JAG

Latino Fusioné MMA & Music

MMA background

1988 began JAG's martial arts training on the rough streets of the South Bronx under step father Edieberto Perez. Skilled in Muay Thai and Jeet kune do concepts, Mr. Perez began training Garcia in unarmed self defense after finding that Joshua was often attacked by local street punks and misguided bullies. 

This, with an admiration for his late uncle, a U.S. Army close combat instructor and Goju-Ryu black belt under Grand master Aaron Banks, was the inspiration behind JAG’s life long study of Japanese Budô and close quarters combat.

1992-2002 JAG began training in Freestyle and submission grappling. He wrestled for a total of 10 years studying Kyokushin Karate and Japanese kickboxing during the off seasons.

1998 JAG was captain of his high school wrestling team under Coach Ronald Bligh. With an ending season record of 19 wins and 2 losses, JAG won various tournaments and honors in his region including but not limited to Clarion university's individual/team camps, USA wrestling and Mat-time wrestling school.

In 1999 he enlisted in the United States Marine corps learning the refining close combat skills of Marine Corps L.I.N.E. and M.C.M.A.P. 

Today, JAG is a dedicated student of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu who currently studies under Sensei Bill Bartlett of Gracie Ocala. He holds a blue belt under Rodrigo Greno in Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu and maintains rank in KFM and ITF Taekwon-Do.

Academy plans are currently underway and will feature the close quaters combat applications of Japanese Kickboxing, self defense and Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu.  

 

1992-2002

JAG trains in Freestyle grappling and Kyokushin Karate 

 

1999 

JAG completes Marine Corps L.I.N.E. training course Camp Lejeune N.C.

 

2001

JAG completes Marine Corps martial arts training course 29 Palms C.A.

 

2002

JAG trains in FMA 29 Palms C.A.   

 

2005

JAG begins training courses in KFM 

 

2007

JAG begins training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Jerry Moreno.

 

2008-2010  

Currently, JAG trains in traditional Taekwon-Do under Boo-Sabum nim Jose Montero and Kyosah nim Nenad Omerovic. He holds a green belt in both traditional and ITF styles. He continues his training in Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu under Rodrigo Greno and Marcio Cruz. He studies under Sensei Bill Bartlett of Gracie Ocala.  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yuki (Valor) - synonyms – courage, bravery, spirit – Possessing the bravery/courage to face all of life’s challenges squarely with a resolute and moral heart. It is important that bravery and courage should not be confused with pride. Bravery and courage are necessary to identify and achieve life’s goals and the setbacks that surround them.
Jin (Benevolence) - synonyms– kindness, compassion - A feeling of good will to all, a magnanimous and compassionate state founded on the understanding that we are all the same and should be treated with the same respect regardless of station or situation. This requires lifelong practice and discipline (shugyo) to counter the more current and prevalent sentiments of judgment, separatism, mistrust, etc.
Gi (Rectitude) synonyms – morality, decency - Right behavior, conduct, and character. Gi is closely linked to justice and a person that possesses the character to act swiftly and resolutely for the cause of justice. This type of character is not borne of mere intellectual understanding. It is much more an instinctive and intuitive understanding of that which is naturally good and just.
Rei (Etiquette) – synonym – good manners, decorum - Rei refers to the courtesies and conduct required to be a functional contributor to family, dojo, society, etc. This type of conduct, or right action, is not practiced because one may be ostracized if not adhering to such conduct. It is much more important to realize that courtesy is a fundamental right of each individual, a major facet of the Iemoto system, and fundamental to the successful transfer of the lessons of Budo.
Makoto (Truth – Honesty) – The foundation of right action, makoto, or truth and honesty, is comprised of acting and communicating in an honest and rigorous manner as well as possessing the virtue of integrity. Integrity: being truthful, keeping our word, and cleaning up the mess when we make it, is an integral factor in the establishment and nurturing of successful relationships.
Chugi (Loyalty) – synonym – faithfulness - The primary application of Chugi is detailed in the character Gi – or duty. Duty to family, based on filial piety (Ko) is a fundamental aspect of this virtue. Duty and obligation must then transfer to relationships in the dojo and all of life’s endeavors. We must also be loyal to our own goals, plans, objectives and the realistic path of attainment. Here, makoto, being absolutely honest with ourselves, is imperative in defining such a realistic path.

Meiyo (Honor) – synonym – respect, admiration - Meiyo could be considered to be the sum – total of the previous six virtues. One practiced in and possessing the above listed virtues would certainly emerge from this disciplined lifestyle as an honorable individual. The self-esteem and honor of such an individual would be consistently above reproach. Like the samurai of old, a stain on one’s honor/name, should be a sense of great shame for the Budo –ka and avoided at all cost.

Follow JAG