We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leticia Esparza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leticia below.

Alright, Leticia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

I have many stories to share, every experience I’ve encountered has touched me and will cherish these moments for the rest of my life.

Growing up, I was extremely shy, and didn’t talk to anyone but my family, and the people I trust.

My twin sister and I loved all the old school martial art movies, especially enter the dragon, specifically the scene with Angela Mao.
She was my very first introduction to Female Badass depicted on screen.
I remember seeing this as a little girl for the first time and I was so amazed that this girl was beating up all these ‘guys’ tough -as -nails as they used to say.
It was so fascinating to watch her in that role, representing women.
I wanted to be that.

My journey to martial arts started at 6 years young. Driving back home from school with my grandmother and twin sister.
We saw a martial arts studio with signs outside saying martial arts for kids, I cheered with excitement once I read that, I immediately thought of Angela Mao, Bruce Lee, The power rangers, so I knew we had to go inside.

Walking in, at the time unknowingly was a world championship camp.
The best of the best were training, but watching these girls and women train with each other as well with the guys! I was mesmerized. It’s one thing seeing it on TV, but experiencing that in person, was nothing but extraordinary.
I thought to myself “if they can do that, I can do that”
It was so inspirational, we sat there for 2 hours watching.
We signed up and stuck with it ever- since.

Growing up in East Las Vegas, it wasn’t very common for kids to get involved in martial-arts, and or to stick with it.
It was a very humbling experience for me.

Getting into martial arts, is probably one of the most important and valuable things to ever happen to me.
It has taught me so much life skills, not only how to kick and punch, but to become confident and overcome adversity.

Looking back, after all these years, over coming challenges, competing, winning gold medals, world championships.

Now teaching the next generation of athletes. Nothing compares to these heart warming moments, when I hear my students.
Specifically my girls, and women tell me how much I inspire them, to start martial arts, or anything that is new and challenging.

It takes so much mental fortitude and resilience to perform at an elite level in martial arts, and I feel so honored and grateful to hear that I inspire these girls and women, just like how I once was.

These moments, is what is worth it for me, I continue to stay inspired by girls and women and anyone facing adversity.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a former athlete in taekwondo. Fourth degree black belt, and sparring world champion.

I have been training taekwondo for 22 years. And competing for 20.

Competing for so long, I wanted to try something new, I started boxing 4 years ago,
And I love it, I wanted to see if my hands can match my feet, the transition wasn’t too challenging for me.
But it is much different in stance, and target. I sometimes find myself wanted to throw a head kick instead of a jab.

I now currently teach Boxing and Taekwondo full time,
And it’s the most rewarding accomplishment.

I teach much more than kicks and punches, I teach mental fortitude, confidence, discipline, self- awareness and to overcome adversity.

In taekwondo we have commands, to name a couple, Charyut (“Chari-yut”) which means “attention”
And Sijak to begin/start.

I live by Sijak, I always let my students know that it is okay to start new, to start again, Sijak not only means to start, but you have the permission and acceptance to begin your journey, whatever it may be.
No matter where you are in life.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up as an athlete in martial arts, there was no room for mistakes. I had to focus on kicking with perfect form, precision, and targeting the right spot for a knockout.

I also grew up in a household where expressing emotions wasn’t part of our conversations. Being shy, I found solace in expressing my feelings and thoughts through movement and martial arts techniques. It became my safe space, allowing me to feel comfortable and confident without needing to use words, as I was afraid of saying the wrong thing.

Throughout school and college, I’ve always struggled with speaking in front of an audience, or even just one person. It may surprise you, but I was more terrified of public speaking than competing in martial arts.

As an adult, I’ve come to realize that these habits do not serve me well. I need to confront my fears in order to grow and become the best version of myself.

Now, I am extremely proud of the progress I’ve made, as an individual and as a coach and mentor. I believe it takes a lot of courage and strength to introspect and look within.

The lesson here. It’s important to remember that perfection doesn’t exist. There is no such thing.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I believe what has helped me the most is knowing thyself and trusting yourself are essential for personal growth and success.

Self-knowledge is not something that can be fully developed in comfort or ease. It is through facing difficult situations that we truly learn more about ourselves. When we are put under pressure, we are often confronted with the less desirable aspects of our character and behavior. These aspects don’t come to the surface when everything is comfortable and smooth.

However, when we do experience challenging circumstances, it becomes crucial to truly understand ourselves and be honest with our decisions. This introspection allows us to recognize our strengths and weaknesses, enabling us to make better choices and grow as individuals.

So, embracing the process of self-discovery and being authentic with ourselves is key to personal development and leading a fulfilling life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leticiaesparza/

Image Credits
Chris Gonzales Alexander Federic Roxy Rodriguez Carlo Alberto Orecchia