MARTIALFORCE.COM

 

 

PRESENTS

 

 

AN INTERVIEW WITH

 

MYTZI GASTON RENSHI

 

“Centro de Artes Marciales de Barceloneta – An Oasis in Puerto Rico”

 

SEPT 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the island of Puerto Rico, on the north region facing the Atlantic Ocean, is the city of Barceloneta. Once known as a thriving agricultural center of sugar mills and pineapple plantations, because of its pure underground waterways, it later became a huge pharmaceutical manufacturing hub for US companies.

 

In Barceloneta Puerto Rico, there is a dojo, a special place where learning and progress is taking place each day. Mytzi Gaston Renshi opened the “Centro de Artes Marciales de Barceloneta” a little over a year ago, and what she and her students have accomplished here is truly amazing. Mytzi is an incredible artist, trained in various martial arts.

 

She is a natural teacher with a keen sense of connectivity with each student while maintaining complete focus on her class. Her intuitiveness guides her instruction, and her rapport engages her students; her critique is sharp but not cutting. The caliber of her students are quite impressive and the potential of the students is first rate. In speaking with the students during our visit, what impressed us most was their confidence, and humbleness.

 

Mytzi’s dojo is an Oasis, a place where her students will always find encouragement and strength in the arts that are taught, and where they learn more about what they are capable of beyond the Dojo doors.

 

Lydia Alicea

 

 

Interviewed by William Rivera Kyoshi

Edited by Lydia Alicea

 

 

 

Please read on to learn about Mytzi Gaston Renshi and the Centro de Artes Marciales de Barceloneta.

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Is there a word, quote, or saying that you would use to describe you?

 

MYTZI GASTON: My favorite saying is: Never Surrender!”

 

My favorite quote is “Fast as the wind, quiet as the forest, aggressive as fire, and immovable as a mountain.” Samurai battle banner.

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Let us begin our interview with some history. Tell where you were born and where you grew up?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “My family is from Panamá, Republic of Panamá, I was born and grew up in a beautiful neighborhood in Panamá City, called “Las Bóvedas,” where I had wonderful memories of playing and having fun with my friends.”

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: At what age did you tap an interest in the martial arts, what drew you?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “The interest began at the age of 35 because of my children. My younger son Michael, who was then, 6 years old, was practicing Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu. My older daughter Michelle, then 7 years old had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. One day, while watching her brother training, she suddenly turned to me and said very excitedly, ‘Mom, I want to do that!’ I almost died! I said to her, ‘Sweetheart, they are going to kill you on the floor.’ Yet, despite my concern, she remained insistent.

 

I spoke with the Sensei who looked at her carefully. Sensei replied, ‘Mytzi, I can train her by taking the necessary precautions needed and with the appropriate equipment.’ The day I went to buy her uniform, I could not help but buy one for myself as well. I was terrified that she may get hurt and did not want to take chances, so, I needed to be with her on the floor as she trained every time.

 

What happened? As I trained with my children, it really cultivated my interest to learn more; over time, that interest grew into a deep love for the martial arts one which continues until today.

 

Michelle and Michael are black belts in Shotokan Karate Do, but they had to stop due to their studies at the university.”

 

 

 

 

 

Felix Vélez and Mytzi Gaston

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: People’s immediate perception of the martial arts is one of violence. Was this the case with you, and if so was this the appeal?

 

 

MYTZI GASTON: “It is normal for people to think that the martial arts as violent. However, one over the course of their training, learns that practicing the arts will lead to a peaceful state of mind. For me personally, the martial arts played an extraordinary role in changing my life and making me who I am today. Martial arts has transformed my life, it is my Budo, my way of life. It helps me intellectually, it teaches me to always be alert, to maintain self-control without losing the martial way. To train in the martial arts means to concentrate with the spirit and heart; achieving this requires one to be persistent and patient, and practicing diligently and with discipline.

 

Every day, as an instructor and as a student I learn new things that in turn helps me to understand myself and the society where I live; the martial arts harmonizes my thoughts and emotions, while learning how to be strong in dealing with the challenges and adversities that arise. It taught me how to focus on my professional and personal life.

