Today we’d like to introduce you to Roger Willard.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey with taekwondo began quite unexpectedly when my son, Noah, enrolled in classes at the age of four. Initially, I would drop him off a few times a week while I focused on my own workouts at the local gym. One day, I decided to join him on the mats, rekindling a childhood dream of practicing martial arts that was out of reach due to my family’s financial struggles. As a police officer, I also felt a growing need to enhance my self-defense skills.
What started as a shared family activity quickly became a passion for me. I found myself advancing rapidly through the ranks, testing alongside my good friend and training partner, Len Lawrence. Together, we achieved every belt level from white to 5th Dan Black Belt, which strengthened our bond and dedication to the art.
In 2014, leveraging our shared vision for martial arts, we co-founded Aspire Taekwondo. Our mission was to give back to our community, and we began training at Ravenna Baptist Church, where we served between 5-15 students. As word spread, we moved to Anchor Point Bible Church, allowing us to grow our membership to 35-45 students.
Operating out of churches kept our costs low and allowed us to reinvest in our programs. Eventually, we recognized the need for our own dedicated space to expand further. In February 2024, we purchased the former Latin American Club at 928 E Broadway in Norton Shores. After extensive renovations, we customized the facility to function as a true taekwondo dojang, which features a 3,000 square foot training floor. We also have plans to add another 1,000 square foot training floor to further enhance our offerings.
Our vision also extends beyond taekwondo. We began incorporating additional classes like Tai Chi and kickboxing, with aspirations to introduce other disciplines like wrestling, yoga, and Zumba. We aim to create a hub for health and fitness that serves the broader community.
We celebrated our Grand Opening on September 20, 2024, and since then, our membership continues to grow. We are in the process of expanding our facility with free weights, resistance machines and cardio equipment to better serve our members. Our journey from a small community class to a thriving fitness center is a testament to our commitment to health, wellness, and community engagement.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey of establishing Aspire Taekwondo has been a fulfilling one, and we’ve intentionally chosen a path of slow and steady growth. This approach has helped us avoid many of the common struggles that often accompany rapid expansion. As I continue my work as a local police detective, this deliberate pace has enabled us to maintain the highest standards for our students and ensure that every aspect of our program is well thought out.
By growing organically, we’ve been able to invest in our facilities and resources gradually, laying a solid foundation for the future. Each step has been taken with care, allowing us to strengthen our community and our offerings thoughtfully.
Looking ahead, as I prepare for my retirement from the Sheriff’s Office in 2027, I will have more time to focus on growth. I plan to ignite this expansion—like throwing gasoline on a fire—with the goal of increasing our membership to 200-300 students. This transition will allow us to enhance our services further while continuing to uphold the quality and standards our community deserves. We’re excited about the future and the positive impact we can have on even more individuals in our area through the power of martial arts.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Aspire Taekwondo, we take great pride in our comprehensive martial arts program, which is built on a foundation of expertise, community engagement, and a commitment to individual growth. Our self-defense course has gained local recognition, having been featured in two local TV news programs and in M-live. This highlights our dedication to empowering individuals with crucial skills for personal safety.
Our taekwondo program is unique because it is taught by four Master Instructors. This allows us to have two Master Instructors in most classes, providing our students with unparalleled access to expertise. Many other programs don’t even have one Master Instructor on staff, which sets us apart significantly.
Additionally, we are the only program in the tri-county area (Muskegon, Ottawa, and Kent) that boasts Kukkiwon Certified Master Instructors and Kukkiwon Dan/Poom examiners. This certification reflects our high standards and adherence to the global taekwondo community’s expectations.
We also prioritize inclusivity by offering a sensory-friendly class aimed at students who may struggle with larger general membership classes. This class is designed not to segregate but to prepare students for eventual integration into mainstream classes. I teach this class alongside my wife, Annie, who is a certified special education teacher and a recipient of the MEA EPICS award. Her expertise ensures that our approaches are supportive and effective.
Our instructors bring diverse backgrounds in law enforcement, military, and education, and all have undergone rigorous background checks. This commitment to safety provides peace of mind for parents, knowing their children are in capable and trustworthy hands.
What I’m most proud of is how our program fosters personal growth, community engagement, and a safe environment for learners of all backgrounds. The combination of our experienced instructors, our inclusive approach, and our focus on self-defense education truly sets us apart in the region. We’re dedicated to building not just skilled martial artists, but confident, empowered individuals ready to face any challenge.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Certainly, the success of Aspire Taekwondo is a collective effort, and I owe a great deal of gratitude to several key individuals who have played significant roles in our journey.
First and foremost are my fellow instructors: Master Len, Master Brent, and Master Jon. Together, we form a strong team that brings a diverse range of strengths and teaching styles to our program. Each of us contributes unique perspectives and expertise, enhancing the learning experience for our students. This collaborative spirit ensures that we provide the high level of martial arts training that Aspire Taekwondo is known for.
I also cannot emphasize enough the vital support of my wife, Annie. Without her unwavering dedication, we wouldn’t have the amazing facilities we now teach in. When we were searching for a location to purchase, we found the perfect spot; however, it was significantly outside our initial budget. In a selfless move, Annie offered to refinance our house, enabling us to secure the property and complete the necessary renovations. This act of support was pivotal in making our dojang one of the premier facilities in the country!
Annie truly understands the impact we have on the lives of our students and their families. Her belief in our mission and her support for our goal of changing lives has been a driving force behind our success. Together, with the collective effort of our team and her steadfast support, we have built an environment where students can thrive, learn, and grow.
Pricing:
- $120 per month.
- $25 annual membership fee.
- No hidden costs!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Aspiretkd.com
- Instagram: @Aspire.tkd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aspire.training.sheepdogs/
- Twitter: @aspiretkd
