing, Boxing, and Judo in one school.

Many champions have won titles in Karate, Kickboxing, and Boxing from his school.


Terry and his wife, Shirley, at the 2009 USA Hall of Fame banquet where he recieves the Martial Arts "Pioneer" honor.


Terry with Dr. Jim Thomas, 10th Degree Black Belt and curator of the USA Martial Arts Alliance


Terry holding his Hall of Fame Martial Arts plaque



Terry wearing his doctorate in Martial Arts sash with his wife, Shirley





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 8th 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 Middleton and Jim Thomas


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 America’s oldest and biggest schools. Middleton is currently an 8th 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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