Today we’d like to introduce you to Roberto.
Hi Roberto, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Highland Taekwondo Academy (HTA) was founded in May of 2015 by Master Roberto Arana and Master Angel Arana. Master Arana has dedicated his entire life to Taekwondo. He is originally from Guatemala and came to the United States when he was 17 years old to compete in Taekwondo. He always knew that he wanted to live the life of a martial artist and dedicate his life to teaching others Taekwondo. He has continued to compete in sparring and is now part of the USA Masters Team and has traveled to Spain, Korea, and this year to Taiwan for the World Masters Games where he earned a gold medal making him the current Masters Game World Champion for the U45 -74kg division. Master Angel is a registered nurse that started martial arts later in life and continues to compete internationally, earning a Silver in Spain and Korea. She has been a member of the USA Ultra National team, AAU Ultra National team and is a current member of the USA Masters Team.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Opening the school was not a smooth road. In the beginning it was mainly our friends that enrolled in classes and kept our doors open. We were lucky enough to have a friend that worked with a lot of foster kids that needed a program that could work with kids that needed discipline and structure. The state would pay for this program, but with all state programs the funds are very limited. The first building we started in had no air-conditioning and we sub-leased with a Judo studio, so we were only open 3 days a week. A year later we were fortunate enough to lease our own place in South Salt Lake where we continue to reside and grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Master Arana has a reputation of being able to get any kid to listen and pay attention. He specializes in kids that have been kicked out of other programs, kids with ADHD, kids on the spectrum, and troubled youth. He can take a group of 30 kids and have them all sitting straight and listening within a matter of minutes. His ability to reign in the rowdiest group of kids has brought attention to his way of teaching, where he has had requests from schools to coach teachers on how to control classrooms.
HTA is also proud to have one of the biggest family programs in the state. Multiple families take classes together, and HTA has the biggest representation of Ultra competitors (32 years of age and above) at local and state competitions in sparring. Master Arana and Master Angel have three girls that have all participated in taekwondo. They hope by showing they are still competing as adults it empowers others to never give up on their dreams.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Salt Lake City has a sense of family and families like to do activities together. Fifty percent of our parents sit and watch their kids in class, and the other 50% do class with their kids. We have a very diversified group of students, with a strong Latin American culture, Nepali culture, and traditional American culture. We love how Salt Lake City embraces all cultures.
The least favorite thing about our city is how it shuts down so early. Our classes are ran in the evenings so it makes it hard to go out for a team bonding dinner after a belt testing or meeting because most restaurants are closed.
Pricing:
- Parents train for free with kids until yellow belt.
- Multi-family discount
- Referral credit
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.highlandtkd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlandtkd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlandtkd/
