Inspiring Conversations with Kikin Ucelo of Ucelo Martial Arts Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kikin Ucelo.

Hi Kikin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today. 
Of course, my story in martial arts began when I was born, as my father was already a martial arts studio owner and black belt in Karate. I grew up visiting the original Cobra Kai dojo in North Hollywood, where my dad used to train and teach.

As a young kid full of energy and curiosity, I found a great energy outlet in martial arts, improving my focus. During this time I learned to perform with strength and confidence. Martial arts instilled in me the sense of responsibility and leadership that has brought me where I am today.

In 1993, I was awarded my Black belt in Karate and Tae Kwon Do, earning certificate #001 from the hands of my father and martial arts master Miguel Ucelo. The next few years were full of teaching and competing in local and international championships. The countless hours of training, sweat, tears, and sacrifice allowed me to emerge as The World United Martial Arts Championship champion for 3 years in a row (1997-2000).

In 2001 I opened my first Martial arts dojo in the city of Glendale, which later I handed down to my father. In 2003, I opened Ucelo Martial Arts Phoenix location and have been teaching Karate and Tae Kwon Do to our Phoenix metropolitan community ever since.

It was in 2006 when I was first exposed to the gentle art of Jiu-Jitsu and in the year 2018, I was awarded my black belt from the hands of World Champion Augusto Mendes with certificate #008. I have the privilege now to have added this art to the programs offered to kids and adults, making our dojo a full traditional Mixed Martial Arts training center.

Today I am still a student of the arts and enjoy my everyday on the mat teaching, sharing, and training with my family and students. I currently hold a 6th-degree Black belt in Karate/Tae Kwon Do and a 1st-degree Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I would also love to share that I feel super privileged and honored in this life to be able to pass on the legacy my father shared with me to my kids Yai, Taro, and Milas, and know that our family’s name will continue strong for a long time.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Hahaha! The martial arts road is never a smooth one, it’s a road full of up and down hills, speed bumps, and even sinkholes, but I do have to confess I would never change it for anything in the world.

I would say that my biggest struggles have been injuries. I must also clarify that most of the time my injuries have been due to stubbornness, not making the time to rest, training when tired, and not letting my body heal due to my personal hyperactive personality. But even in those moments, I have found clarity in the study of the art.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Ucelo Martial Arts Phoenix?
Ucelo Martial Arts Phoenix was established in October 2003. Our dojo specializes in teaching traditional mixed martial arts techniques and, at the same time, empowers all of its students to achieve personal goals and aspirations like:

*Improving Physical Health
*Learning Self Defense
*Gaining Confidence
*Building Self-Esteem

Our dojo truly serves as a foundation for holistic personal growth and development, helping individuals become their best selves.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I can easily say that the most important lesson I’ve learned along the martial arts journey is the importance of perseverance, resilience, and self-discipline. Through the training of martial arts, you come to realize that it is not just about the physical techniques but about all the mental aspects and personal growth.

I’ve learned that the competition is not with anyone but with yourself. Most importantly, I’ve learned that respecting and caring for others is a must because we cannot go through life or training without our family and friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ucelomartialartsphoenix.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kikinucelo/ and https://www.instagram.com/ucelomartialartsphoenix
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kikin-Ucelo/1051005733/?ref=xav_ig_profile_web
• Youtube: @UceloMartialArts