Elevate Martial Arts

Martial Arts are a family affair for the Ruiz family, homeschoolers in Chandler.  "We began training 11 years ago in Mesa under Sensei Daniel Spalding," Marcus recalls.   "We actually got my daughter enrolled and I began to train with her when my work schedule would allow. When our boys got old enough ( 4 & 6), I continued my training."  They now have three Black Belts in their family.

The Ruiz family's love affair with Martial Arts doesn't stop there, though.  As owners of the Gilbert-based Elevate Martial Arts, Marcus and Vanesa have gone one step further and opened up their own studio.  Keeping it a family affair, everyone in the family participates.  Marcus runs most of the business side, including the instructing and coaching.  His wife, Vanesa, handles the marketing and communication with the competitive team.  Their 11-year-old gives private lessons, and their 6 and 8- year-old boys take classes.

"We offer Martial Arts classes for adults, teens and children ages 4 and up. We teach an eclectic style, mixing Karate, Tae kwon do, Kenpo and other arts together. We also have the top Sport Karate Competition Team in the State of Arizona," Marcus says, proudly.   "We offer Zumba and Boot Camp classes during the weekday mornings as well as Saturday mornings."

They homeschool in the mornings during the work week.  With both parents home, it leaves Vanesa free to work with Noah while Marcus works with the two older boys.   Marcus leaves for the school by 3pm daily.   "I have an opportunity most days to answer emails and do community work depending on the needs of the boys," he says.

Marcus and Vanesa have poured their passion into their business.  It is more than just a business, and more than just Martial Arts to them.  "It has been my calling.  God placed this school in front of me and expected me to act," Marcus shares.  "My wife and I prayed about it and it is what He wants for us.  We have been able to introduce people to Christ and shine His light on those who are not believers." 

Even the name they chose for their studio reflects that higher vision.  "We chose Elevate because we want to assist people becoming better. Everyone has a starting point and we are here to help them Elevate themselves in all areas of life, not just Martial Arts," Marcus explains.

Shining His light on those who are not believers means that Marcus and Vanesa use their business, their talents, their time, their energy and their money to bless their surrounding community.   "We do a lot of work with the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley as well as donating to Central Christian Church's ACTS Ministry on a regular basis," Marcus explains.  "We have service projects planned for next summer as well. This December, we have a goal of building 500+ Help the Homeless Bags (stay tuned for a future blog post about that and how the homeschooling community around the Valley can get involved!), which also will be given to Central's ACTS Minstry."

The Ruiz family is also looking for a way to serve the homeschooling community around them.  "Right now, we are trying to see if we can work in a homeschool program twice a week during the days," Marcus says.   "I think it could be huge for home schooled children to have the opportunity to exercise and learn Martial Arts within their schedule."  If you are a homeschooling family interested in more information about homeschool Martial Arts classes, please contact them.  Contact information is available on their web site.