Celebrating an amazing 30 years of Manila Taekwondo and Master Henry Cruz

After 30 years, Manila Taekwondo in Union City, CA is coming to the end of an era and closing the Dojang’s doors on August 31st. What began with Master Henry Cruz teaching neighborhood kids out of his garage, grew into a Taekwondo school that would become a longtime part of the Union City community.

Over three decades, Master Cruz gained respect from fellow masters, prestigious schools, athletes, and dignitaries in the world of sport Taekwondo. He has trained generations of students—including local, state, national, and world champions—but his greatest impact reaches far beyond medals and competition. For many students, Master Cruz became more than a teacher—he became a father figure, mentor, and source of guidance both inside and outside of mat. Through practices, tournaments, belt promotions, travels, and everyday moments at the school, students and their families became one with the Manila Taekwondo and Cruz family. Friendships formed that have lasted decades, and many former students and families remain connected to one another today. That sense of family and community is one of the greatest things Master Cruz created during his 30 years of teaching.

Now, Master Cruz is officially retiring from teaching and closing the business he built from the ground up. As he steps away from his longtime source of income and prepares for another heart surgery, we created this GoFundMe to help support his transition into retirement and allow him to focus on his health and the next chapter ahead. In lieu of retirement gifts, those who wish to celebrate Master Cruz are kindly invited to contribute to his retirement fund. Every contribution, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated. Whether you trained with Master Cruz, watched your child grow under his guidance, cheered from the sidelines, traveled to tournaments, or simply crossed paths with the Manila Taekwondo family, you are part of these 30 years. And even if you've never met Master Cruz, we hope his story is a reminder of what can happen when one person chooses to invest his time and heart into a community. From a few neighborhood kids training in a garage to generations of students and friendships that have lasted a lifetime, Manila Taekwondo's doors may be closing, but the relationships, lessons, and community Master Cruz built will carry on. Long live Manila Taekwondo, and salamat Master Henry Cruz!

With love and appreciation,

The Cruz Family