Photo feature Yoel Marrero (El Talk))
Havana Times – In 1997, Juan Antonio Soca, a karate and jiu-jitsu instructor and currently an active member of the Cuban Martial Arts Commission. tatami Place a mat in the empty space dojo, a hall for thoroughly learning martial arts. The purpose was to provide for residents. baragua In south-central Cuba, there is the possibility of learning martial arts. Despite the difficulties, teacher Spanning almost 30 years, it has now formed generations of athletes there.
I have been practicing karate since I was little.My school wasn't Baragua. dojo, I always heard about an instructor named Soca who is known for the way he trains his students. One day, I had the opportunity to receive training from him. dojo, as part of tournament preparation. Even though the conditions weren't all the best, there was an atmosphere of pure discipline and love for martial arts.
It was great to encounter it again when I settled in Baragua as an adult. dojo And all the memories contained there. I approached the teacher, told her who I was and the work I was working on, and asked her if she remembered me. His answer was: “You can imagine how many students have passed through here, it's hard to remember their faces.” Even though he didn't remember me, he gave me the opportunity to walk on the bridge. provided. tatami Then take a photo. I also trained with him several times. I never imagined that photography would give me the possibility to recreate my childhood and give my work projects a very personal feel.
Pablo Vera, martial arts studentt
I remember that I started martial arts when I was five years old. I was a very hyperactive child, short and snarky. Therefore, my parents decided that I should do some sports. then, teacher He offered karate classes at the residences of military personnel from 5 to 6 p.m. That's where I met him for the first time. Six years later, heYoshitaka FunakoshiBaragua school.
I had so much energy that it was difficult to concentrate and continue one activity for a long time. When I first arrived in the area where I was taught karate, it took a lot of effort from my teacher to keep me in formation and understand the routine I had to follow.
The main quality of my teacher is the humility that he carries with him wherever he goes, in addition to many other qualities that I have been able to appreciate during the last 30 years of working alongside him. He is someone who never talks about himself or his accomplishments. He considers himself an equal, even though he is the one who knows the most in society. dojo. He reflects the same behavior throughout his life, maintaining a beautiful way of being befitting a martial artist. His attitude has been an example for me and for all those who have been educated by him in the field of martial arts for generations.
One day, an exam for the highest level of Jiu-Jitsu was approaching. I had a black belt and was doing well in martial arts. In the exam, you not only have to demonstrate a technique according to your level, but also go into combat and demonstrate in real time how to use that technique according to your level. This teacher is now over 50 years old and is an old man in this field, but his opponent is a very young athlete around 30 years old, and as you can imagine, strong and fast.
We thought that this was the end of the teacher's work. Some of us suggested that we should change our opponents. But he didn't allow it. The battle lasted only a short time. When the teacher kicked him as a feint, the opponent took the bait and tried to grab his leg. Sensei then goes behind him and strangles him with his joint technique. I think people who practice martial arts know how difficult it is to use this technique in actual combat, but he made it look so easy. We applauded for a long time and were very proud of him.
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