Master Roger Willard is the Co-Founder of Aspire Performance Center and has dedicated his life to martial arts, leadership, and helping others discover their potential.
Master Roger’s martial arts journey began with a passion for developing high-level competitors. When he and Master Len Lawrence founded Aspire in 2014, the vision was to build a program that challenged athletes to reach elite levels while developing discipline, confidence, and character along the way.
Over time, Master Roger’s perspective on martial arts continued to evolve. While competition remains an important part of Aspire’s foundation, he discovered that one of the greatest rewards of teaching is seeing students accomplish goals that they—or their families—never believed were possible when they started.
Master Roger believes that martial arts should be accessible to everyone. His philosophy is simple: meet people where they are, then help them grow. Students do not need to be in shape before beginning martial arts—martial arts training helps them develop the strength, confidence, and fitness they are looking for.
A Kukkiwon Certified Black Belt and Chang Moo Kwan Certified Master Instructor, Master Roger is a five-time National Champion and has coached athletes to success at the highest levels of competition.
Beyond competition, Master Roger believes martial arts has the power to change lives. Alongside his wife, Annie, a retired special education teacher, he helped create Aspire’s sensory-friendly martial arts program for individuals on the autism spectrum. This program reflects his belief that every student deserves the opportunity to be challenged, supported, and celebrated for their individual growth.
Through Aspire Performance Center, Master Roger continues to expand opportunities for students of all backgrounds by bringing together traditional martial arts, fitness, and personal development. His greatest achievement is not measured only by championships won, but by the confidence, discipline, and life-changing accomplishments of the students he has helped along the way.
