By RAUL GARCIA | Close Combat Magazine
Close Combat Magazine caught up with Sifu Anthony James Ybarra, from Ybarra’s Kajukenbo of South Texas and Armed Defense Tactics, and here is what he had to say about his martial arts experience.
Q: What is your full name?
A: Anthony James Ybarra
Q: What karate school do you attend?
A: Ybarra’s Kajukenbo of South Texas and Armed Defense Tactics.
Q: What karate style do you practice?
A: Kajukenbo
Q: What belt rank are you currently?
A: 3rd Dan Blackbelt
How old are you?
A: 37 years old
Q: What martial arts associations are you affiliated with?
A: International Kajukenbo Association, Emperados Method, Gaylord Method
Q: How did you get into Karate, and what can you remember from your first time training?
A: I was 4 yesterday old when my Father took me to an Old Fire station in Edcouch, TX. He told me if I wanted to be a Ninja Turtle this is where Master Splinter trained his Turtles. It’s been 33 years since I first walked into Kajukenbo. To this day I regret not once being apart of a world renowned Art.
Q: Who have you been training with lately and what have you been working on?
A: GM Armando Saldana is the instructor who took over and represents Texas Gaylord Method Kajukenbo Association of America. I’ve been training under him but I’ve also begun training street tactics like Krav Maga, but I mainly train when I visit GM Saldana.
Q: What have you been doing to get a better edge when it comes to fighting?
A: Training my muscle memory. The older I get, I need to make sure my muscle memory is on point for the day I need to defend myself, or my loved ones.
Q: What’s your all time favorite Karate movie and why?
A: Ninja Turtles II: secret of the Ooze, because GM Ernie Reyes comes I there. Also Only the Strong because of GM Damascus son Mark. Incorporating the style of Capoeira into Kajukenbo.
Q: What do you enjoy most about practicing karate, or you martial arts style?
A: The effectiveness when used to defend yourself in the street. When trained correctly it’s a life saver. Train to be able to defend and get away from attackers. Because the streets now a days attackers are heavily armed so whatever time you can get to strike at a critical area and get away. It’ll save a life or yours.
Q: Growing up who was your favorite martial arts movie star?
A: Mark Dacascos and Ernie Reyes
Q: Tell us about your karate master and school?
A: My School, I’m the Instructor, and I teach age range from 4-years-old, tiny tots, to Adults. Adult classes range from street self defense to specialized Armed Tactics.
Q: Do you have a preferred weapon of choice?
A: Kamas are my Specialty and Firearms as used in Krav Maga
Q: What do you like most about karate?
A: The ability to train the body to react like many aren’t used to.
Q: Do you have a signature karate move?
A: “El Sas” LOL I cant give up my move, then people will know what to expect.
Q: How often do you work on your karate training?
A: Every chance i get even when im at work.
Q: How long have you been doing karate training?
A: 33-years-old and counting.
Q: How’s your favorite Ninja Turtle?
A: Leonardo
Q: Did you ever stop your karate training, and why?
A: Never stop doing what you love.
Q: Tell us about your success in karate tournaments?
A: Years of success too many to count.
Q: What is your goal in martial arts?
A: To give back to my community and leave a legacy behind.
Q: Tell us about your favorite memory of your karate experience?
A: Meeting Chuck Norris at a Tournament.
Q: Have you done any special training with famous karate personalities, or who would you like to train with?
A: Never
Q: Who is your favorite comic book super hero?
A: Batman
Q: What else do you enjoy doing other than karate?
A: Building Firearms
Q: What is your favorite TV Show?
A: Mayans MC
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Shikin’ Wangs
Q: What is your favorite song?
A: “Dive” by Luke Combs