There are a variety of approaches to achieving wellness, but perhaps one of the most beneficial methods for improving the mind and body is the practice of martial arts.
Professor Mario Aguirre Jr. understands the importance of these benefits, which include flexibility, strength, balance, concentration and self-awareness. Teaching classes in Kung Fu Strength Conditioning and Cardio Kickboxing, as well as several self-defense classes around campus, his dedication to ensuring the well-being and improvement of his pupils shows.
“With mindfulness training we can make better decisions and choices for ourselves,” he said. “So I hope my students ultimately have a better understanding of themselves, thoughts and actions.”
Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Aguirre has been an athlete most of his life, beginning with soccer and also taking up boxing and wrestling during his youth. His love of martial arts began about 20 years ago, starting with taijutsu, or ninja empty hand combat, and wing chun, the style popularized by Bruce Lee.
Shaolin martial arts date back to about 1500 years ago, but Chinese martial arts can be traced back even further, to nearly 3,500 years ago. Influenced in part by yoga, it’s practiced to enhance one’s health and wellness, as well as defense.
Aguirre said “They were developed for self-protection from bandits and animals in the area. Shaolin is a path to self-realization for a better understanding of the world.”
Eastern and Western forms of training take varying approaches, and while Western training relies more on scientific approaches as opposed to mystic ones, Western philosophy borrows from Eastern ideas. But while American workouts tend to focus of the “go-go-go” mentality, practices like yoga and kung fu place emphasis on breath and mindfulness.
Of exercises that leave everyone “huffin’ and puffin’ with no self-awareness, this is hard on the body and organs, he said.
“When you do exercises correctly, the Shaolin way, your own limitations come out and the ego is tested and each individual’s character is revealed. Shaolin training develops patience and compassion,” he said. “The purpose of Shaolin training is to abolish the ego, be healthy and as a last resort to protect one’s self.”
The training seems to be working, and students are taking notice. Aguirre has had several repeat students throughout multiple semesters, and he hopes to begin teaching even more classes here at Eastern Michigan University. These prospective classes include Shaolin yoga for both students and faculty.
Aguirre’s interests don’t stop with martial arts—he also has a certain, somewhat surprising hobby.
“I like doings things that are creative but specifically DJing and music. I am a turntablist. I do trick mixing and scratching during my sets,” he said.
You might also be surprised to hear of all the places his former career as a DJ has taken him.
“I have won numerous DJ battles in the area and state as well as out of state. In 2004, I was voted best DJ in Washtenaw County. I have toured nationally with live bands and opened for national acts such as DJ Krush, DJ Q-bert, Slum Village, KRS-1, Wu Tang Clan and Eminem to name a few.”
He keeps up his skills to this day and continues to make mixes every now and then.
Even with this , Aguirre’s desire to teach and stir up more interest in martial arts among students is a huge priority to him. To potential pupils toying with the idea of enrolling in one of his classes, “all you need is your body and the willingness to try,” he said.
Besides the aforementioned benefits of this kind of training, Aguirre’s classes will better prepare students in the case of an assault.
“An assault is someone imposing their will or intent, vicious and deadly, onto another person who wants nothing to do with the drama,” he said. “Muggings, rapes and home invasions fall under this category.”
“Washtenaw County, including Ann Arbor, has these kind of crimes happening more frequently than people want to accept. Awareness of yourself and your surroundings is important. Can you protect yourself from someone who really wants to hurt you?”
It’s clear through his training, Aguirre wishes to see his students achieve all they can achieve. It is a wish that he’s passionate about. He offers a bit of wisdom — something of which he certainly possesses an abundance.
“Do not become lost in the past or the future. Be in the present moment. Take your time and gain wisdom. Understand yourself and only then will others understand you,” he said.
