A person dressed in a traditional martial arts uniform standing in a gymnasium, holding a trophy with a martial arts figure, next to a pink mat and basketball hoops, with other martial arts practitioners and spectators in the background.
A young man standing on a sidewalk holding a trophy and making a fist with his right hand. He is smiling and wearing a black T-shirt, black shorts with red and white stripes, and black sandals. He is in front of a parked white van on a sunny day.
Two males in martial arts uniforms, one adult and one child, standing inside a room decorated with framed certificates, photos, and martial arts memorabilia. The adult male has a black belt, and the child has a yellow belt. They are barefoot on a mat with martial arts logos.

  • Senior Master Adam Salazar began his martial arts journey in 1994 at just 3 years old. His foundation lies in Tae Kwon Do, but over the decades he has expanded into Kickboxing, Judo/Ju-Jitsu, and several other styles of martial arts. Adam has competed at a high level, winning multiple state titles in the Wisconsin Badger State Games, and has devoted his career to developing a well-rounded style of blended karate.

    In 2012, Adam opened his first dojo. Today, he is the Master Instructor, owner, and competition coach at Merrill Karate Club LLC, where he teaches youth and adults, starting students as young as 3½ years old through seniors. His instruction serves a wide range of goals — from competitive fighters to fitness-focused adults to families training together.

    Adam believes martial arts begins and ends with respect. He teaches that through hard work and dedication, students can master themselves — and in mastering themselves, they can master the world.

    Today, he is proud to not only guide his students, but also to share the mats with his son, Landon Salazar, who is pursuing his own martial arts and kickboxing journey with the dream of one day competing in the UFC. Adam considers it a blessing to train alongside his son and to pass on the values of martial arts to the next generation.

  • Landon Salazar has been immersed in martial arts for as long as he can remember, beginning his training with his father when he was old enough to stand on the mats. Over the years, he has studied a variety of martial arts disciplines, achieving the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and Salazar Karate. He actively trains Kickboxing, Judo and Jiu-Jitsu

    He teaches by example — demonstrating discipline, effort, and a love for martial arts. Parents often see him helping new students learn their first kicks and blocks, while also pushing advanced students to reach higher. Landon believes that martial arts should be challenging, fun, and rewarding for everyone, no matter their age or skill level.

    A dedicated competitor, Landon is now pursuing his kickboxing career with the long-term goal of becoming a professional fighter. He represents Merrill Karate Club LLC, carrying forward his family’s martial arts tradition with discipline, respect, and determination.

  • Mr. Jim Finucan has dedicated his life to martial arts for over four decades. He holds a 1st Degree Black Belt under the late Grandmaster Robert Likes and a Brown Belt in Tang Soo Do, and has had the privilege of training with several skilled instructors throughout his journey.

    For Mr. Finucan, martial arts has always been more than physical training — it is a lifelong path of discipline, respect, and family. Today, he continues to train and share his passion alongside his grandson at Merrill Karate Club, serving as an example of how martial arts can connect generations.