Rafael Lovato Sr. might be best known as the father of one of America's greatest grapplers, Rafael Lovato Junior. But Rafael Senior is a great grappler in his own right and a martial artist in every sense of the word.
The son of a teenage widow, Rafael Senior overcame great odds and abuse to become a mentor, classical musician, coach, instructor, and father. Rafael Sr. grew up on the west side of Chicago in the 1960s and was already in trouble with the law by age 7. However, he found boxing and began doing the necessary work to become not only a boxer but a true student of the sport. He then went on to Tae Kwondo, when at the age of 14 he told his instructor that within a year he would be the best in his school. The instructor just shook his hand and said "Prove it". So Rafael did become one of the best in a year's time. Rafael said he had something inside him that whenever someone told him he couldn't do something, he would do whatever it took to prove them wrong.
Listen to his amazing life story, his martial arts journey, how he trained with some of the biggest names in martial arts, what he believes is a true martial artist, and his philosophy on Jiu Jitsu, all on the 100th episode of the RŌL Radio.
www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 600 videos for your Jiu Jitsu journey.
Comments