We were lucky to catch up with Alejandro Rodriguez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alejandro, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I came to this country to help the community know, learn and appreciate karate the way I do. I wanted to have a martial arts school and to pass down a tradition that started with my father. Now my son, nieces, and nephew are the third generation.
I wanted to be able to teach the way I learned. It took me a while, but a good friend of mine helped me purchase the karate school.
Alejandro, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started practicing karate before I can remember. My dad taught me every bit of knowledge I acquired, and then I started making up my own experiences and growth. I decided to compete quite late (I was already 18 years old), but I made up for the lack of competitive experience with hard training and polishing my techniques as much as I could.
I became a consistent Venezuelan national team member at the age of 23 and was part of the team until the age of 27, which is when I moved to this country.
I was able to amass:
7 Venezuelan National Championships.
Pan American, Central, and South American medals.
I got silver in the WIKF world championships as well.
When I moved to the USA, I came with a broken shoulder, so I had to slow my competitive itch for about a year.
Since then I have been karate USA National champion once by the NKF and twice by the AAU.
I also do Kickboxing, and have recently switched to full contact. Thankfully, that is going well with 2 fights won by KO.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think the most important part is the engagement I have with the members of my gym. In addition to building a community, I also place a lot of importance in the quality of our instruction. I work very hard to build a family atmosphere. People can see the way I am with my students and with my own children.
I value and appreciate what I have learned in my life. We practice a very unique style of Karate called Wado Ryu, with tons of circular movements, throws and submissions. It is a very unique display of techniques. My experience is impossible to replicate, everyone will have their own story, but I believe anyone can come and learn, and find their path through martial arts. If they wish to compete on any level I want them to know they are capable of finding success at the highest levels. I am hoping to have a gym full of motivated, hardworking and happy people!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I have to admit, I relate my competitive experience with life a lot. I think I have the ability to analyze different situations through the life of a martial artist and as an athlete.
I broke my shoulder in the very first round of the Panamercan Championships against Chile. I had to fight 8 more matches in two different weight divisions (+84Kg and Open weight) so I had to adapt, go through the pain and fight smart, I was able to crown myself as the champion in both divisions, despite of the limited movement and pain on my whole arm.
I feel like life has thrown me a few punches and kicks in the last few years, but I have been able to reset, calm the emotions and find the best solution to life as it is constantly changing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jointhebattlefield.com
- Instagram: @battlefield.gvl
- Facebook: kazokukaratesc
- Youtube: @kazokukarate7624
