Bismarck ATA Martial Arts Offers Important Technique and Life Skills at Area 57

Bismarck ATA Martial Arts, a local chapter of the worldwide martial arts organization, has found its home at Area 57 in Bismarck.

Owner and instructor, Erik Powell, chose the space after the lease at the previous location had ended. Short on time to find a new location, he turned to Area 57 and the EPIC commercial leasing team. “Area 57 was the only company that showed true interest in wanting me to be in their location. They helped draw up the plans, always worked with me on the design of the space and answered all my questions whenever I had them.” said Powell. He also thought the location was one that his students would like with it being so close to many homes in the northwest part of Bismarck. “I have not had any student complain that my location was in a bad area, or too far away for them!”

When the previous owner retired in January of 2015, Powell was happy to take over and make teaching martial arts his full-time career. After owning a construction company and working as a correctional officer, Powell now enjoys teaching children not only the technique of martial arts but important life skills they can take with them in their lives. “The favorite part of my job is seeing the huge changes students make from when they first come into the school to when they receive their black belts.” he said. “This could be physical techniques being very difficult in the beginning, to super easy a year later. But most importantly it’s how I see them change mentally. How they grow from a shy, quiet child, to a confident and loud leader!”

Bismarck ATA Martial Arts was first opened in 1983 and has been the leader of martial arts training in the Bismarck-Mandan area ever since. With over 3,000 schools in different cities, states, and countries around the world, Powell said, “We have the best training for instructors, and the best programs for students of any age! We make students into future leaders…one black belt at a time!!”