Instructors
Here at Morris Martial Arts, our staff is the secret to our student success. Each instructor has a rich background in the Taekwondo industry and is eager to train the next generation of martial artists. Meet the team below!
Morris Martial Arts
Our Instructors
Each ATA instructor is a graduate of an instructor program that represents more than thirty years of research and development. He or she will be with you every step of the way to help you reach your individual goals (and maybe even reach some new goals you never before thought possible).
Staff and Owner
Sam Morris
Sam began his career in 1985 when his best friend encouraged him to try it. He was awarded his 1st-degree black belt in 1987. After becoming a certified instructor, Sam has had a variety of opportunities to teach including his own school in New Hope, MN, and instructed for the YWCA of St. Paul, MN. Currently, Sam is the owner of Morris Martial Arts Hastings, Minnesota.
Notable accomplishments are:
- 1988 Certified Instructor
- 1991 Regional Achievement Award Region 114
- 1993 Achieved 4th degree Black Belt
- 1996 Cast as martial arts instructor in the movie “Jingle All the Way”
- Six time World Top Ten Competitor
- 2015 Regional Achievement Award Region 114
- 2018 Third place sparring World Championships Top Ten Competition
- 2018 Achieved 5th degree Black Belt
- 2018 Region 114 Black Belt of the Year
- 2019 Third place sparring World Championships Top Ten Competition
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Chief Instructor
Dorothy Morris
Dorothy began her career in 2000 when her daughter encouraged her to try it. She was awarded her 1st-degree black belt in 2002. Upon certification, Dorothy has specialized in the three to seven-year-old instruction in addition to children with special needs. She has been an active instructor since 2003 and chief instructor at Morris Martial Arts.
Notable accomplishments are:
- 2003 Certified Instructor
- Minnesota State Champion 10 consecutive years
- Ten time World Top Ten Competitor
- 2004 Black Belt of the Year Region 114
- 2007 Achieved 3rd degree Black Belt
- 2010 Gracie Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt
- 2014 Regional Achievement Award Region 114
- 2016 North Central District Champion
- 2016 Second place Sparring World Championships Top Ten Competition
- 2017 Achieved 4th degree Black Belt
- 2019 Second place combat sparring World Championships Top Ten Competition
- Current District Champion
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About ATA Martial Arts
What is Songahm Style Taekwondo?
The Songahm curriculum is about much more than physical talent. It’s about personal development of the mind and body. To say it is merely “self-defense” would take away from the valuable ideas and philosophies that are deeply rooted in this art. The heightened capacity for “self-defense” resulting from this training is really a fringe benefit that is gained from dedicating one’s self to the values, philosophy and training of Songahm Taekwondo.
When learning, a student is in a true, traditional Taekwondo class, focusing not just on the physical but also on discipline, honor, self-control, respect, courtesy and perseverance. A beginner does not focus on being a skilled martial artist within a month or two, as a strong foundation in Taekwondo must be built first.
Trying to advance beyond your level without proper guidance is like building a house on concrete that has not dried. Though the house may still stand, the foundation would not be as strong and the appearance of the house may not be as presentable. The ATA curriculum helps build a strong foundation of Songahm Taekwondo in each person, a foundation from which advancement in both the martial art (mind and body) and in self-defense can be built and added on to in perpetuity.