 

As a woman and mother of two extraordinary young adults, I am grateful for how the martial arts have given me the wisdom to guide them through the difficult times in which we are living, keeping them off the streets and all the dangers it represents.”

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Who was your initial instructor? Describe his method of teaching.

 

MYTZI GASTON: “My initial instructor was Sensei Eddie R.F Cordovés, Shidoin Director /Head Instructor of Mokuroku Black Belt Daito Ryu Kenkyukai Yama Bushi Kan. His methods were very traditional, typically emphasizing in pinning, throwing, and joint locks. Sensei Cordovés taught me to break falls and all the necessary skills to be safe in the practice.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Your earliest influence?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “I would say that would be my daughter Michelle. Her tenacity to learn despite her physical challenges is inspirational.”

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: What martial arts have you studied?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “I have studied Shotokan Karate Do and Goju Ryu, and continue to study Miyama Ryu Combat Ju-Jutsu, Aikido and Ju-Jitsu Jedan Ryu.”

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Did you participate in sports at school?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “Yes, I played volleyball, but was not practicing martial arts at that time.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Tell us about your classes, what were your thoughts on those first weeks?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “The first weeks of teaching were a transitional process from student to instructor and so my focus and thoughts changed immediately, as did my goals. In time, I realized how much I enjoyed teaching. That is why I continue to study martial arts, understanding this is a process that never ends.”

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Describe your shodan grading.

 

MYTZI GASTON: My first martial arts studies began with Ju-Jutsu, but my shodan grading initial style was Shotokan Karate Do under the instruction of Shihan Hector Sotomayor. He is a wonderful Sensei and an amazing human being. He taught me kumite strategies, kata, women self-defense and the most importantly, how to stay humble.”

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Do you feel it is important as a teacher to study other styles of the martial art, or to just concentrate on their chosen style?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “Yes. In studying different styles you obtain different perspectives, techniques as well as different capacities. Practicing different styles requires you to switch like changing the channels on a TV in your brain. Is challenging but not impossible.”

 

Martialforce.com: Please tell us about each of your instructors and how they influenced your martial arts training.

 

MYTZI GASTON: “As I said earlier, Sensei Eddie RF Cordovés was my first instructor. He did not just teach Ju-Jutsu in its physical ways, but its meaning - to practice by heart with consistency. His guidance was, and remains very important in my life, his teaching and philosophy played a significant role in my martial development. Sensei Cordovés is my role model to follow.

 

 

 

Grandmaster Jedan O. Figueroa is my instructor in Ju-Jitsu Jedan Ryu, where I obtained my Shodan in Ju-Jitsu, I am a Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt.)

 

Sensei Ramón Lebrón is a humble and extraordinary human being. In his classes I can feel justice, bravery, benevolence, veracity, politeness, honor and loyalty. His touch of humanity and his understanding of the art is what make him a very special SENSEI.

 

Sensei Javier Vazquez is the Chief Instructor and Technical Director Shidoin of the United States Aikido Federation. With Sensei Vazquez, I learn that Aikido is a sophisticated and powerful self-defense system. He taught me that Aikido resolves conflict in a peaceful manner. He is very skilled in Aikido and Iaido Art.

 

Sensei Artemio Ramos is also my Aikido instructor, his softness and elegance in the art makes him a very special instructor. He guides everyone in the path of the Aikido.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Give us a snapshot of your thoughts when you competed.

 

MYTZI GASTON: “I began to compete when I was 38 or 40, a little later in life. An interesting state of mind of mixed feelings, happiness, fear and pride. As I began a competition, I forgot about everybody and just concentrated in my performance. At the end, I just heard my children’s voices “Yeah Mom!”

