Sensei Hugo Alejandro Islas is 19 years old and currently is a Black Belt from the Teen program and holds an adult green belt as well. He is the step-son and current student under Mr. Gomez. Hugo, better known as Alex, began his training under Mr. Gomez in 2015 at the age of 10 years old in the city of Duarte where the former headquarters of MG Martial Arts Academy was located.
Alex began his training right at the beginning of the schools transition from Ed Parkers American Kenpo Karate to Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0. During Alex's initial training days, he was usually the only child in class among the rest of the adults, training alongside black belts whom were students under Mr. Gomez as well. Since the school didn't have a childrens program, Alex was still eager to learn. Obviously being the only child in class, Alex's training sessions usually consisted of participating in various class activities, which included having to spar adult students despite his age.
In August 2017, Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0 studio opened in Whittier, California where Alex also attended as a kid student training under the guidance of 6th Degree black belt, Sensei Berj Parseghian who is a direct senior student under Master Jeff Speakman. It was there where Alex continued to sharpen his skills and move up the ranks in the kids and teens program. Over the course of the years, Alex has continuously assisted Mr. Gomez in various workshops and seminars, including Mr. Gomez's Women's Self Defense workshops.
It wasn't until May, 2021 when our school here in Montebello opened up, where Alex found his true calling as an assistant instructor. You will often see Alex standing alongside Mr.Gomez in all classes assisting and teaching the various age group classes and being a prime example of a student leader. Alex is greatly respected and admired by our fellow students and peers here at JSK 5.0 Montebello.
Alex has competed in multiple martial arts Tournaments often capturing 1st places in his divisions. He continues to be a very strong competitor in which his ultimate competition goal is to win Grand Champion at our Worldwide Kenpo 5.0 Championships held every year in Las Vegas, Nevada. With his strong will, talent and determinaton, we have no doubt that the day will come soon!