October 23, 2025
My Life’s Purpose: Profile of John Henry Rodriguez
By Nic Wong
By Amanda Hungria
When most people hear martial arts, they might think of Cobra Kai, Karate Kid, or even Kung Fu Panda. But for John Henry Rodriguez, he said it was “my life’s purpose.”
Rodriguez was born in Bogota, Colombia, to Colombian-Guatemalan parents. Before he could form full sentences, he emigrated to the United States at the age of two, where he would live with his grandmother for five years. At age seven, his parents finally emigrated to be with their son, also bringing along his two-year-old brother. “While I saw my father every two months, I didn’t see my mother for five years. It wasn’t an easy adjustment, “Rodriguez recalled.
During his teenage years, Rodriguez struggled to find his place, like many others. Unfortunately for Rodriguez, his place of “belonging“ led to him being arrested for gang violence and assaulting an officer at the age of fourteen. Desperate, his parents moved to another neighborhood. “Who knows where I would have wound up if they had not moved.” Rodriguez credits this move and what came next with saving his life.
The opportunity he was awaiting finally arose, as Rodriguez’s parents enrolled him in a martial arts school. Growing up, he admired Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Jean-Claude Van Damme, which sparked an interest in martial arts. “I saw how hard they trained, and I was willing to do the same. I wanted to hurt and suffer like they did, as I believed it would make me better and stronger,” he said.
Rodriguez distinctly remembers the day he and his mother walked into the Whitestone, Queens, school where she spoke to the late grandmaster, Joseph Lupo Sr. “She told him exactly this: ‘Master Joe, please beat my son,’ with tears in her eyes.” That moment marked the beginning of his martial arts journey. In his first class, he was beaten with a bamboo stick while in a push-up position by Master Lupo Sr , a lesson in discipline. “You will learn not to disappoint your mother.” Although the treatment seemed harsh, it had sparked something within Rodriguez. Over time, the physical intensity became difficult, but he stayed committed. “I was hooked and wanted to train harder and better than anyone,” he said. It wasn’t about pride or becoming the best, but about testing the new person taekwondo was helping him become.
That dedication has taken him farther than he ever imagined. He is now a fourth-degree black belt and about to earn his fifth degree in December 2025. He is a two-time member of both the US national team and the US Masters team, traveling internationally to represent the United States. The experience of travelling worldwide through taekwondo did not just install a sense of great pride within him but also allowed him to be a part of something bigger, A community where if he were to be in “Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, England, Canada, or anywhere in the United States.” He would be welcomed with open arms in people’s homes if need be.”While the world gives us many reasons to be divided, Taekwondo unites no matter our race or creed.” He stated.
Alongside his International community, right back in Queens, New York was his very cherished taekwondo school “I’m not only proud to represent the United States but my school and especially my Master Joseph Lupo Jr.” He said. Master Joseph Lupo Jr. and Master John Rodriguez go back over 30 years; he’s been a person who has motivated and never doubted Rodriguez. “I owe him more than I could ever pay back.” He said.Master Joseph Lupo Jr., when asked to describe Rodriguez in one word, said, “Wow, only one word? But it would have to be passionate. He loves what he does, and it shows in his teaching. It shows in the way he speaks to children and adults.” In a sport in which practice makes progress, Rodriguez always knew he could rely on practice and perseverance to achieve his progress. “He doesn’t assume. If he doesn’t know something, he’ll ask, and we don’t make any assumptions in our line of work. He’ll reach out and we’ll work it out together.” Lupo said.
Rodriguez has not only been a highly ranked martial artist, but did work as an accountant as well.He was accomplished becoming the director of underwriting for an investment firm, until one day he was unexpectedly laid off. He truly did enjoy his job, but in a true hypercompetitive work culture, his company saw him as nothing more than a tool. He was distraught, worried, and uncertain of his next move. The following day, he walked into Master Joe’s School with a worried look on his face. Without even saying a word, Lupo looked at him and said, “You know what? Don’t tell me. You and I are opening up a school together.” While Rodriguez had martial arts experience, he had never run a business. And so for the next eight months, he observed and studied Master Joseph Lugo Jr.
He started a small program at a local church in Jackson Heights, Queens. “While I had a small following, I realized quickly that I would never grow until I had my location,” he said, so he persevered. After searching areas like Jackson Heights and Elmhurst, he was quickly stymied by economic barriers as rents were too high. Finally, he found a place in Corona, Queens. The place was nearly ready, mirrors already installed, but it still needed work. After putting down $12,000 for renovations, Rodriguez finally had his dojo, and that’s all that mattered. Rodriguez had gone from being laid off to becoming an owner of a business that not only allowed him to get back on his feet but also share his passion and build a community.
When asked about his proudest achievement as a business owner, he didn’t mention trophies, money, or tournaments. “While creating champions is a success, we prefer to make champions in life,” he said. He teaches his students that the dedication and grit they apply in the dojo should be applied outside of it as well. Over the nine years of running his school, he’s had three students who have trained with him from white to black belt. Many of his older students are out in the world building their lives. Rodriguez truly feels accomplished watching his students step onto new milestones, and is excited for many more to come.
When his students were asked about their experience training under him, their responses highlighted his influence:“When a new student starts, Sr (Master John) says to show friendship and respect, and I’ve used that in my everyday life.” “I can defend myself now, which is something I didn’t do before.” “When we can’t do something, he helps everyone get their forms correctly till we can do it.” [Several of John’s students] Their words shine a light on the passion they have gained as martial artists and highlight the morals they learned at Rodriguez’s dojo.
Rodriguez has poured years of hard work, time, and dedication into his school,but passion alone hasn’t made the journey easy.“I’ve struggled the past two years to the point where I thought of closing the school and moving to another state,” he said. While Rodriguez loves what he does, the soaring costs in New York City has made it increasingly difficult to sustain his business. Still, Rodriguez’s resilience has always found a way forward. That determination recently led to a full-time position teaching taekwondo at Zeta Charter School in Queens, which he will start in July 2025. “With this position, I can keep the school and reach my personal financial goals. I know it won’t be easy, but I will be doing what I love all day.” For Rodriguez, that means more than financial stability– it means keeping a space where discipline,respect, and confidence are passed onto the next generation.