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Which competition stood out for you?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “It was a competition when I was a brown belt. I competed in traditional Shotokan Kata against two competitors both black belts. I saw them performing their katas and I was absolutely convinced that this was going to be difficult, but remained determined. That Sunday, I performed with Jiin (Temple Grounds). When the judges gave the final points, they called all three of us, and called the third place which was one of the black belts. I felt my heart pounding really hard, then they called the second place and to my surprise it was the other black belt. It took me a couple of minutes to realize that I had won the competition with a wonderful trophy. Immediately I heard my children voices again saying “That’s my mom, yeah mom!” It was a wonderful experience for me and my family.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Have you stopped training?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “Absolutely, no! Masutatsu Oyama’s used to say:

 

"If someone asked me what a human being ought to devote the maximum of his life to, I would answer: training. Train more than you sleep."

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: How did you deal with the fear of fighting someone larger than you?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “Dealing with someone heavier or bigger requires me to be aware of the person and visualize myself handling the situation in an adequate manner. That is why I train hard so I can react appropriately in a potential situation.

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: How do you teach a young girl who may be fearful?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “It does not matter the age or gender; the important part as an instructor is to teach overcoming fear. You must gain their conviction and confidence gradually with patience. A Sensei can help students to trust themselves to realize their capacities. It is simply a matter of time and hard training.”

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: What important aspects does an instructor need to have?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “For me, these are the aspects an instructor must have:

•    Empathy: To always, be sensitive to the needs and personalities of their students. Learn how and who your students are.

•    Dedication: Always committed to the training involved.

•    Discipline: Always reinforce the rules and establish strong communication with the student.”

 

 

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: You have quite a variety of ages in your classes. Do you teach children and adults similarly?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “No, the methods I use to teach children differs from the adults, and this goes back to when I explained what I feel are the important aspects of an instructor. Yet, it also depends upon their abilities; you must focus on their needs and take into consideration the cognitive differences, motivation, and exercises among other abilities.”

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: We witnessed your talent for engaging and speaking to your students. Were these skills developed through your personal experience, or are they part of your nature?

 

MYTZI GASTON: I believe it is both. I am totally myself in the dojo, my nature to speak freely to them, when to be hard or switch to soft comes from a sensitivity in reading into the student as I teach. The connections to each individually, knowing where each ‘is at’ as I proceed through an instruction is critical. I stand before them as a student and as a Sensei, they understand that I am also learning from them. The cool thing is they become my motivation to continue to train and learn new techniques.”

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Tell us about your dojo in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico. Which styles do you teach?

 

MYTZI GASTON: My dojo is a very special place full of harmony, peace, discipline, honor and respect for others. We teach students from ages five to sixty five. It is a place where our students feel safe, not just a space where we learn martial arts but about themselves; where students learn about one another and how the strength of one can affect each. That is powerful. Most important, they learn that we all are a family.

 

The arts taught are: Miyama Ryu Combat Ju-Jutsu, Krav Maga and Ju-Jitsu Jedan Ryu. Our instructors are:

 

Ramón Lebrón, Sensei 1st Dan Black Belt Okuiri – Miyama Ryu Combat Ju-Jutsu

Felix Vélez, Instructor 3rd Level – Commando Krav Maga

Mytzi Gastón Renshi 4th Dan Black Belt – Ju-Jitsu Jedan Ryu

Luis Rodríguez, Sensei 1st Dan Black Belt – Ju-Jitsu Jedan Ryu.”

 

Luis Rodríguez

 

 

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: What future do you wish to see for your school and yourself with respect to the arts?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “Firstly, I want to see my dojo grow, to always offer the best of the martial arts and self-defense instruction, but always retain its essence, that refuge where “our family” grow and expand while sharing it amongst the people of Barceloneta.

 

Secondly, our dojo cannot remain in a bubble. At some point in time, we will pursue all opportunities to compete with other schools throughout the island, in the states and around the world. My students are extremely talented and they should be able to see themselves with other schools to see, and learn from them as well.

 

In my future there will be opportunities to learn new techniques, to continue to grow as a Sensei, friend, mother, and counselor to my students. But mostly, to remain humble.”

