The American Taekwondo Association Kaesar Dojang (Korean for “school”) on River Road has been open for decades with a consistent message: martial arts is more than just violence.
Currently led by Salem native, 6th degree black belt and advanced master candidate Carson Crews, the martial arts gym is one of only two other martial arts gyms in Kaiser, including Impact Jiu-Jitsu and Toe Toe Boxing. There is one.
ATA Martial Arts Gym in Kaiser has been around since 1999, when it was previously owned by martial arts instructor Kelly Ireland.
A lifelong learner, Cruz began practicing martial arts in 1996 at the age of 11 and has been a martial arts instructor since the age of 14.
Being a self-proclaimed “know-it-all” from an early age benefited Cruz, who naturally developed a passion and skill for teaching.
Mr Cruz bought the school from Ireland's son Keegan in 2016. He and Keegan have known each other since they were young and have been training together since reaching orange belt.
Along with his wife Sarah and daughters Abrielle, Alcee, and Aela, Cruz has spent the past eight years providing training, life lessons, and confidence to students of all ages at the school.
“My purpose in life is to help people understand their intrinsic worth,” Cruz said.
Cruz said the national ATA began in 1969 under Grandmaster Heng Eun Lee and is dedicated to continuing the tradition, culture and skills of martial arts and combining professional instruction with good business practices. The aim is to provide services to the local community.
One of the business practices they instilled was switching from part-time to full-time instructors, as full-time instructors have more time and dedication to their art. , which was helpful because it resulted in a better student experience, Cruz explained.
With a more dedicated crew, Cruise is better able to pursue ATA's other goals of self-improvement and empowerment.
And Cruise puts this into practice through a simple mantra that impresses upon them “the idea that life doesn't just happen to them; they can make things happen in their lives by choosing where they want to go.” Masu.
Although owning Kaiser ATA is a recent step, Crews managed ATA Dojan in West Salem for nine years and also managed a martial arts school in Albany.
With help from his family, Cruz was able to purchase the Kaiser Dojo and grew the business in the eight years since the dojo opened in 2016.
His coaching staff includes Reuben Gould, Robert Jay Wolfe, Tyler Jones, Zane Lin, Colleen Campbell, Alicia Anderson, Cariana High School.
Mr. Crews spoke about being part of a national organization yet having great freedom in how his school is run.
This freedom manifests itself through his own vision for the school.
“ATA Keizer exists to develop the character and skills of our students using the physical and mental training that martial arts provides,” said Cruz.
The idea is to create more opportunities and prevent their loss, while at the same time helping to give students, young and old, more confidence.
“Opportunity is a big word for us, and it's exactly why my business exists and the impact we want to have at Kaiser,” Cruz said.
According to Cruz, being confident and creating opportunities will help adults better advocate for more pay at work, and children will learn how to control their emotions in a more mature way. It is said that you can learn.
Dojan is best known for its children's programs, but it also offers options for teens and adults.
“These kids will eventually become teenagers and adults, and we have to have a place for them to come home to,” Cruz said.
Keizer ATA offers sports/summer camps at the dojo as a place for working parents to take their kids and stay.
Cruz said the idea wasn't original to him, but it's worth adopting because other martial arts gyms are doing sports camps and after-school programs.
The camp runs throughout the school year and into the summer to provide a year-round fun destination that encourages kids to do more than just play video games.
“Why not take your kids to a place where they can develop respect, focus, self-control, and discipline,” Cruz says.
By teaching these values, Cruz's aim is to instill more focus and discipline, despite emotions, as this behavior often encourages children to develop the ability to overcome tough emotions. It's clearly shown.
“If you have a child who responds enthusiastically even when he or she is not feeling well, that child approaches the task with enthusiasm. [others] You respond more happily to them and they feel happier about themselves,” Cruz said.
Martial arts offers many physical, emotional, and mental benefits, which Cruz boils down to four areas: discipline, confidence, health and fitness, and self-defense.
By focusing on these different areas, the goal is to help develop healthier, confident, and self-aware children and adults who are able to protect themselves and others.
But more importantly, these lessons will help students in many other aspects of life, including helping them realize their own worth.
Cruz said the simple aspects of martial arts that he has pursued throughout his life continue to fuel his love for the sport today.
Cruz said he also practices other forms, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which he teaches at Impact Jiu-Jitsu on Commercial Street, so his love for the martial art has never waned, but rather grown.
“I love to throw a good kick and hear the 'pop' sound of my pants,” Cruz mused.
Cruz added that the thrill you get after teaching someone a new move and seeing the student's face as they perform it is just as rewarding.
“It fills my heart to see my 6-year-old son start trying difficult tricks,” Cruz said.
Comments from parents stand out as another influential part of his goals, with parents encouraging their child to achieve that feat when using a particular technique or learning how to use a weapon. They'll say they didn't know they could do it.
“I want every child to hear adults saying, 'Wow, I didn't know my child could do that,'” Cruz concluded.
ATA is active in the Kaiser community, hosting free events such as Easter egg hunts and trunk-or-treat contests where families decorate their cars with Halloween themes and ask passersby to vote for their favorite. It is hosted by
Keizer ATA also offers free anti-bullying seminars and child safety courses for children to participate in and learn how to deal with dangerous or bullying situations.
Recognizing that Kezier's demographics are constantly changing, Mr. Cruz said that while classes will be taught primarily in English, he will help new students and parents participate in the program and create a community for everyone. To emphasize the concept, he said that he and other students at the school speak Spanish.
“It’s heartwarming to see other parents come in with Spanish-speaking families arriving for the first time. They don’t know anyone and are struggling with the language barrier. He comes in and helps them,” Cruz said.
To learn more about the program, pricing, and everything else available, check out KeizerATA.com.
Contact Quinn Stoddard
[email protected] or 503-390-105
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