In my martial arts career I’ve been fortunate enough to train with various teachers, instructors, coaches and mentors.
Some only for a few months, while others I continued to see almost every day for several years.
Of the several coaches, there are three that I saw the most in my life and the ones that shaped me into the martial artist that I am today.
My Thai Boxing Coach Kru Santi who I’ve trained with for over 19 years who I still see a few times a year.
My former Jiu-Jitsu Coach Eddie Bravo who is still innovating and shaping the No-Gi bjj scene.
And my Boxing Coach Felipe Luevanos who I managed to lose contact with after I moved away from the Valley.
Sadly, he passed away a few weeks ago.
Felipe was the kind of person that needed very little but gave very much.
Not only an incredibly skilled and tough boxing coach, but was a very kind, generous, compassionate and tender person.
A Father, an Entrepreneur and a talented chef that would make a Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo that was to die for!
Not only did he teach us how to box, he taught us to work hard for something you believe in, and that sometimes you’re gonna be the nail to the hammer, but that’s ok because they’re not losses, but rather lessons.
He believed in me… He believed in everyone he trained and was always down for us 100%.
I’d like to give thanks to my boxing coach Felipe Luevanos for all his knowledge, life energy and inspiration.
I weep for his loss.
Not because this person was so incredibly impactful to me and my own life but rather because the world lost someone that changed it for the better.
and we are always in need for people like that.
Once a fighter, always a fighter.
Rest in Peace, Felipe.