MY STORY | guerrero

Ricardo is the Chief Instructor of Shodan Academy and is a proud member of Shotokan Karate USA.

Ricardo has been married to his wife Michelle for 6 years and they have a 4 year old son.

Ricardo was born and raised in Valencia, Venezuela. Since his Dad is a Sensei and they had a dojo behind his house, he grew up around Karate. When he was 4, he started practicing and instantly fell in love with the art. His biggest dream then was to compete internationally and win in the biggest and most important events.

Throughout his competition career in Venezuela, he obtained many nationals awards and recognitions. Some of his most important accomplishments include:

2 time Junior National Champion (individual Kata and Kumite)

3 time Junior National Champion in team Kata

2 time Junior National Champion in Team Kumite

3 time National University championships in Team Kata

1 time National University Champion in Individual Kata

Even though he had a very successful competitor career, in 2000, he made the desicion to leave Venezuela to pursue his educational goals and better life opportunities in the States.

As everybody knows, learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture is not the easiest thing to do. However, the U.S gave him great opportunities and helped him become the person he is now. Today, he is so thankful and has the deepest appreciation for his new country and culture.

My Story

After achieving his personal and academic goals, he realized there was something missing. Something that he left behind many years ago and needed to get back to (his Dream). That dream of competing is still inside of him and would not die until he achieved it.

"Along the way, you find people that want to put you down and push you away from your dream. I heard things like you are too old, you don't have what it takes, you are too tall for kata, etc. However, there was something within me that told me otherwise".

After getting his citizenship in 2010, he made the decision to go back to training and working extremely hard to make his dream a reality.

In July 2011, Ricardo placed 2nd at USANKF National Championship which earned him a spot on the USANKF Senior National Team that represented the country in the 2012 Pan-American Championship in Nicaragua.

In September 2011, he was selected to be a member of the U.S team that represented the country at the World Shotokan Karate Championship held in Chicago. At this tournament, he was able to advance all the way to the semi-finals and tied for 6th place.

"Through my experiences I have learned that the formula to accomplish your goals is: hard work + dedication + determination + faith in God. Do not forget to Keep your priorities straight and have balance in your life"

Ricardo A. Guerrero

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Shodan Academy