Joe Garcia: Sr. Instructor Ultimate Karate USA

It’s been a little over nine years that I entered a dojo for the first time. Back then I was just a high school kid going to Stevenson High. Well, although I went on to John Jay College where I’m currently studying Forensic Science, my first love has always been the martial arts. I acquired a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do from the USA Tae Kwon Do School in the Bronx. More importantly I got the chance to do a lot of teaching.

Since 2003 I have been the Sr. instructor at Ultimate Karate USA in Spanish Harlem. Through the years I both couched and competed. I won USK Tae Kwon Do point sparring champion in the Fall 1997 as well as the USK Tae Kwon Do full contact and team fighting champion Summer of 1998. That same year I won the Tae Kwon Do champion in breaking. 
I’ve been challenged by asthma my entire life and a lot of people have asked how I was able to become a top martial artist and still deal with being asthmatic. The answer is by dedication, a lot of practice but most importantly practicing smart. 

We all have different challenges and, from my point of view, the only real question is how are we going to handle them. We need to figure out how to deal with the challenge, keep a positive attitude, and keep working towards our goals. My goal was to be a top-level martial artist and asthma wasn’t able to keep me from doing it. I guess what I’d say to other students with special challenges, particular asthmatics, take a look at the martial arts. You will be amazed what you can accomplish if you apply yourself. Also be careful about listening to what other people say you can or can’t do. You are the only one that can determine that.