SPOTLIGHT: Chris Otero

by Jessica Cabrera, Sports, November 12, 2008

If asked to describe junior Christopher Otero on appearance alone, his sleek blonde hair and Converse sneakers may cause the term “laid back” to spring to mind. And he it is accurate.

“I don’t get angry easily; I just put stupid, little none-important things to the side,” Otero said.

But this IB student and water polo player also practices an art that demandsimmense discipline and remarkable dedication. He is ranked a first degree black belt in Northern Shaolin Kung Fu. This kind of martial arts is “more technical,” relying on “quick precision and quick deadly strikes,” describes Otero.

As if that’s not enough, he practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which “focuses on grappling and ground fighting;” its aim is to “use pressure holds” to make “your opponent submit.”

            Otero’s speaks about his long-time commitment to such a demanding sport.

Q: What sparked your interest in martial arts?

A: Well, the funny thing is that I never really wanted to start martial arts. At the young age of nine, my father was the one who pushed me into it because I was being bullied. But once I started it was all uphill from there.

Q: How has practicing martial arts changed your life?

A: It has completely switched my personality 360 degrees… Once I got into martial arts, I became the leader I always, deep down, knew I could be. I gained a whole new insight into the world, how I should treat people, [and] how to respect my elders. I’ve become a man who respects everybody and walks with his head high with confidence.

Q: What are your strengths?
A: My strengths are open-handed forms, weapon farms, and sparring. I feel I am strongest in open-handed just for the sole purpose that I’ve been working on the same form for the past four years, and I’ve become very precise in my movements.

Q: How often do you compete?

A: Well, my dojo is no so much a competing school as others. We practice for the love of the art form and to perfect each and every movement, so if anything – God forbid – happens outside of the dojo, we are prepared to self defend. I stress self defend ourselves, as we are taught never to initiate the fight. But, to answer the question, when we do compete, we go to tournaments every five or six months and everyone competes to their strengths.
 

Q: Have you ever placed?

A: The best I placed in competitions are first in sparring for the 15-16 [years old] division and first place in the open-handed forms division of black belts at The Tournament of Five Rings in Orlando, Florida.

Q: You mentioned that you work with children. What does that entail?

A: Well, the workout varies based on the level of discipline. I teach the advanced class and their workout demands a lot. It’s hard and rigorous, but they pull through because they love the art and want to become better. I usually take the students one on one after class and talk to them personally about what this sport means and how to better improve their lives… I tell them to “fight with your brain, not with your fists” [because] school is going to take you places, not fighting because “it’s cool.”

Q: Do you feel like you’ve missed out on some of the more… juvenile aspects of life because of martial arts?

A: I’m happy that I’ve become an adult [because of martial arts] because I know better than to do stupid things like drugs, alcohol, and other things that are unnecessary to have a fun high school experience.

Q: Do you think you would be different if it weren’t for martial arts?

A: I don’t really know what my life would have been like without martial arts because it has been such a huge influence in my life. I’ve lived with a positive attitude for the longest, so it would be difficult to answer that question.

Q: Do you play any other sports besides martial arts?

A: [I’ve been swimming] competitively now for three years, but I should stick to martial arts. However I’m very passionate about the water polo team; I’m looking to be a more committed and team player this year.

Q: Martial arts seems to be more of an individual sports. How is water polo different?

A: [Martial arts] is indeed an individual sport but we practice as a team in the dojo, always helping each other to get better. It hasn’t been a big transition.