Did You Know?
Zach Hayden, man of many talents, who thrives to defeat bullying and run marathons
by Dawn McCreery
dawn@thelavenderlane.com
What line of work do you go into when what you really enjoy doing is kicking things and kicking people? Oh, you really like to compete too because you really like winning and beating other people in a game of sports.
Hmm…sounds like a good fit for Taekwondo, a Korean Marshal Art characterized by fast, high and spinning kicks combined with elements of competition, not in a mean spirited way but rather for self-defense.
Zach Hayden, owner of Hayden's ATA, found his niche.
It began in 1994 during a hobby day demonstration at St. Johns Lutheran Church. Zach was just 12 years old when he watched Mr. Foster of Auburn, exhibit Taekwondo. That was it; he was hooked and soon became a black belt himself in 1996 at age 14.
Zach thrived over the next few years in Taekwondo: it became more than a hobby for him, it became a way of life so the next sensible step was to open his own martial arts studio.
That was ten years ago. Developing a business out of his passion was a natural step for Zach who grew up in a locally owned family business. In an effort to show support for his ambition his Mom made good on her promise "to be his first student" when he initially opened his doors at Hayden's ATA in 2002.
Located at 111 Rush St. in Kendallville, Hayden's ATA Black Belt Academy now operates 30 classes a week training children and adults in a variety of ways to be "a more complete, proactive, and empowered leader in today's world." Training at ATA involves standard marshal arts practices along with good nutritional dieting, Warrior Xfit programs, and they even host birthday parties designed to expose kids to the adventure of marshal arts.
Hayden's ATA leadership program is administered three ways. One way is called Project Based Leadership Training (PBLT) which involves doing a community service project. Another is an Instructor Training Program that teaches advanced students how to instruct others. After 300 hours of instruction you achieve an Instructors Certification. Lastly the leadership program offers Hyper Pro Training to become a marshal arts professional.
The important thing Zach points out is that Taekwondo is more than just physical fitness; it is a vehicle to teach valuable life skills to all ages, especially our youth. It teaches discipline and leadership and as there website attests, "respect, goal setting, and the concept of striving for excellence."
Hayden says on his site, "We consider ourselves an integral part of the village that helps parents instill valuable character traits…"
Hayden's "village" approach to community living is evident not only in his work with children as a martial arts instructor, it reaches into other areas of life as well. He and his older brother are St. John's youth ministry directors, you will find them each Saturday evening hosting a group of teens in their home giving short Bible lessons and playing games.
Hayden is also leading the way in the community on an anti-bullying campaign called Verbal Judo. The program empowers kids and teaches them how to handle being bullied. He is a regular speaker in schools and youth meetings carrying this message of empowerment.
Information and resource tools about bullying can be found on the Noble Bully Project website at http://www.noblebullyproject.com/.
Family and community are at the heart of who Zach Hayden is and when he is not working at Hayden's ATA or managing his speaking schedule you will find him hanging out at Joanna's Dealicious Treats, their family owned coffee shop, on the corner of Main and Williams streets. On the other hand, you might catch him snow boarding or running Marathons and Half Marathons with one of his siblings just to fuel his competitive fire.
To reach Zach Hayden email him at MrHayden@haydensata.com .
