Kalispell ATA Martial Arts

Checking in with some of our amazing students at the baseball game! ⚾️ It’s always great seeing our martial arts family outside the dojang. Hope everyone is having a fantastic time and making great memories!

Where is Mr. Armstrong….

🎉 Please join us in welcoming the Gehrman family to Kalispell ATA Martial Arts! 🥋

The Gehrman family comes to us with experience from another Taekwondo federation, and we are honored they have chosen to continue their martial arts journey with us.

At Kalispell ATA Martial Arts, we believe that a belt is earned through dedication, perseverance, and hard work. We respect the time, effort, and commitment that every martial artist has invested in reaching their current rank. Because of that, we honor the rank they have earned and believe in moving forward—not starting over.

Our goal is to help every student continue growing, learning, and reaching new heights while embracing the traditions, values, and curriculum of our school.

Welcome to our martial arts family, Gehrman family! We are excited to be part of your journey and can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish on the mats.

🥋 Welcome to the Bear Cave! 🐻
Changing the world, one black belt at a time.

🥋 REAL SELF-DEFENSE. REAL CONFIDENCE. REAL RESULTS. 🥋

Are you looking for a practical self-defense program that prepares you for real-life situations—not just a workout?

At Kalispell Self-Defense / Krav Maga, you’ll learn simple, effective techniques that anyone can use while improving your confidence, awareness, and fitness in a positive, supportive environment.

🔥 Grand Opening Special!
✅ First 10 people to enroll receive:
💥 Only $65 per month
👕 FREE Kalispell Self-Defense T-Shirt

Why train with us?
✔️ Practical self-defense for everyday situations
✔️ Build confidence and situational awareness
✔️ Improve strength, fitness, and conditioning
✔️ Fun, supportive, beginner-friendly classes
✔️ Learn skills that could help protect yourself and those you love

👨‍👩‍👧 Bring the family!
Receive 20% OFF for your second immediate family member.

📅 Classes Begin in August
🗓 Tuesdays & Thursdays
⏰ 7:30 PM
👥 Ages 14 and Up

Ready to take the first step toward becoming stronger, more confident, and better prepared?

📩 Message us on Facebook or visit http://KalispellATA.com to register today.

Train Smart. Stay Safe. Protect What Matters Most.

Congratulations

🥈 Honored to be voted 2nd Place – Best Dog Trainer in the Best of Flathead!

Thank you to every client, friend, and supporter who trusted me with your dogs and took the time to vote. Your support means the world to me, and I’m grateful to be part of so many incredible training journeys.

Here’s to another great year! 🐾

🏆 WE DID IT AGAIN! 🏆

We are incredibly honored and humbled to announce that Kalispell ATA Martial Arts has been voted Best Martial Arts School in the Flathead Valley for the second year in a row—2025 & 2026!

This recognition means so much because it comes from our community. Every vote, every kind word, every family that trusts us with their children and their martial arts journey has helped make this possible.

This award isn’t just about our instructors—it’s about our students, our families, and everyone who walks through our doors. Every belt earned, every board broken, every challenge overcome, and every smile shared has helped build something truly special.

We strive every day to provide more than martial arts. Our mission is to build confidence, character, discipline, respect, and a family atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and supported.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us and allowing us to serve the Flathead Valley. We are excited to continue growing, learning, and changing the world one black belt at a time.

Here’s to another amazing year together!

Thank you, Flathead Valley, for voting Kalispell ATA Martial Arts the Best Martial Arts School in the Valley—2025 & 2026!

Korean Traditional Weapons Training: The Weapons of Korea

Korean Traditional Weapons Training is an important part of Korea’s martial heritage, developed over centuries through military combat, royal guard traditions, and civilian martial arts. While Taekwondo is Korea’s most recognized martial art, traditional weapons systems have long been practiced in arts such as K*k Sool Won, Sib Pal Gi (Eighteen Methods), Muye 24 Gi, Haidong Gumdo, Kumdo, and the World Kummooyeh Federation. These weapons emphasize discipline, precision, respect, and the development of both mind and body.

The foundation of Korean weapons training can be traced to the Muyejebo (1598) and later the Muyedobotongji (1790), a comprehensive military manual commissioned during the Joseon Dynasty by King Jeongjo. These manuals documented the battlefield techniques used by Korean soldiers and preserved martial traditions that continue to influence practitioners today.

Jahng B**g (Long Staff)

The Jahng B**g is one of the most fundamental weapons in Korean martial arts. Typically measuring around six feet in length, it develops balance, footwork, coordination, distance control, and powerful full-body movement. Students learn striking, thrusting, sweeping, spinning, and defensive techniques that form the basis for many other traditional weapons.

