Fort Walton ATA Martial Arts
Ages 4-6
ATA Tigers
Our youngest students build a strong foundation in courtesy, respect, and discipline through age-appropriate Taekwondo activities — in a fun, safe environment designed specifically for little ones ages 4-6.
Building confident leaders since 2018. Programs for ages 4 through adult — no experience needed.
Every student. Every goal. Every belt. We're here every step of the way.
Fort Walton ATA Martial Arts has been empowering Fort Walton Beach families through Songahm Taekwondo since 2018, offering structured programs for ages 4 through adult in a climate-controlled facility on Racetrack Road. As part of the ATA — the world's largest martial arts organization with over 1 million students trained since 1969 — Fort Walton ATA combines a proven curriculum with deeply personal instruction that builds confidence, discipline, and real-world self-defense skills.
Owner · 8th Degree Black Belt
Chief Master Darrin Palmer began his martial arts journey as a child, earning his way to an 8th Degree Black Belt and founding the Fort Walton location in 2018 with a mission to empower individuals of all ages through the transformative power of martial arts. Over three decades of teaching, he oversees five ATA schools across Northwest Florida, personally mentoring instructors and students at each location. His teaching philosophy centers on the belief that martial arts is a road map to confidence, leadership, and a better life.
Head Instructor · 5th Degree Black Belt
Mr. Mike Darby is a 5th Degree Black Belt and dedicated Head Instructor at Fort Walton ATA Martial Arts, bringing years of training and teaching experience to students of every age. His steady leadership and commitment to the ATA curriculum help students build real confidence, discipline, and self-defense skills.
We don't just teach Taekwondo — we build better people.
Students earn every belt by demonstrating real technique — we don't hand out ranks. With a 5.0-star Google rating and 8 years in Fort Walton Beach, our standards speak for themselves.
From young kids to adults, complete beginners to returning martial artists — everyone feels at home at Fort Walton ATA Martial Arts. This is a family, not just a gym.
Parents and students report improvements in focus, confidence, and discipline within the first 30–60 days. Our structured curriculum ensures every student progresses at every level.
Something for everyone — from toddlers to adults, beginners to competitors.
Our youngest students build a strong foundation in courtesy, respect, and discipline through age-appropriate Taekwondo activities — in a fun, safe environment designed specifically for little ones ages 4-6.
The ATA's flagship kids program builds positive mental attitude, high goal-setting skills, and unshakeable confidence — while teaching real Taekwondo techniques through the proven Songahm belt system.
High-intensity fitness combined with real self-defense strategies that apply in today's world — the ATA adult program develops you mentally and physically and is the perfect alternative to a boring gym routine.
Three easy steps to your first class — no experience required.
Click the button below or call us at (850) 226-8606 to reserve your free intro session at a time that works for you.
Arrive in comfortable workout clothes. We'll give you a tour, introduce you to the team, and guide you through your first class.
If you love it — and you will — we'll find the perfect program and membership that fits your goals, schedule, and budget.
No commitment. No experience needed. Just show up.
Take the first step toward the best version of yourself. Book your free trial or get our full pricing and schedule sent directly to you.