Javier Alvarez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Javier, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
A key misconception about my business is that it’s only for serious competitors or those who want to learn how to fight. In reality, our focus is on personal development, discipline, and physical fitness for people of all ages and skill levels.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Javier Alvareaz Ortiz, I am the founding president of Southern Warriors kung fu Academy and a member of the Florida Wushu League. Our goal is to promote and develop Chinese culture and martial arts (Kung Fu / Wushu) in South Florida. With more than 27 years of experience in this discipline, first in Cuba, my native country, and now in Miami, specifically in the city of Hialeah.In our school we work with students of different ages in traditional combat and defense arts and Chinese therapeutic exercises such as Tai Chi and Qigong, helping to improve the quality of life of our community.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Since I was a child, I was raised by a strong discipline from my parents, always trying to do things well, and being a good student. This has helped me maintain that discipline and perseverance to achieve my goals. Today, I try to pass on those qualities and that training to my students.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I think that when I began to understand the potential one has as a human being, you stop thinking about the things that have been done to you or that are hurting you and you focus more on what you can achieve and how to reach that goal. Martial arts help a lot with that. Every day at school is a challenge with your own fears, and every day you try to reach a goal, and that helps you constantly set goals—possible, achievable goals that are so satisfying to reach and achieve.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’m always the same. I don’t have one image in private and another in public. I like people to know me as I am, with my flaws and my strengths. I’m serious about what I do, but I also have fun and enjoy what I do. I try to make others have a good time. Of course, all under the premise of mutual respect.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I’d like to be remembered as someone who shared their experiences, who passed on the legacy left by my teachers, and who has been useful to them in their lives and their development as human beings.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @southern_warrior
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SouthernWarriorsKung Fu
- Youtube: @SouthWarriorsMartialArts
- Other: TikTok @choyleefutmiami
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
