Andy Albor

     Andy‘s life in Karate started in the summer of 1995 at the age of ten. After a fight at school his mother was worried that growing up in south central Los Angeles was going to be difficult. Andy walked into the boxing center in Lynwood and was interested in boxing but his mother found it to be a harsh sport for her son; plus, that night a karate class was being held. Andy’s mother decided self defense, self discipline, and hard work would a better way to go. Under the instruction of John S. Soltis, that became a new beginning.
     While attending classes Andy had to deal with his acute asthma. Soltis sensei took the time to help him find a way to control his breathing and asthma. Andy studied with many senpai and with Co-sensei. After years of training Andy was ready to be promoted to Shodan. Before his review he broke his right foot at a tournament in Las Vegas. His Shodan review was postponed. His next review was rescheduled to be held 8 months later. He was injured again at a tournament this time with a torn hamstring. The doctor told Andy he has to slow down or no more karate or anything else. Andy went on to college and during that time he had opportunities to train with Terry Sanders in New Mexico and Chris Hoshiyama in Phoenix. Andy came home and finally took his review and became a Shodan under Phillip Perales, Judan.
     Andy moved from California in 2003 and joined the US Airforce. While in the military, Andy studied many different styles (from grappling to taekwondo) with numerous yudansha members, which he met through the military and nationwide tournaments. When finally stationed at Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson Arizona, Andy was introduced to Charlie Contreras. He was known as the first son. From then on, he spent most of his time training under Contreras until Contreras passed on. Andy received his Sandan under Contreras after a long night of training and Gopeisho kata. Andy returned to California and instructed the Lennox class for a while until he had his first son.