Our Mission: Elevating Taekwondo Training

The US Taekwondo Institute is a family-run business, where every member holds a black belt. It was founded with the clear mission to provide high-level Taekwondo training that goes beyond the standard martial arts programs typically offered in schools today. Whether students train for fitness, fun, or self-defense, true proficiency requires training like an athlete while focusing on Taekwondo tenets.

Expert Leadership in Taekwondo & Sports Science

Our leadership team is deeply committed to both Taekwondo and the science of athletic performance.

• Mr. Cruz, co-founder and master instructor specializing in sports performance and pursuing a Ph.D. in Kinesiology (Strength & Conditioning).
• Mrs. Cruz, co-founder, and assistant instructor, focuses on sports nutrition and ensures athletes maximize their training through proper fueling.

Both co-founders are in the final stages of earning their Master's degrees in Applied Exercise Science. Their dedication to continuous learning comes from a single goal—to help students reach their highest potential.

Elite-Level Instruction from National Team Athletes

Every master instructor is a 4th Dan. Every master and junior assistant instructor is or has been a national team member, with some earning multiple selections to represent their country at the highest levels of competition. This master-level knowledge and elite experience help ensure that students learn from competent instructors who are masters in the art and gained valuable experience through high-level competition.

Master Instructors

• Master Anibal Cruz (4th Dan, Ph.D. Candidate) - 2024 Puerto Rico National Team
• Master Jessica Cruz (4th Dan) - 3x Puerto Rico National Team
• Master Katelyn Cruz (4th Dan) - 6x Puerto Rico National Team

Assistant Instructors

• Mrs. Jaime Cruz (3rd Dan)

Junior Assistant Instructors

• Ms. Samantha Cruz (3rd Dan) - 4x Puerto Rico National Team
• Mr. Michael Cruz (2nd Poom/Dan) - 3x Puerto Rico National Team

Developing True Martial Artists, Not Just Participants

While some Taekwondo schools function more like daycare centers, we focus on developing skilled, well-rounded Taekwondo athletes. Taekwondo is more than just learning techniques; it's about understanding when and how to use them in competition and self-defense.

Success in Taekwondo depends on developing:

• Strategy - Knowing when and how to respond or launch an attack effectively.
• Quick thinking - Making fast, confident decisions under pressure.
• Sharp reflexes - Ability to deliver precise, rapid techniques at the appropriate moment.
• Explosive power - Generating rapid force efficiently for striking and movement.

That's why we emphasize speed, agility, power, and reaction time—giving students the tools to execute techniques effectively, even under pressure.

A Science-Backed Approach to Training

By blending traditional and sport Taekwondo with modern sports science, we've developed training methods that:

• Improve performance - Develop strength, endurance, and technique through focused training.
• Support overall health - Prevent overuse injuries with proper conditioning.
• Minimize injury risk - Apply proven sports science methods for safe training.
• Build perseverance - Strengthen mental resilience for competition, self-defense, and daily challenges.

Our students aren't just learning Taekwondo; they're developing the discipline, resilience, and athleticism to excel both on and off `the mat.