Growing local interest in the martial arts has prompted a local tae kwon do school to move to larger digs.

Five years ago, Kevin and Michelle Pavlik opened an American Taekwondo Association-licensed martial arts academy in the Drug Mart Plaza along Hill Road.

Since then, the number of students training at ATA Black Belt has increased exponentially, leading the Pavliks to relocate to a 6,000-square-foot studio at 773 Windmiller Drive, Suite C.

The new school opened Nov. 2. The Pavliks hope the new space will allow them to introduce even more people to the martial arts.

"Our old space was 3,520 square feet, so we've increased our space by about 40 percent," Kevin Pavlik said. "We're moving because we outgrew our old space.

"In our first six months or so, we probably had about 30 students. Now, we have about 300 students."

In addition to additional floor space, Pavlik said the new studio will feature upgraded practice matting, a larger lobby and a more comfortable viewing area for parents and others who want to take in the instruction sessions. Training and activities at the new facility largely will mirror those at the former space.

Although the couple's licensure with the ATA establishes where their academy must operate, Pavlik said leaving Pickerington was never a consideration.

"We have tried to work very hard to build a good reputation in the community here," he said. "When people think about joining a martial arts school, we hope they think of us.

"We feel like we've developed a really good reputation in the community here, and we wouldn't want to go anywhere else."

That reputation was bolstered in June when academy student and Pickerington resident Jasmine Cloe became a world champion among women age 30 to 39 in forms for precision in attacking and defense techniques at the American Taekwondo Association World Championships in Little Rock, Ark.

"Our new location will allow us to accommodate our current students and, hopefully, facilitate further growth," Pavlik said.

ATA Black Belt will maintain its primary hours of 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

An open house for the new facility was held on Monday and Pavlik said other special events will be held in coming months to showcase the new space.

"We really appreciate our customers and the families that train with us," he said. "We have some students who've been with us since basically the day we opened.

"We really appreciate all the people who've stuck with us, and we've had some really great help in getting the new facility ready."

Additional information about ATA Black Belt can be obtained by calling (614) 920-9480.