SAN ANTONIO – The Olympic Games have come to a close after 19 days of intense competition across 32 sports. Among the spotlighted sports was Taekwondo, an Olympic staple since 2000.
Located on the vibrant South Side of San Antonio, Lozano’s Martial Arts Studio stands as a beacon for martial arts enthusiasts. Founded by Henry Lozano, it proudly holds the title of being the oldest martial arts gym in the area.
Beginning their martial arts journey as early as five years old, students at this studio cultivate a deep love for the sport and develop their unique skills on the mat.
Emma Garcia, a spirited 8-year-old, shared her fondness for shoulder rolls and kicks, while classmates expressed their passion for sparring, forms, and competition.
With a legacy spanning back to 1986, Lozano, a seventh-degree black belt, established the gym and today, his daughter Angelica Lozano carries forward the tradition by imparting her expertise in various classes.
Lozano’s Martial Arts inspires a new generation of athletes, emphasizing the importance of tradition and discipline in martial arts practice. “We’re very traditional martial arts here,” Angelica shared.
From Jiu-Jitsu to Taekwondo and Hoi Jeon Moo Sool, these sports command immense respect on the competitive stage, with Taekwondo making a prominent appearance at the Olympics.
Expressing their aspirations, student-athletes like Matilda envision themselves reaching Olympic heights through their dedication to the craft. “I would love to see myself in the Olympics,” Matilda confidently shared.
Witnessing the intensity of Taekwondo sparring at the Olympics serves as a driving force for athletes like Inez, who strive to better themselves in the sport.
These students look up to the elite athletes competing at the highest level, fueling their own pursuit of excellence in martial arts each day.
Motivated to excel in competition, students at Lozano’s Martial Arts dedicate themselves to rigorous training from a young age. Some of our brown belts have been training diligently since the tender age of 4 or 5,” Angelica revealed.
For many, this journey represents newfound representation and pride in their culture, as Matilda highlighted when discussing gymnast Carlos Yulo’s gold medal win. “Seeing athletes like Carlos Yulo succeed on a global stage gives me immense pride as a Filipino,” Matilda expressed.
Rooted in passion, dedication, and cultural pride, Lozano’s Martial Arts Studio continues to thrive, offering a nurturing environment for young martial artists to blossom. “I sacrificed a lot to change the lives of children through martial arts,” Henry Lozano reflected on his lifelong commitment.
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