Instructors
In Japanese, sensei (先生) means “one who has gone before.”
The characters speak of someone born ahead of you a person who has already walked the path and carries the experience of that journey.
Our instructors are those who have trained, struggled, and continued. They pass on what they have learned so the next generation may stand stronger.
This is the traditional role of the sensei: not simply to teach technique, but to share the lessons earned through practice and life.
Master Instructor
Senior Master
Adam Salazar 6th Dan
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.
Instructor
Landon Salazar 2nd Dan
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.
Coach
Alex Jaeger
Alex started his martial arts journey in 2015 with kickboxing, competing in several matches before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He began training BJJ in 2016 at Rising Son and earned his blue belt in 2018, followed by his purple belt in 2021.
He has competed in multiple tournaments and has consistently reached the podium, including several gold-medal finishes. Since 2021, he has been coaching both group classes and private lessons.
Alex is deeply passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and looks forward to sharing the art he’s most dedicated to with everyone who trains with him.
Instructor
Cody Rogers 1st Dan
A Merrill native, Cody began his martial arts journey at Merrill Karate Club under Mark Hansen. A lifelong martial artist and Marine Corps veteran, he was a green belt instructor of MCMAP in 2002.
Cody returned to the club so his daughters could learn how to defend themselves. He earned his 1st Dan under Senior Master Adam Salazar and continues to support the dojo. He brings a strong belief in tradition and practical self-defense to every class he teaches.
Instructor
Jim Finucan 1st Dan
Mr. Jim Finucan has dedicated his life to martial arts for over four decades. He holds a 1st Degree Black Belt under the great 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 grandsons at Merrill Karate Club, serving as an example of how martial arts can connect generations.