Joong B**g (Medium Staff)

The Joong B**g is a shorter staff offering increased speed and maneuverability while maintaining the power of staff techniques. It is commonly used for striking, blocking, trapping, and flowing combinations. The shorter length allows practitioners to develop close- and mid-range weapon control.

Ssahng Nat (Twin Sickles)

The Ssahng Nat consists of two traditional Korean sickles originally adapted from agricultural tools. Practiced as a pair, they are used for slashing, hooking, trapping, and controlling an opponent’s weapon while developing coordination between both hands.

Ssahng Jeol B**g (Nunchaku)

Known as Ssahng Jeol B**g, this weapon consists of two hardwood sticks connected by a rope or chain. Traditional Korean training emphasizes control, precision, striking, blocking, trapping, and smooth transitions rather than flashy demonstrations.

Gum (Sword)

The Gum, or Korean sword, represents one of Korea’s most respected martial traditions. Sword training develops posture, precision, focus, discipline, and mental composure. Modern practitioners study forms, cutting mechanics, drawing techniques, and partner drills while preserving centuries of Korean swordsmanship.

Dan Gum (Short Sword)

The Dan Gum is a shorter version of the traditional Korean sword used for close-range techniques. Training focuses on speed, precision, defensive movements, and controlled counterattacks.

Dahn Do (Single-Edged Saber)

The Dahn Do is a curved, single-edged military saber historically carried by Korean soldiers. Designed for powerful cutting techniques, it emphasizes fluid movement, strong body mechanics, and battlefield efficiency.

Gung (Traditional Korean Bow)

Korea possesses one of the world’s oldest and most respected archery traditions. The Gung, Korea’s traditional reflex bow, is renowned for its compact design, exceptional power, and remarkable accuracy. Korean archery develops concentration, breathing, patience, and mental discipline as much as physical skill.

Bang Pae (Shield)

The Bang Pae, or shield, was historically used by Korean military forces alongside swords and spears. Shield training teaches defensive positioning, blocking, redirection, and coordinated counterattacks while reinforcing the principle of balancing offense and defense.

Chang (Spear)

The Chang is one of the longest battlefield weapons in Korean martial arts. It allows practitioners to maintain distance while delivering precise thrusts, sweeping attacks, and defensive movements. Spear training develops timing, reach, footwork, and strategic positioning.

Woldo (Moon Blade)

The Woldo is Korea’s version of the crescent-bladed polearm. It combines the reach of a spear with the cutting ability of a sword, requiring exceptional strength, coordination, and body control.

Modern Korean Weapons Training

Today, Korean martial arts schools preserve these traditional weapons not only as methods of self-defense but also as a way of honoring Korea’s rich martial history. Organizations such as the World Kummooyeh Federation continue to teach traditional Korean swordsmanship while schools teaching Muye 24 Gi, Sib Pal Gi, K*k Sool Won, and other systems preserve many of these classical weapons.

Beyond technical skill, Korean weapons training develops discipline, humility, respect, perseverance, confidence, and character. Every form and technique reflects centuries of military tradition and cultural heritage. Training is not simply about learning to use historical weapons—it is about preserving Korean history while cultivating the mindset of a true martial artist.

무예는 곧 인격이다
“Martial Arts Are Character Itself.”

*kSoolWon **g

One of the best parts of being a martial arts family is seeing our students outside the dojang. It was great running into some of our students at the ballgame! Moments like these remind us that we’re more than a school—we’re a community that supports one another both on and off the mats.

Thank you for making Kalispell ATA Martial Arts such an incredible family. We hope you had an amazing time at the game, and we can’t wait to see you back in class!

🏆 What an incredible week for Mr. Allison in Phoenix, Arizona! 🏆

Mr. Allison traveled to Phoenix to compete against some of the very best martial artists in the world.

He first stepped onto the mat in the Top 10 Competition, earning an outstanding 3rd Place in Traditional Forms against elite competitors from across the globe.

The very next day, he challenged himself even further by moving up to compete in the combined 2nd and 3rd Degree Black Belt division at the first tournament of the new season. Rising to the challenge, he brought home 2nd Place in Traditional Forms and 3rd Place in Traditional Weapons.

Watching Mr. Allison continue to push himself, compete with humility, and represent Kalispell ATA Martial Arts with excellence is something we’re incredibly proud of.

Now he gets to bring those medals home, where our students can celebrate with him, be inspired by his dedication, and see firsthand what hard work, perseverance, and commitment can accomplish.

That’s what we’re all about at Kalispell ATA Martial Arts—family. We celebrate each other’s victories, encourage one another through challenges, and grow stronger together every step of the journey.

Congratulations, Mr. Allison! Your martial arts family is proud of you, and we can’t wait to welcome you home! 🥋🥉🥈💙❤️