RIO RANCHO — Local taekwondo instructor Jim Ademuyiwa is punching above his own weight, in the business sense.
Ademuyiwa, owner of Master Jim’s Taekwondo Academy, plans to expand his business in a land swap with the Gospel Light Baptist Church, where he is a member. Earlier this month, the Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board approved a zoning amendment allowing vacant land on Southern Boulevard to be developed commercially.
“It will be very good for everybody,” Ademuyiwa said. “We want to help our community right here in Rio Rancho with fitness, self-defense, respect and confidence for all the kids growing up.”
The academy has been at its present location, 2418 Southern Blvd. SE, for 13 years. As class sizes grew, Ademuyiwa began to look at different locations, but various factors, including the cost of rent, led to the decision to buy property so he could build. A conversation with his pastor changed everything…