Photo Feature by Yoel Marrero (El Toque)
HAVANA TIMES –In 1997, Juan Antonio Soca, karate-Do and ju-jitsu instructor, currently an active member of Cuba’s Committee for the Martial Arts, had the idea of installing a tatami mat in an abandoned space and converting it to a dojo, a hall for immersive learning in the martial arts. The objective was to offer the residents of Baragua in south-central Cuba, the possibility of learning martial arts. Despite the difficulties, the sensei has now formed generations of athletes there, in a period stretching over nearly 30 years.
I’ve practiced karate since I was little. Even though my school wasn’t the Baragua dojo, I always used to hear talk of an instructor named Soca, known for the way he trained his students. One time I had the opportunity to train in his dojo, as part of my preparation for a tournament. The atmosphere there was one of pure discipline and love for the martial arts, even though it didn’t have all the best conditions.
When as an adult, I settled in Baragua, it was marvelous to once more encounter the dojo and all the memories it held. I approached the teacher to tell him who I was and the work I was doing, and asked him if he remembered me. His response was: “You can imagine how many students have gone through here, so that it’s hard to remember the faces.” Even though he didn’t remember me, he offered me the opportunity to walk onto the tatami and take pictures. I als
