Joshua Aguirre with just ten years of age has accomplished what many haven’t accomplished in a lifetime and is constantly working to pursue his Olympic dreams with almost two hundred medals in his collection, yes, that was not a typo, two hundred medals. He is an athlete with the hopes of representing the United States in the 2028 Olympics. Until now he has had an extensive Taekwondo career and to say that he is a go-getter is an understatement.
First let’s start with his parents Jorge Aguirre, born and raised in Cuba y Milly Aguirre his mother, was born and raised in Colombia. I think it’s important to start with a bit of history of where his parents came from because it shows that immigrants have additional struggles to be where they are today. Sometimes people forget that when you move to another country there are language barriers and cultural differences on top of the everyday life struggles. Have you ever tried moving to another country where you don’t know the language and restarting your entire life? That is why I always love a good immigrant success story, and this is one of those.
Mom says little Joshua was a karate kid even in her tummy. She remembers how much he use to kick during her pregnancy, hence why you may think he is like a “Mini Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris.” Just a reminder that this kid is only ten years old, so how is it that he has had so many accomplishments as a World Taekwondo Athlete, Martial Arts International, global influencer, has created a foundation for child athletes, and has almost two hundred medals in his collection, this is awesome! Additionally, he is working on a 2023 calendar that was inspired by businesses in Lebanon and surrounding areas of Pennsylvania.
This young boy has self-determination but also having a good support system at home is key. There is no doubt that his parents are his number one fans. They sacrifice with lots of traveling, organizing, financially and making sure he arrives at all his practices & trainings not to mention helping him get the best schooling. Due to his extensive schedule, he is currently online schooling. Joshua is not only good at sports he has excelled in many areas of his life thanks to his dedication. He is a 5th Grade student at PALCS (Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School) and that has allowed him to travel in order to get elite training. He is currently training in Fairfield Connecticut at the World Champion Taekwondo School under the supervision of a National and International Champion Master kwangji Ha. Joshua is part of the Elite team called United Poomsae Team many athletes from different states travel to train there. He also has mentor and friend Master David Gladwell at Family Karate in Lebanon.
This year Joshua won the 2022 Seoul Cup Children’s International Taekwondo Championship in Korea. He also won the Costa Rica Open Taekwondo championship with two gold medals and one silver. He also managed to win this year’s Junior Olympic games 2022 which was held in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Joshua is also starting his kung-fu classes and continuing to expand his knowledge as he is a third-degree black belt in taekwondo and also handles styles such as Tangsadoo / karate and wants to get more involved in kung-fu.
If you are a parent, please take the time to listen to your child’s dreams, affirm their abilities and let them know you believe in them. The best thin you can do for your children is to support their dreams and passions especially when you see how focused and determined they are to make it.
Rosa J Parra
Palo Magazine
Photo credit JD Photography 2021
