Jess Holguin's Autobiography:

I was raised in a boxing family. Beginning in early childhood, I had the chance to train as a boxer under the watchful eyes of my father and grandfather. They impressed upon me the importance of pushing myself mentally and physically in order to develop both my character and skill. Their early influence would provide a solid foundation for my future in the martial arts.

My first experience with martial arts came from my late uncle, Martin Holguin. His background in boxing and Shotokan karate eventually led him to train in the curriculum of Dan Inosanto. I studied with my uncle from the sixth grade until my sophomore year in college, when he tragically passed away at the age of 45. The formative years I spent with him helped prepare my mind and my body for a disciplined approach to the arts. Two essential perspectives he espoused were a deep respect for knowledge, and a strong inclination toward honest self-reflection. He also thought of my future, as he opened doors for me to train with others in the martial arts community.

After I had developed a sufficient knowledge base, my uncle introduced me to one of Bruce Lee’s original students, Pete Jacobs. At the time, Sifu Pete was training a small group out of his garage on Friday nights. I trained with them while I was in high school, and I experienced tremendous growth from their cumulative influence. It was during one of these sessions that my uncle would introduce me to my next Sifu, Richard Alaniz. Sifu Richard was an instructor under Dan Inosanto, and I studied under him for a few years while I was in college.

The next step in my journey would take place several years after graduating from USC. In 1998, I joined the Kali Academy of Mixed Martial Arts in Whittier, California. During my time at the academy, I have studied extensively under the guidance of Head Instructor Sifu/Guro Bud Thompson and his lineage of accomplished instructors (Guro Louis Campos, Sifu Jim Romero, and Sifu Michael Berkery). At present, I am still training at the academy, and have been certified as an instructor to teach and pass on the art by Sifu/Guro Bud Thompson.

In addition to my training at the Kali Academy, I have also studied under Andy Chow in the Wong Shun Leung lineage of Wing Chun Kung Fu. As a result of a chance encounter, I found both a teacher and friend who was willing to share his knowledge of the art.

Through the years, I have been very fortunate to find a number of remarkable mentors that were willing to invest their time and energy in my development. These men have taught me not only about the martial arts, but about life as well. I am eternally grateful and appreciative for their wisdom and patience. I am also indebted to my fellow practitioners, as they too have helped me on this path of self-discovery.

Jess Holguin
Instructor