Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguel De Aza.
Hi Miguel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a passion for teaching, and helping others. Whether it fitness, art, or sports, I enjoyed the process of watching people develop in confidence and ability through my guidance. I was not able however to find a specific activity I can see myself doing as a living, until I found jūjutsu. A few friends and I began practicing together in a garage, eventually we started teaching neighbors and coworkers. My understanding and passion for practicing and teaching the yielding art of flexibility (jūjutsu) grew daily. I decided I wanted to commit full time to practicing and teaching this craft that is immensely physically, spiritually, and mentally rewarding. This led to the birth of my dojo, located in the heart of central Florida, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu College Park Orlando. At my dojo we focus on uplifting the traditionally intended purpose of teaching jūjutsu to the public, self defense, self preservation, self awareness. From children, to teens, to adults, I’ve been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to influence and guide amazing people from this community. Whether it’s a child with a condition, or an adult with past trauma, I have seen such life altering effects with the time I’ve had in sharing the tatami (jūjutsu mats) with my fellow students and friends. Seeing the confidence, happiness, and sense of purpose and community in the eyes of my students is immensely impactful. I am grateful I get to be a messenger of this art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road less travelled is never smooth. Paving a new path involves overcoming obstacles of many types and sizes. I always hear the voice of my good friend Gui, when he asked me, “Miguel, what is the best marketing strategy?”, I was not sure what the correct answer was, and he says “Word of mouth is the best marketing approach in regards to my type of business”. Since then I’ve focused solely on ensuring that the quality of my teachings are authentic, informative and precise, and that every experience my students have in my dojo is a positive, uplifting, and safe one.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in teaching Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. What sets my school apart from others is that I only teach and practice practical self defense skill sets for real life potential scenarios where I may be under attack by an assailant. In my school we practice and teach jūjutsu that encompasses the five elements, striking techniques, throwing techniques, grappling techniques, stand up self defense against surprise attacks, and philosophy.
Any big plans?
The importance of continuing to develop my craft in pursuit of perfection is the vision. There is a Japanese virtue called Shokunin Kishitsu, which translates roughly to “the craftsman’s spirit” or the “artisan’s temperament”. It refers to a deeply held cultural and personal commitment to mastery, discipline, precision, humility, and lifelong dedication to one’s craft. The goal is not just about making things well; It’s about doing so with honor and care, taking pride in daily improvement, respecting the tools, the tradition, and those who came before me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://graciejiujitsu407.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graciejiujitsu407/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087942324410
