Meet Miguel De Aza-Jiu-Jitsu Instructor-Gracie Jiu-Jitsu College Park-Dad
Q: Please tell us a little about yourself.
Hi - Thank you for the warm welcome to the hood ;) I am grateful and
exited to be part of the College Park Community. I am originally from
Puerto Rico, and was raised right here in Central Florida, not far
away, near Baldwin Park. I went to Winter Park High school and attended
college at Colorado Technical University. I did a portion of my career
in the corporate world, and now I've fully transitioned to sharing and
teaching the wonderful art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. I am married to my
wonderful wife Akilah, and have two amazing daughters, Farrah (5) and
Alessandra (3). A few fun facts about me is that I am 100% Vegan, I
know how to Breakdance, I know how to dance Salsa, I know how to
juggle.
Q: What do you do for work, and what do you love most about what you do?
I'm a Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor, and own the new school in
town called Gracie Jiu-Jitsu College Park Orlando. I love the opportunity to help
empower others, build up their self esteem, guide them to improve
their overall well-being through the teachings and philosophy of Gracie
Jiu-Jitsu. I love to see my students learn that they can find comfort
in chaos; that one does not need to panic or overact because things
are getting tough. People out in the world are stressed, trying
to make ends meet, trying to meet deadlines, and so through the study
and practice of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and it's philosophy, one can find
comfort, peace, purpose and direction. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is an all
encompassing martial arts system that is based on five elements, 1.
Stand-up Self-Defense against Surprise Attacks, 2. Striking
Techniques, 3. Grappling Techniques, 4. Throwing Techniques, and 5.
our philosophy.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I opened Gracie Jiu-Jitsu College Park Orlando on December 31, 2022,
so I've been here for a little more than one month.
Q: What is your favorite thing about College Park?
Its people! Everyone I've met here has been so supportive and
helpful. I see people exercising, hanging out with their family
members while taking a stroll, people are enjoying meals at the many
nice restaurants in the area. The people make the culture here, and
I'm digging it. I look forward to meeting more folks as I continue to
get acclimated to the area.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you've met in College Park?
They may not want me to say this, and I'm not certain if they'll even
see this letter, but I'd have to say Brendan Loflin, and I can't not
mention his wife for this respone, Lea Loflin. These two are such an
amazing couple, with a beautiful family. Brendan and Lea have an
infectious personality that you just want to be around. You can tell
in the manner in which they cary themselves, and how they rear their
children, that they hold quality morals & virtues high on their
priority list. The way they communicate is commendable and an example
of great leadership. I have not known them for that much time, but
already they have left a lasting impression on me and my family. I am
grateful and humbled to have the Loflin's as part of my circle of
friends. Thanks Brendan, Lea, Peter, Lucy, Addy, and John!
Q: What advice, thought, or quote would you share with the community?
"Awareness - Part of pursuing excellence in everything you do involves
developing the habit of being present. This concept, known as
"zanshin" in Japanese, denotes a mental state of relaxed alertness.
When you begin to be aware and focused on the present moment, you will
not only be able to anticipate danger coming your way, but you will
start to notice opportunities that you otherwise might have missed.
When you are aware, you also can appreciate and enjoy the beauty that
life has to offer all around you.
In addition to being connected to what is happening around you moment
by moment, being aware also includes the continuous pursuit of
knowledge. In the same way that it difficult to be physically
confident without having the knowledge of self-defense, it is also
difficult to be intellectually confident without developing your mind
through study and learning.
Awareness involves not only being consistently connected to your body,
mind and surroundings, but also to critical knowledge and information.
Being vigilant is not enough. Be ready to face life by continuously
developing your intellect." - Valente Brothers 753C ode
Those words are an excerpt from a book written by some of my Jiu-Jitsu
mentors (Professor's Pedro, Gui, & Joaquim Valente) who wrote a
Jiu-Jitsu philosophy book named, 753 Code.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would like to visit the Kodokan in Japan and learn Judo from them.
Q: Do you have any College Park businesses who aren't here anymore that
you wish would come back?
Being that I'm new to College Park, I'm unsure of any businesses that
aren't here anymore. I know about Shakers though, which is directly in
front of my business, across the street. Shakers seems pretty popular.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself growing and expanding Gracie Jiu-Jitsu College Park
Orlando. The goal is to share the benefits of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to all
who will try and give it the opportunity. If you have ever been
curious about learning self-defense, in a safe and fun environment,
there's no better opportunity than now. I will offer all of you here a
10-days Free pass, if you mention this newsletter. I got you, we are
family.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
I have a lung condition called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. This
is a progressive lung condition that restricts oxygen from the lungs
to efficiently pass to the heart, brain, and rest of the body. I take
medication daily to treat this condition, which helps. You would never
know I have a condition however, as I do not allow it to define me.
Quite the contrary, I am continuously working to challenge myself in
many healthy ways, by following a very strict plant based diet,
exercising, avoiding any harmful habits, keeping a positive tight knit
circle of friends around me, and helping others. Living in this way
has allowed me to live way beyond my doctor's expectations. Creating
awareness for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension is also one of my goals.
Q: Outside of the 32804, what is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Capri, Italy is the most beautiful place I have visited. So beautiful
in fact, that I decided to give my second daughter the middle name of,
Capri. Such an incredible place it is, the weather is perfect, the
people are very kind and welcoming, and the food was so fresh and
delicious. You need to go visit, you won't regret it!
Q: What is your favorite month? Favorite holiday? And best single day on
the calendar?
My favorite month is November, that's when everything starts winding
down for the year and everyone is just so peaceful and family
oriented. My favorite holiday is Halloween, because we go all out and
get dressed up as fun characters and I get to see my kids have a
blast.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
The Valente Brothers, based out of North Miami Beach. Their methods
and teachings are super inspiring to me.
Q: What three words come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Akilah, Farrah, Alessandra. These are the names of my wife and two
daughters, whom I love tremendously. Their presence pushes me to
strive forward as we grow our dynasty.
