El Dojo NYC

This week our Dojo Maniacs spent time on the mats learning grappling and some flying kicks to the air. Every week they’re learning new skills, pushing past their comfort zones, and becoming more confident.
Watching these kids grow a little stronger each day is the best part of what we do. We’re grateful to be a part of their summer. ☀️
Here’s to another great week at El Dojo NYC!🔥🥋

During the coldest days of winter, I remember telling our students to be patient—that summer was just around the corner. At the time, it probably felt so far away.

Now here we are. If you’ve been outside it’s definitely summer outside 🥵🥵🥵
I am so grateful ☺️ to be spending extra time with our students what a blast! Week 1

Who are the people in your life who truly changed the course of it?

For me, two men sit at the very top of that list: Edward Hernandez and Master Phil Velazquez.

These men allowed me to stand on their shoulders when I wasn’t yet tall enough to see the path for myself. They saw potential in me long before I saw it in myself, and they helped shape not only the martial artist I became, but the instructor and man I am today.

I met my first instructor Edward Hernandez when I was six years old and began training with him at twelve.His instructor Master Velazquez gave me something that has stayed with me for a lifetime: discipline. The standards he held me to, the accountability he demanded, and the lessons he taught continue to influence every class I teach and every student I mentor.

The older I get, the more I realize that none of us achieve anything alone. We are all carrying lessons, values, and wisdom that were passed down by those who came before us.

I am grateful every day for the instructors who invested their time, patience, and belief in me. Their impact continues to live on through every student I have the privilege to teach.

Thank you, gentlemen. Your influence reaches farther than you will ever know.

When I think of tough and resilient students I think of this ONE! meet the mighty Rose 🌹 when she started with us she was just three years old. Through training she has inspired her sister to follow in her footsteps👣. I am so excited to welcome her to the 7-12 class way to go Rose El Dojo te ama ❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹🐅🐅🥋🔥🥋🔥

Happy Mother’s Day! To my first teacher My mother. I appreciate all of the selfless love you’ve shared with me.Some of my biggest cries and my biggest laughs have been with my mom.
She taught me how to be Resilient! Everyday she reminded me how handsome I was even though at times I didn’t believe it 😢Mostly she taught me how not to take life too seriously and to accept people with their faults while making fun of them for good measure 😂 I love you and all of your Gypsy like ways …. ❤️
Happy Mother’s Day to all of our moms and those who act as our mothers EL DOJO te AMA❤️😉😉

48 😘

A few years ago, I found myself teaching the kids at El Dojo NYC about devotion.

Around that time, my wife had been telling me for years to read The Count of Monte Cristo. It sat on the shelf… untouched. One day, as an act of devotion to her, I finally picked it up.

It took me 9 months (I’m not a great reader). There were chapters I didn’t understand, moments that felt slow, parts that didn’t seem to make sense at the time.

But by the end… it all came together. And it was one of the most beautiful experiences—not just reading it, but sharing that journey with her.

That stayed with me.

So if I have any advice on my 48th birthday, especially for anyone going through something heavy, challenging, or even heartbreaking…

What you’re in right now is a chapter—not the whole story.

Some chapters are confusing.Some feel like they don’t belong.Some hurt more than you expected.

But they all have a place.

Keep going. Keep showing up. Trust that it will make sense in time.

martialartsmindset

Today we turn 4!! We decided to have a great big bash and beat up a piñata with gloves and some bad karate… I’ve learned so much in these first four years.
1. My family goes above and beyond for me
2. Students and parents love El Dojo
3. Tomorrow is a new day and you should let the opportunities surprise you.🎉🙌
🎉 ❤️