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Meet Oscar Castillo of Castillo’s Taekwondo in West Valley (Avondale)

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Oscar Castillo.

Oscar, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started when I was 12 years old. My parents chose to put me in Martial Arts because of two reasons; I was not being productive around the house (gaining weight), and the teens I was hanging around with were not really setting a good example of how we were to behave. My Junior high and high school had a of gang members and fights growing up, and the last thing my parents wanted for us was to end dropping out of school, ending up in gangs, and not having a bright future for myself.

I got where I am today because of my parents. When I got my 1st degree black belt they had asked me if I wanted to continue. I said yes, and they support 100% of the way. They continued to take me to tournaments, locally and out of state. After becoming an adult and trying to afford these events on my own, I now see the sacrifice they went through with three kids to pay for multiple tournament registration fees, monthly dues, testing fees, and making sure we had the proper gear that was needed. That is why I appreciate my parents even more for getting me here.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it has been a great experience. Along the way, I’ve tried to do “too much”. Working from part-time to full-time, being a College and University student, finishing up my Bachelor’s degree at ASU, being an athlete, and a Taekwondo instructor at the same time. It became really difficult trying to keep a social life, along with responsibilities, and spending time with family.

Even now, having a full-time job and balancing both the job and business has been rough. Finishing up my second year at my current location and I can find it at times difficult trying to juggle all the responsibilities a business owner has to do. The family and students are very understanding and I am grateful to have my younger brother Jonathan Castillo stepping in to help in teaching as well.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
My school is focused on the martial art of Taekwondo. It originated in South Korea. Along the way, we educate our students on the principles of Martial arts and even provide examples. We do our best to build self-confidence and respect. We focus on the Discipline of Kicking and Punching and how it can be used in self-defense and in real-life scenarios. We also focus on competing local and out of state World Taekwondo Tournaments.

I am known for being really good and patient with kids. I’ve learned to have patience and trust the process in what you are learning.

I am proud of all the students, from white belt to black belt. They start with little to no confidence, to throwing kicks and flips, and becoming young leaders in the community and at school. I am also proud of all the parents that’ve stucked with Castillo’s Taekwondo and believing in us till this day.

We always look out for what is best for our students. We try to work with the community as much as possible and provide what is being ask without losing the value of the martial art.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was really shy before joining Taekwondo.

After joining Taekwondo, I definitely saw the difference looking back and reflecting. I realized that I met a lot of people in High School and College. I always enjoying going out with friends and family and just socializing and sometimes go out to dance. Everyone knew I was a dancer (HAHA)

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