Today we’d like to introduce you to Bradley Clemens.
Hi Bradley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been on this journey longer than I realized. It began back in the winter of 2003, when I was just seven and my parents signed me up for a martial-arts studio in Mentor. I wasn’t naturally athletic, I tripped over my own feet more often than not, I was basically a baby giraffe… but that first experience opened a door.
Over the years I kept showing up — through my school years, through high school, even when other sports came and went. At sixteen, I started assisting in classes and shifted from simply training to teaching. That is when I realize, this is how I want to spend my life!
Today, as co-owner and founder of Horizon ATA in Westlake (and now with a second location in Sheffield Village), I’m proud of what our team and community has created. We’re not just teaching forms and sparring — we’re helping people of all ages build confidence, discipline, and a real sense of belonging. From our youngest “ATA Tigers” (ages 3-6) to adult classes, our goal is to serve anyone who wants to grow.
What stands out most to me is the chance to reach people who might have thought martial arts wasn’t for them — the “nerds,” the “dreamers”, the ones who didn’t believe they were athletic. Because I was one of them. Now we have built a place where everyone is welcome, a place where your past doesn’t define your future — your choices and efforts do.
So here we are: a thriving community in the west-Cleveland area, built on the simple mission: to “Live a life you are proud of!”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When we first opened, we quickly realized that knowing martial arts and running a martial arts business are two very different things. I had the passion, the programs, and the energy — but learning the business side was a whole new challenge. From marketing and management to budgeting and operations, the weight of building something sustainable hit hard. We made mistakes, learned quickly, and grew stronger because of it.
Just as we began to find our rhythm, the pandemic hit. Practically overnight, we lost nearly half of our students and had to rethink everything. We transitioned our entire curriculum online, restructured schedules, and worked close to ninety hours a week just to keep our community connected. It was exhausting — but it also proved the depth of our commitment and the resilience of our team and students.
Since then, it’s been a constant cycle of adapting, improving, and refining. Every stage of growth brings new challenges — from rebuilding after the shutdowns to opening our second location and learning how to lead across multiple schools. My focus has shifted from just teaching classes to building systems, developing leaders, and ensuring that Horizon ATA continues to grow with excellence and consistency. Each challenge has strengthened our foundation and reinforced why we do what we do — to help others build confidence and perseverance, just as we’ve had to do ourselves.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What truly sets Horizon ATA apart is our mission — to help every student Live a Life You Are Proud Of! That statement guides everything we do, from how we teach to how we serve our community. Martial arts, for us, has never been just about punches and kicks. It’s about building confidence, focus, and respect — the kind of life skills that carry into school, work, and every challenge our students will face.
Our core values — respect, perseverance, confidence, honesty, self-control, and leadership — are built into every class. We focus on helping students discover their best selves, one lesson at a time. Whether it’s a child learning to set goals and focus in school, or an adult rediscovering confidence through training, we measure success by personal growth, not just by belts earned.
At the same time, we take great pride in the excellence of our training. Horizon ATA has produced numerous state and district champions — and even a few world champions — who represent the strength, skill, and discipline that our program builds. But at the end of the day, the real victory is watching our students grow into respectful, driven, and confident people who truly live a life they’re proud of.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is living our mission — to Live a Life You Are Proud Of! That phrase isn’t just something we teach at Horizon ATA; it’s how I try to live every day. It reminds me to lead with purpose, stay true to my values, and keep striving to make a difference in the lives of others.
My family is at the heart of everything I do — both the family I was born into and the one I’ve chosen along the way. Their support, encouragement, and belief in me have made all of this possible. And in many ways, Horizon ATA has become an extension of that family — a place where students, parents, and instructors lift each other up and grow together.
I’m driven by the idea of leaving a legacy that lasts — not just a business, but a positive impact that continues to shape lives for years to come. I care deeply about bettering our community and giving people the tools to become their best selves. And through it all, I’m constantly working to grow, to improve, and to keep becoming the best version of myself. That ongoing journey — of purpose, family, and growth — is what truly matters most to me.
Pricing:
- Horizon – Westlake Introductory Month $89
- Horizon – Westlake Taekwondo $179
- Horizon – Sheffield Introductory Month $35
- Horizon – Sheffield Taekwondo $135
- First class is ALWAYS Free!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://horizonata.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atahorizon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATAHorizon/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/horizonata
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/horizon-ata-westlake-2?osq=Taekwondo
