Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandro Rodriguez
Hi Alejandro, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am from Venezuela. I grew up doing Karate as a way of self-defense for the daily risks of living in Caracas. I was taught by my father, Pedro Luis Rodriguez, who is one of the pioneers of Karate in Venezuela. I wasn’t too interested in competing as a child or even as a teenager. I was always very involved in my dojo and training, but the competition set up wasn’t something I felt attracted to. At the age of 18, I actually felt a drastic shift in my mindset, and made the commitment to compete. So, I had a little bit of a late start in competition. Time flew by in my first few years as I was attempting to be a part of the senior Venezuelan National team, something I managed at the age of 20. I won 7 Venezuelan National tournaments, and 3 Panamerican championship gold medals. In 2014’s Panamerican championships I broke my shoulder in my first fight. Despite this, I still won the tournament in weight and open divisions. At that time I was already set to move to the United States. I moved to try a new life, in a new country, with no family, or money and a broken shoulder. I won the USA National championships after 2 years, and after 5 years I opened my own dojo and became USA National champion two more times. Currently, I am still fighting and doing kickboxing, but most importantly I am passing down the knowledge, values and experience that Karate has left me with after a full life of training and dedication.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I almost got shot in my country, which helped me make the decision to move away and change my life. My broken shoulder in 2014 made me think I wouldn’t be able to compete or train the same way again.
I also went through some financial hardships, first with COVID and later with moving my business to our new location, alongside a lot of issues in my personal life and my father’s health being compromised.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Battlefield and Kazoku Karate?
We have a great martial arts gym, working expansively in martial arts like karate, kickboxing and jiu jitsu principles in our curriculum. We have a heavy bag section, fitness classes and a mini gym with weights, and all the equipment needed to get in great shape or become a super athlete.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the atmosphere, there are plenty of places to walk, or just relax. It’s a great place to raise my children. The only thing I would like to change in Greenville is that I would like to see more good Venezuelan restaurants!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Jointhebattlefield.com
- Instagram: @Battlefield.gvl
- Facebook: Kazokukaratesc
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kazokukarate7624?si=ptsAB2yAm7CEol3C
