MARTIALFORCE.COM
PRESENTS
AN INTERVIEW WITH
MASTER JOE MERCADO
JAN / 2011
“Style does not matter but passion
and dedication is paramount.”
My name is Eddie Morales and welcome to Martialforce.com Online Martial Arts Magazine. I would like to introduce our readers to Master Joe Mercado. I have known Joe for many years and know he is dedicated to helping others succeed in anyway he can. Joe has always been a man of integrity and follows the code of honor. He teaches Gojuryu Karate and has been a positive influence to many. I first met in the early 1980’s through a mutual friend by the name of Shihan Freddy Lopez. Joe and I quickly became friends and I would visit his Staten Island Dojo to teach on occasion. Recently I found Joe on facebook after approximately 27 years. I asked him if he would do me the honor of being interviewed for Martialforce.com, which he kindly accepted. We here at Martialforce.com hope you enjoy his interview.
Interview by Eddie Morales
Martialforce.com
Online Magazine
Martialforce.com: Where were you born and what area did you grow up in?
JOE MERCADO: I was born in the Bronx New York and raised in the Bronx river projects. The neighborhood was rough but there were a lot of lessons to learn.
Martialforce.com: When did you begin your Martial Arts training and what was your motivation?
JOE MERCADO: I started training in November of 1980. My brother Rico had invited me to a karate demonstration and after the demonstration I was invited to the dinner and met all the martial artist that participated. When I sat and talked with them I was impressed by there humble courteous outlooks and attitudes, I thought these are guys that can break anyone to pieces and their demeanors are just the opposite. To me, that was inspirational.
Martialforce.com: Who has been your greatest influence throughout your life in regards to Martial Arts or in general?
JOE MERCADO: My brother Rico because he guided me and lead me down the path to a world of Martial Arts. The other person is an actor by the name of Stephen Segal., I was always impressed by his demeanor and Martial Arts technique. My children and family as well for being by my side under all circumstances.
Martialforce.com: What in your experience defines a good Karate practitioner?
JOE MERCADO: A person that goes into the arts must have the desire and interest to absorb all that they can. Style does not matter but passion and dedication is paramount. Most of all, a person that never gives up because disciple of mental and physical is sometimes an upward battle so you must persevere.
Martialforce.com: What in your opinion, are the characteristics of a good instructor?
JOE MERCADO: In my opinion he or she wants to teach for the arts sake and not for the buck sake. He or she must be willing to develop the student and bring out their natural abilities couple with their learned techniques. A good instructor knows everything about there styles in regards to history, technique and philosophy. The most important factor is a good instructor knows how to impart his or her knowledge and reach each and every student.
JOE ON THE RIGHT AND HIS BROTHER RICO
ON THE LEFT IN THIS OLD PICTURE
Martialfrce.com: You joined the military with your brother. At what age and year did you join and what made you interested in joining?
JOE MERCADO: The year was 1968 and my brother and I enlisted in the United states marine corps in what we understood was the buddy system. After we left our training in Parris Island they separated us which made me conclude that the buddy system was actually a fabrication of the recruiter. In regards to the reason for joing, we joined because of the pride we felt from being part of the Marine corps and serving our country.
JOE MERCADO
RICO MERCADO
Martialforce.com: What are your thoughts on the usefulness of Kata training (Pre-arranged Movements)?
JOE MERCADO: Its usefulness is in the various movements that relate to different scenarios. While they are practiced in a sequence they are used separately as individual combat techniques. I here people say that none of it is worth anything but its usually people that have never practiced or experienced its benefits. Kata is the alphabet, paragraph and sentence of movements. If you learn the movement to the point of embodiment then they will come out naturally when you are in a fight. If you are practicing any technique repeatedly as any winner would then you are practicing Kata Kata is Karate, Karate is Kata.
RICO AND JOE MERCADO
Martialforce.com: What are your thoughts on cross training in regards to weights, running or other systems of Martial Arts?
JOE MERCADO: I believe in cross training because it builds the individual and allows them to see things from different perspectives. It also develops a sense of health and wellness that they can carry throughout there life.
Martialforce.com: Do you have any long or short-term goals in regards to Karate?
JOE MERCADO: Every aspect or level that I wanted to achieve, I have already done. My goal now is to spread the word about my style so many can reap the benefits that I have. So many people have open doors for me so now it’s my turn.
Martialforce.com: In your opinion, what has been your greatest achievement in Karate or life in general?
JOE MERCADO: Meeting a lot of great martial artist like Aaron banks, Thomas la puppet, Cookie Melendez, Fred miller, Felix Vasquez, Freddy Lopez, Derek Williams, George Crayton, Berris Sweeny, Eddie Banks and yourself Eddie Morales, just to name a few.
Martialforce.com: Do you study any form of Kobudo (weapons)?
JOE MERCADO: At first I wasn’t interested but then after talking to my brother Rico and Shihan Freddy Lopez, I was convinced I should learn. I began studying the bo and made it my quest to learn not only its application but history as well.
Martialforce.com: Do you think that Martial Arts training is good for children and if yes or no, why?
JOE MERCADO: I feel children should get involved in the art because it builds there self confidence as well as there physical and mental levels. Its been my experience as an instructor to see children mature and do well in school as a result of the discipline and confidence gained through Martial Arts Training.
Martialforce.com: Do you have any words of encouragement for the person that is reading this and considering joining a school but never arrives at a decision?
JOE MERCADO: Join because its something that is positive mentally and physically. Talk to students at your local schools so you can make an educated decision. The motivation comes from within you. You have to ask yourself if you need it and why. Give yourself a good reason why, whether it is health, training or just seems like something you would be good at. Those questions answered might motivate you to begin. Every great adventure has a first step so its up to you to take that first step.
Martialforce.com: Thank you for taking the time and allowing for this interview to take place.
JOE MERCADO: Thank you for inviting me.
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