My father first introduced me to the martial arts when I was around seven years old. He took me to a Chinese Kempo school where I studied for numerous years. Years after that I studied different styles, trying to find a one to call my own. Finally I found it when my friend, Lioni Velasques (now a Grand Master), literally dragged me to class one day. That’s when I found my home at Atemi-Ryu Ju-jitsu and met Grand Master Phillip Chenique. Grand Master Chenique was then and still is a positive influence in my life. He is more than a teacher. He is a friend, and is always there when you need him. He is a true master.

Atemi Ryu Jiu-Jitsu... 5th Dan
Sanuces Ryu Jiu-Jitsu... 3rd Dan
Chendokan Aikido... 1st Dan

My father introduced me to the martial arts world at the age of six. He was a second-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, and a partner in a small dojo in Levittown, P.R., where I was taught katas and how to break two-inch boards. At the age of eleven, I joined a Judo School and trained for approximately three years under the direction of Grand Master Jose Angel Abudo. Throughout the late teen years and into my twenties, I attended several Karate schools, but was not interested in any of them. It was not until I found Atemi-Ryu Jujitsu, and met Chief Professor Lioni Velasquez that I was instantly hooked with the art.

For the past 16 years, I have had nothing but great learning experiences from all of the masters including the legendary Dr. Moses Powell. But my true mentor and friend, despite the small age difference, I now see as my father figure is Grand Master Dr. Phillip Chenique. Dr. Chenique has honored me with the opportunity to teach basic Jujitsu at the Hollywood dojo. Frankly, I do not see myself as a teacher, but merely a martial artist sharing his knowledge of a beautiful art.

 

 

I was first introduced to boxing at a young age by my grandfather who was a professional boxer in Cuba.  In 1994, I joined a local boxing gym where I trained and sparred with both amateur and professional fighters.  It wasn’t until 1997 when I was first introduced to martial arts by a close friend.  In 1997, I formally began my martial arts training in the art of Wing ChunI began my Wing Chun training under Sifu Andrew Chung and later transitioned to train under Sifu Lance Stover.  Sifu Stover also introduced and trained me in the art of San-Shou (Full Contact Sparring). 
I felt something was missing in my training and so I began my quest in fulfilling this need.  It was extremely important to find a style that would compliment my prior training.  I jumped around from system to system and from dojo to dojo until I landed at Atemi Ryu Ju-jitsu.  I was fortunate to have walked in on a day when both Dr. Philip Chenique and Grand Master Leo Velazquez were teaching class.  One look at the class and I was hooked.  Needless to say I joined the Atemi Ryu family that same day in 2001 and have been a loyal student ever since. 

They were able to teach me how to blend my Wing Chun and other prior training with Atemi Ryu Ju-Jitsu flawlessly.  Atemi Ryu taught me the importance of training in a varied manner to encourage and maintain creativity which leads to a reactive self defense.  They also taught me to be disciplined and open-minded in my training.
Some of the other masters which I have trained under include: Grand Master Joe Anon and Hanshi Tony Palmore of Goju-Ryu Karate.

Current Ranks:
Atemi Ryu Ju-Jitsu, 3rd degree

Sanuces Ryu Ju-Jitsu, 1st degree