At Kalispell ATA Martial Arts, martial arts are more than a sport, they are a way of life. They strengthen both the physical and mental form, according to owner Robert Armstrong.

Being able to bring that to the Flathead Valley has been incredible, he said.  

Originally from Alabama, Armstrong moved here five years ago with his wife and four kids. Spending 20 years in the Marine Corps, Armstrong and his family hopped around the United States until he retired in 2012. His family then moved to Whidbey Island in Washington to be closer to his mother-in-law.  

After a few years, the Armstrong family was looking for a change. Growing up, Armstrong’s first ever horse was from Montana, a place his father loved to frequent. When Armstrong and his wife checked out the area, they knew this was the next place in their story.  

The move carried his passion with him into Montana. He remembers finding an old taekwondo book as a kid. He started replicating the moves, something his dad noticed. 

On Dec. 4, 1984, Armstrong took his first taekwondo class, beginning to learn the Korean martial art known for its emphasis on kicking techniques, speed and acrobatic movements.   

“I was so excited I was going to do taekwondo,” he said. “Now 40 years later, I’ve never looked back.” 

Armstrong, who participated in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, a hand-to-hand combat training program, and state, national and world championships, is a fifth degree blackbelt which signifies experience and skill in the martial art.  

Once reaching a fifth-degree black belt, an instructor is allowed to test to become a master, one of the highest recognitions the sport offers.  

Armstrong opened his first school on Woodby Island in 2014 under the American Taekwondo Association style, which utilizes both kicking and hitting. He opened a second school, and both have been taken over by black belt students who trained under him. 

When his family moved to Kalispell, Armstrong thought it was a good time to step away from teaching. He was a manager at Home Depot for a few years but said that the thought of retiring from martial arts didn’t sit right with him. 

“I didn’t think that’s where God wanted me or wanted me to do,” he said.  

A couple of years ago, when his youngest son expressed interest in taekwondo, Armstrong knew what he had to do for himself and his son: open a school.  

The school, Kalispell ATA Martial Arts, opened in March 2024. It’s not just about physical performance, Armstrong said, but also mental strength: dedication, commitment, respecting others and oneself. And it all happens out on the mat.  

It's where the victories happen, Armstrong said, reflecting on his own success but more so his students. The best part about teaching martial arts, he said, is watching them succeed.  

“My vision was to bring people together with a common goal, to be more disciplined. To be goal setters and goal achievers,” he said. “... To share martial arts together.” 

Armstrong offers a range of classes throughout the week. Ideally, someone wanting to improve their craft should attend two sessions a week. For kids 3 to 7 to years in age, there is an ATA Tiger program that provides the chance to improve listening skills, foster self-discipline and have fun. 

Martial Arts Kids is for the next group of kids, and teens and adults start at 13 years old. One of Armstrong’s favorite things about teaching a sport, specifically this sport, is that it is an activity anyone can participate in regardless of age or experience.  

Armstrong also offers self-defense classes and Krav Maga classes, as well as field trip and birthday party packages.  

Kalispell ATA Martial Arts is located at 1425 U.S. 2 West Suite C in Kalispell.  

Armstrong is offering four classes and a free uniform for $30 as a starting special. To inquire about sessions, rates and classes, visit kalispellata.com.  

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].