 

Martialforce.com: Talk to us about DPF Siglo 21. Is it an organization, a style, a way of thinking, how did it come about?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “DPF Siglo 21 is my way of thinking. It was an idea that came to mind when I was writing the e-book Un Mundo Sin Defensa Personal Femenina which I co-authored. I began to think about a logo that can represent, that always reminds everybody that women are precious and valuable jewels. That we are equal in every aspect of society. Nobody has the right to mistreat us psychologically or physically. It is talking out loud NO MORE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN.”

 

 

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Talk to us about the electronic book Un Mundo Sin Defensa Personal Femenina. How did it come about?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “The e-book Un Mundo Sin Defensa Personal Femenina was a very interesting project for me. The idea came from my dearest friend, Sensei Eloina Fernandez from Mexico. We met on Facebook and soon after, we clicked. She would talk to me about the project and also made reference about Sensei Paz Angélica Celis from Chile. We learned that despite the fact that each of us were in different places and circumstances, we shared very similar thoughts and concerns about the violence that continues to exist throughout the world particularly against women.

 

We decided to begin our project in the form of an e-book. We were very well organized with the process of putting it together and it was not too long until it became part of each of our busy agenda. The most curious part is that we never have met personally. We work on everything online and in time, we became strong Sensei friends. We became the power of three.”

 

 

 

 

Martialforce.com: Given the economic difficulties plaguing Puerto Ricans on the island, what do you do to keep students enrolled and prospective students to come through your doors?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “It is a process like anything else, which involves doing what is needed to keep our students always engaged mentally, and physically in an environment that fosters growth, and achievement. That is the key, but it takes time. Students feel it, parents see and when you see the end results, great marks in school, it is how the ends justify the means. Create a place where each student feels they belong to something special and it just works itself.

 

Word travels in a small town like Barceloneta. There are always ways to accommodate. We have children learning alongside their moms, or older siblings, the nurse in the ER, a tech college student. How great to learn amongst a diversity of lives! I am really blessed to have this dojo and honored by my students who study hard. My goal is to do my best to teach, be myself, sincere and humble and always studying and practicing. Live by example.”

 

Martialforce.com: Over the years, I have seen tremendously talented artists throughout the island. How would describe the martial arts in Puerto Rico? What is its future globally?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “The martial arts in Puerto Rico continues to grow at a fast pace. Each day we have more young people wanting to compete and stand out and this is because of the excellent martial arts instructors here in Puerto Rico. The martial arts in Puerto Rico are at its best moment, a sentiment shared with my other colleagues.

 

I can tell the future of martial arts is not only sportsmanship but also globally is going to adapt for the next generations. Martial arts unify the existence of the modern world; it is a guide to survival. We witness that every day there are more people concerned with their safety. A great amount of people are coming to the dojo to learn self-defense, to relief stress, and lose weight.”

 

Martialforce.com: How would you respond to those who say karate does not prepare you for the reality of the street?”

 

MYTZI GASTON: “I would disagree of course. I can counter violence if I am threatened because of the mental and physical training. If a person thinks I am not prepared for a real situation, then I respond with one of Bruce Lee’s famous

quotes, which says: ‘Water can flow or creep or drip or crash. Be water, my friend.’"

 

Martialforce.com: Your thoughts on women teaching women?

 

MYTZI GASTON: “I feel very sure and proud of women teaching women. I see the positive changes the martial arts have created in my life and in the lives of the women, I teach. The empowerment of a woman is very important given the violence that exists throughout the world today, perhaps more than at any other time.

 

Therefore, it is no surprise when women attend my classes seeking self-defense training. Many are victims of emotional and/or physical abuse. Others sexually assaulted or robbed. As a female instructor, I understand their fears and weaknesses. It is a tremendous responsibility to teach them how to learn to defend themselves, one which I take very strongly.”

 

To contact Mytzi Gaston Sensei please visit http://senseigaston.wixsite.com/martialarts

 

William Rivera: I had the pleasure of meeting Mytzi Gaston, and Luis Rodriguez during my visit to Puerto Rico. I want to thank them and students for their hospitality, and demonstration of the martial arts. Great teachers, and exceptional technique at the:

Centro de Artes Marciales de Barceloneta.

 

Thank you Mytzi Gaston Renshi, you Inspire and Educate.