Mario—martial arts enthusiast

Tell Me about yourself (what makes you you)?I enjoy movement, martial arts, and Music. I try to experience life on positive terms and appreciate all the places, things, and people[with whom] I can share my experiences. I try to be in the moment and learn about myself and improve where I can.

Have you ever lived or travelled abroad? I lived on a Naval Ship for a few years and traveled across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Through that experience I was able to visit Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Oman, Bahrain, Australia, and Hawaii to name some places.

How many languages do you speak? English, some Spanish.

Do you have any talents? Djing/Turntablism

What do you do for a living? I teach physical education classes, Self- Defense and Emotional Regulation workshops, and train clients in strength and conditioning and/or martial arts.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?

Unfortunately, I do not think you could survive off one food. But I’ll play…  pizza!!

What was your last moment of bliss?Through gratitude and appreciation, most of my days are filled with bliss. Higher moments of bliss occur when my turntable scratching improves or I improve in my martial arts. I try to practice both daily.

Do you have any secret obsessions? Learning the secrets of the scratch arts (techniques/rhythms) and unraveling through practice the secrets to the martial arts.

Is the first impression people have of you accurate? That usually depends on context (teaching, performance, public setting), but typically what you see is what you get. So yeah, I would say so, if they are willing to ask questions and communicate.

If you could meet anyone who would it be? A benevolent extraterrestrial would be cool to cruise the Galaxy.  A more Earthly answer would be the engineer/s of the Great Pyramids.

What did you dream of becoming as a child?A ninja!

What feature/quality do you get complimented on the most?

I am not sure why, but it is usually my brown eyes.

What fear have you overcome?Looking in the mirror and facing myself with honesty.

When was the last time you sang out loud?I don’t really sing, but I practice beat-boxing often.

What thing don’t most people know about you? I was in a Gatorade commercial in my teens.

What’s your greatest achievement? Learning about myself for positive change and trying to reach my highest potential.

What are your hobbies? DJing/Scratching.

Have you ever been star-struck? I haven’t really been star-struck, but I am inspired by old masters (men and women) that maintained their strength and health, and can still do the splits at eighty-years-old.

What valuable life lessons have you learned that you can pass on? Strengthen and harmonize your mind, body, and Character [spirit]. Do something you love everyday—without harming others.

Do you have religious beliefs?The martial arts I practice are nature-based but I do not really follow any religion, however, I try to evolve spiritually —Improving myself, thoughts, and actions.