Sensei Cortes began martial arts training at age 12 in Puerto Rico. In 1993 he was awarded a 2nd Degree Black Belt under the Nisei Goju System from his then instructor, Diego Casado, a direct student of Hanshi Wilfredo Roldan. In 2002, Sensei Cortes moved to Florida USA, looking for better job opportunities. During the next years, not having a Goju School that was close enough to visit regularly, Sensei Cortes engaged in the practice of different disciplines that included judo, taekwondo, and hapkido. Sensei Cortes currently holds a 1st Degree Black Belt under the Hanminjok Hapkido Association.

 

In 2018 Sensei Cortes moved to Clermont, Florida where he finally found a Goju Organization that met his requirements. Sensei Cortes joined the Fierce Tiger Martial Arts Association under the instruction of Kyoshi William Valdes. In January of 2022, Sensei Cortes was awarded a 2nd Degree Black Belt in the Art of Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo.