As with most small businesses, Ray’s Tae Kwon Do Center was forced to temporarily close their doors on March 16, 2020. In an instant, after thirty-four years of serving the Miami Springs and neighboring communities came to a crashing halt. Ray’s Tae Kwon Do Center was established in 1986 by local Miami Springs resident Master Ray Rodriguez. The center offers various programs which the community has come to depend on. They have Taekwondo lessons for adults and children, a Little Dragons class for three to five year olds, Cardio kickboxing, and even an After School Program plus Camps for spring and summer break. “I thought this was it. Without any income my business would not survive”. said Rodriguez.
The future of the business was at risk and as each day passed it appeared the situation could take a lot longer than what everyone expected. Rodriguez could have easily thrown in the towel but you don’t stay in business for that long being a quitter. “You have to adapt to every situation. Our students and families needed us now more than ever. Taekwondo has taught me to never give up, to see beyond the obstacles and persevere.” That is exactly what Master Ray Rodriguez and his staff did. Ray’s Tae Kwon Do Center implemented a three-phase plan. First Master Ray filmed numerous videos to create a library of reference materials the students and families could use to continue to train and learn. Then they began offering Zoom virtual Taekwondo group Lessons. Lastly, they began offering private Zoom classes to be able to give each student individual attention. The response has been phenomenal. Currently over 50 students and families have been participating in the classes. This has been done free of charge. “I have some really amazing families some of which told me to keep charging them even before we started the virtual lessons.” Now that the Virtual Program is up and running, Master Rodriguez is asking his student to pay what they can so they would have a school to return to when this pandemic is over. Ray’s Tae Kwon Do Center understands that everyone’s situation is different and are taking each student on a case by case basis. “No one will be denied access to the classes or online resources. I am just really happy that the classes have been such a success. The students and parents love the classes and really appreciate all the hard work my team and I are putting in.”
In this unprecedented time of uncertainty one this is unchanged; Ray’s Tae Kwon Do Center will be there for their students and family. They are currently offering virtual group classes four days a week and between fifteen to twenty private classes. Kathy Salas comments “Master Ray you and your team are the best! You bring encouragement and a smile to everyone in our family. Thank you for all that you do!!!” The Cruz Family writes “Forever grateful to Master Ray for making this difficult time for our children as easy as possible!”
Ray’s Tae Kwon Do Center was established in 1986 by Master Ray Rodriguez. They offer Taekwondo instruction for men, woman and children all ages, an after school program, spring and summer camps, a little dragons class for three to five year olds and a cardio kickboxing class for adults. Master Ray is one of the few 8th degree black belts in the world with 48 years of experience and 42 years of experience working with children. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and exercise physiology from Florida International University. Master Ray Rodriguez is also a full-time firefighter with the rank of captain serving the Hialeah Fire department. For more information you may contact them by email info@raystaekwondo.com or visit their website www.raystaekwondo.com. Follow them on Facebook @tkdrays and Instagram @raystkd
Contact info:
Ray Rodriguez
305-984-6714 (cell)
