Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Torres-Aponte. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Tony Torres-Aponte PROFESSOR – 4TH DEGREE GRACIE JIU-JITSU BLACK BELT
Tony Torres-Aponte is a highly respected and accomplished BJJ and MMA coach, renowned for his expertise in self-defense techniques and his dedication to empowering individuals through martial arts. With a passion for teaching and a wealth of experience, he has become a prominent figure in the martial arts community, known for his dynamic coaching style and commitment to instilling confidence, discipline, and practical skills in his students.
Inspired by Bruce Lee, Tony’s journey in martial arts began at the early age of 10 when he was introduced to Boxing at the Progressive Amateur Boxing Association (PABA) in Houston with Reverend Ray Martin, the “Reverend.” Later, he trained in Hawaiian Kenpo with Gary Lee. He then moved to San Antonio, where he trained in Tae Kwon Do with World Kickboxing Champion Steve Ashcroft and received his black belt. At the age of 19, he moved to Los Angeles to train with Bruce Lee’s first students, Dan Inosanto and Richard Bustillo in the art of Jeet Kune Do. It was at this academy that he was introduced to seven-time Muay Thai Champion Nam Pha “Lot” Saharadechio. Under Lot’s guidance and paired with Tony’s undeniable drive, Tony was able to participate in some of the very first Muay Thai matches ever held in U.S. soil.
Tony worked at a health food restaurant, The Spot, in Hermosa Beach, California, where he met Rorion, Rickson, and Royce. Tony then began training in BJJ with Royce and Rickson in 1986 in the infamous “garage days.” During this time, the Gracie’s would host their well-documented “challenge matches,” where they would compete against anyone who challenged them. Tony participated in some of the challenge matches as well as no-holds-barred fights. Tony received his black belt under Royce Gracie, making him among the pioneers of Mixed Martial Arts in the U.S. and only a handful of Americans had such a valuable and impressive opportunity.
His innate talent and unwavering commitment propelled him to achieve success as both a competitor and a coach. Over the years, he has accumulated a plethora of accolades in various BJJ and MMA tournaments, showcasing his mastery of the arts and his ability to adapt and innovate.
However, Tony’s true passion lies in his role as a coach and mentor. Drawing from his extensive training and real-world experience, he established Urban Jungle Self-Defense in 1997, a training center focused on equipping individuals with practical self-defense skills for today’s urban environment. His teaching philosophy is centered on the principles of empowerment, situational awareness, and efficient techniques that cater to individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
With a charismatic and approachable teaching style, Tony creates a supportive and inclusive training environment where students can learn and grow. His classes are not only physically demanding but also intellectually stimulating, as he emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying concepts behind each technique. Through his guidance, students develop not only physical prowess but also a strategic mindset that can be applied both on and off the mat.
Tony’s dedication to his craft extends beyond the training center. He frequently conducts workshops and seminars, collaborating with community organizations, schools, and law enforcement agencies to promote personal safety and effective self-defense strategies. His insights have been sought after by individuals from all walks of life, from beginners seeking self-confidence to advanced practitioners striving for mastery.
In addition to his coaching endeavors, Tony continues to refine his skills as a martial artist, regularly attending advanced training camps and staying up to date with the latest developments in BJJ and MMA. His commitment to self-improvement sets an example for his students, inspiring them to constantly evolve and strive for excellence.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, before the UFC and cage fighting became mainstream, the Torres-Apontes had a lot of explaining to potential clients before shows like The Ultimate Fighter. “We would spend so much time on the phone clarifying why our students were on the ground and why we didn’t break boards,” laughs Michelle. “Tony used to find as many Jiu-Jitsu competitions to enter as possible. He would win, and people would ask him where he trained. That’s how we built our business.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Deep in the Heights at the MMA gym, Urban Jungle, you will learn more about yourself than you could know, from the inside out to your sweat-covered gloves. Owners Tony and Michelle Torres-Aponte have poured their knowledge and spirit into this gym for the last 13 years, but the story behind their success has been in the making for over two decades. What sets Urban Jungle apart is that you are valued as an individual. Tony and Michelle know their students’ names, and they get personally involved in your progress. “Jiu-Jitsu and MMA training is a form of therapy. Tony has a special way of dealing with each individual and their ego in such a graceful but straightforward way,” shares Michelle. “I believe we have the best training because of Tony’s calm approach to very intense situations on the mat or in the cage. He has a gift of taking a ‘fight’ situation, something that is alive… He can break it down without destroying it so that his students can really feel the situation, enabling them to get a little more comfortable in very uncomfortable situations.”
Urban Jungle also gives back to the community whenever possible. “We love to give back directly to our community,” discloses Michelle. “We have hosted free women’s self-defense workshops for the teachers of the neighborhood schools. We work directly with parents and teachers when it comes to children’s behavior or grades. We believe that it takes a village to raise a strong family, and we are happy to be a part of that process.”
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Find someone that you respect that embodies your goals, morals, and ethics. Also, finding someone who is successful in the field you wish to pursue. Be persistent and consistent.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://urbanjungleselfdefense.com/
