MARTIALFORCE.COM
PRESENTS
AN INTERVIEW WITH
PETER HAN
APRIL / 2011
My name is Eddie Morales and welcome to Martialforce.com Online Martial Arts Magazine. Brazilian jiu jitsu exploded into the Martial arts scene in the early 1990’s. Events such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship have provided a venue for people to see the latest in fighting technique as competitors from different systems were pitted against each other. Since its introduction there have been many schools opened by knowledgeable instructors. As all endeavors there are only handfuls that make it to the black belt or teacher level. At this time I want to introduce Martialforce.com readers to Peter Han who has reached this level of understanding. Han is dedicated in his pursuit to pass on the knowledge he has gained and leads only by example. I visited his class and watched, as he would teach technique and principle to his students. He demonstrated a genuine passion for the teaching and practice of his chosen art. I hope this interview brings insight into his life as well as his study of the combative arts.
Interview By Eddie Morales
Martialforce.com
Online Magazine
Martialforce.com: Where are you originally from and where did you grow up?
PETER HAN: My family is originally from South Korea and I grew up in Orange County California where I attended both Elementary and High School.
Martialforce.com: What is your current occupation?
PETER HAN: I am a Clinical Social Worker for the Department of Mental Health.
Martialforce.com: What was your motivation to learn Martial Arts?
PETER HAN: Every male member of my family practiced Hapkido and Tae Kwon Do so it was a natural progression for me to get involved.
Martialforce.com: Who is your Jiu Jitsu instructor?
PETER HAN: My instructor is Wander Braga and I am the first American to be promoted to Black Belt by him.
Martialforce.com: Are you planning on competing in MMA?
PETER HAN: I am planning on making my professional MMA debut in the near future.
Martialforce.com: You mention in our conversation before the interview that you began your training while in the military. First, what branch of military and how many years did you serve and what type of training were you involved in?
PETER HAN: I was in the Air Force from 1997 through 2001 as part of the Military Police and my training was geared toward Vale Tudo (full-contact unarmed combat with limited rules) competition. I competed in two fights, which opened my eyes to Jiu Jitsu.
Martialforce.com: What are your thoughts on the growth of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practice in the United States?
PETER HAN: I am very happy for its growth and development in the United States. One trend I have noticed is that more schools are opening up and it’s becoming difficult for the person wishing to learn to actually find a school that teaches authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Martialforce.com: Have you competed in Jiu Jitsu?
PETER HAN: Yes, from 2001 through 2008, I competed in the following belt divisions; Blue, Purple, Brown and Black. I competed Gi and no Gi and have faced some of the best fighters in the Jiu Jitsu world as a Black Belt.
Martialforce.com: What is your favorite technique/s?
PETER HAN: I don’t have any one technique that I favor but my strength is in defense and control.
Martialforce.com: Do you cross train in any other arts?
PETER HAN: Yes, I train in boxing with Wendy Rodriguez in Los Angeles and Muy Thai with Jerbo and Brandy Nerney at the Pimpit Fight Team Academy in Upland California.
Martialforce.com: What would you say to someone wanting to learn Martial Arts but cant make a decision?
PETER HAN: Research and find one style that you could use as a base. It doesn’t matter whether it’s grappling or standup; your objective in the beginning is to build a strong base, which is very important for longevity.
Martialforce.com: Where do you currently teach?
PETER HAN: I teach at the Pimpit Fight Team Academy in Upland California.
Martialforce.com: What do you try to instill in new students in regards to Technique, Philosophy or Principles?
PETER HAN: I teach beginners to create a strong foundation based on fundamentals and basics. I make the training fun so they will want to continue building each day of training.
Martialforce.com: Do you teach seminars and if so where can you be reached?
PETER HAN: Yes I do and I could be reached at the Pimpit Fight Team Academy located in Upland California.
Martialforce.com: Thank you for taking time from your schedule to do this interview and we here at Martialforce.com wish you the best in all your future endeavors.
PETER HAN: Thank you for this opportunity and I want to say thanks to my teacher Wander Braga and all my team mates from team Wander Braga over the years who helped me get to where I am.