Child Martial Artist Won Over 200 Medals and Awards by Discovering Old Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris Movies as a 4-Year-Old

Published 02/09/2023, 6:30 AM EST

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The ever-developing minds of young kids easily learn things from their surroundings. So when the 4-year-old Joshua Aguirre discovered the martial arts classics, it didn’t take long for him to imitate Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris’ moves. While his parents were conflicted about whether to make him a soccer or a baseball player, Joshua Aguirre found his way to martial arts.

With the aim to be just like his on-screen heroes, Aguirre gradually presented himself as the martial arts prodigy at the mere age of 11. Aguirre has won hundreds of medals in numerous national and international tournaments. Additionally, in Taekwondo, he now ranks among the youngest fighters to ever receive a black belt.

The martial arts prodigy child: Joshua Aguirre

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At the age of 4.5 years, Joshua Aguirre started his journey with the pee-wee Karate program. However, the young bud showed more focus and precision in his moves and techniques than was expected from a kid of his age. Being the little bundle of energy that he is, Aguirre used to practice in his kitchen after returning from the academy. It compelled his parents to let him train more often than the other kids his age.

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The owner of Family Karate, Master David Gladwell, advised his parents against the idea. However, they explained if the kid isn’t allowed to train in the center more than twice a week, he will do so at home in the kitchen. It didn’t take long for little Aguirre to transition from the pee-wee Taekwondo program to a regular one.

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“He had his blackbelt at 6 and a half. Which, at that age, new students at 6 and a half, we’re putting them in the pee-wee program,” said Gladwell in an interview. In less than two years since he first started training, Joshua Aguirre was already competing in various tournaments. Though he did not win them all, he was elated with just being able to participate. However, even when martial arts has become a way of life for the young boy, this isn’t the only thing he does.

Aguirre’s hobbies and dreams

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Joshua Aguirre is a little man with many talents. Apart from martial arts, Aguirre has also shown great interest and potential in music. He plays instruments like guitar, piano, and ukulele. Aguirre also loves spending time with his younger brother, Alex, during his free time. Furthermore, being the confident social bird that he is, Aguirre loves to chat with his friends, especially the ones he made during his world tours.

By now, Joshua Aguirre has won more than 200 medals and awards in various disciplines. Sharing how he stays level-headed during the competitions, Aguirre said, “I’ll always try to meditate before anything. I always put some calming music on, I breath, I say, ‘I can do this.’ I’m always confident. I always say that I can achieve what I’ve been working for. Blood, sweat and a lot of training always pays off.”

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However, this is him just getting started. Joshua Aguirre aims to participate in the 2028 Olympics. He wants to be a part of Team USA which will be participating in the event scheduled to be held in Los Angeles, California.

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Written by:

Aaradhana Singh

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Aaradhana Singh is a US Sports writer for EssentiallySports. The holder of a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication, Aaradhana has previously worked as an editor/writer with Asiana Times for the better part of a year. A sports person at heart with a curious mind, Aaradhana is someone who is always up for fun and adventure.
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Edited by:

Simar Singh Wadhwa