About Me

Mi nombre es Hernán Guadalupe…

Also known as Abu Uthman (meaning ‘the father of Uthman’) by many close friends.

All praises are due to Allah, I am a Muslim, a son, a brother/in-law, a husband, a father, a friend, a Latino, an “Ecuatoriano”, a MARTIAL ARTIST, a teacher, a student, an engineer…

THE PURPOSE…

I created this blog with the goal of sharing, insha’Allah, beneficial information, tips, writings, reviews, videos and more, about one of my passions in life…Martial Arts.

LOVE FOR THE ARTS…

I'm a 1st Degree Black Belt in Korean Tang Soo Do under the instruction of Muhib Rahman, 3rd Degree Black Belt, and Jamal Pender, 5th Degree Black Belt, at Aqabah Karate in College Park, MD under the supervision of Grand-Master David Sgro, 7th Degree Black Belt.

I am also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt under Jeremy Lafeniere, owner of Capital Jiu Jitsu, Jay Ferrari, and Lamonte Taylor. All Brown Belts under Royce and Rodrigo Gracie.

I am one of the head instructors at Aqabah Karate, coaching the adult grappling classes. I also run a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program at a local Muslim community center in Silver Spring, MD called Ground Game Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy.

THE BEGINNING...

I began training in Fu Jow Pai (Tiger Claw Kung-Fu) at the age of 8 under Sifu Paul Vizzio in Union City, New Jersey. The Kwoon (Chinese for school or studio) was like my second home. So while others would go to soccer, football, or basketball practice, I’d walk over a mile every day to get to class. As soon as I entered my house, I’d drop my book-bag, pick up my uniform and gear and start the hike.

I’d usually be one of the first students to arrive and would stay until it closed 6-days out of the week. While other kids my age were hanging out on the streets, I was training and assisting with classes. I stayed with Sifu Vizzio until I was 18 years old.

I have had the opportunity to experience American Kickboxing, Shotokan Karate, and Korean Tae Kwon Do throughout my years.

I have also had privilege of training with a number of great martial artists and instructors such as World Champion Kick boxer, Sifu Paul Vizzio, 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist, Herb Perez, Guinness World Record Holder, Shihan Kenneth Lee.

After graduating from high school, I got accepted to Stevens Institute of Technology. I made the decision to focus on my education and career which caused me to take a long break from Martial Arts.

After ten years of education and working in corporate America, I felt the urge to get back to doing what I loved as a young man. With work and raising a family, it was hard to find the appropriate time and school to start training again.

MY SECOND CHANCE...

Nonetheless, the opportunity came in March 2009 when I relocated from New Jersey to Maryland for work. A friend from work was participating in a Karate program organized by the local community center. He informed me about the program and I was eager to check it out. Plus finding myself weighing 205 pounds and only measuring 5 ft. 4 inches didn’t give me much choice either. I wanted to change for the sake of improving my health as well.

I went to a free class and was immediately hooked. I wanted to make the best of this second chance and truly dedicate myself just like I did before. This was my first taste of Aqabah Karate and its program. Soon enough I was learning new forms, doing jumping spinning hook kicks, grappling and loving every minute of it. I started all over from white belt, I felt humbled and motivated.

ARTE SUAVE AKA BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU...

A few months later, my interest in grappling increased and I joined a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy called Crazy 88 BJJ Academy in Elkridge, MD, a Lloyd Irvin affiliate. I began to take classes with some amazing BJJ practitioners including Master Lloyd Irvin, Mike Fowler, Julius Park, Evan Gideon, Keith Cebula, and Jon Delbrugge. All of them were high-level competitors participating in local and international tournaments. Their instruction and guidance helped me a great deal and I felt my ground game develop. Shortly after joining, I tried out for the competition team and successfully made it. Soon, I too started competing in grappling tournaments and really felt the rush and intensity of BJJ.

I spent over a year with Crazy 88 BJJ and it was a beneficial experience. Due to a new job, my son starting school, and distance, my schedule became limited and had to find another place to continue training. After much looking around for a good solid program that had hours that worked for me plus was close to home, I landed at Capital Jiu-Jitsu in Takoma Park which is a Royce Gracie affiliate.

So this is where I find myself today, focusing on training and teaching Korean Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

When I reflect back at my earlier years, I am grateful for my training as it kept me grounded and focused rather than busying myself is matters of no benefit. Although, I took a break, it is only to teach others that it is never to late to start or get back on track to benefit your health and body.

For me Martial Arts is my vehicle to maintaining a healthy way of life, strengthening my body, and giving back to others by sharing what I have learned starting with my own family.

~Hernán Guadalupe