Biography of Master Philippe A. Velazquez

Master Philippe A. Velazquez has dedicated his life to the martial arts. He holds the rank of 6th Dan in Moo- Duk- Kwan Tae Kwon Do, and 3rd degree in Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do. Master Velazquez began studying with Grand Master Danny Ortiz in 1970.  Master Ortiz is a Tae Kwon Do Pioneer, 9th Dan, the highest rank in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

During his twenty years of service in the USAF (United States Air Force), Master Velazquez was a member of the Air Force Tae Kwon Do Team and was National Champion two years in a row. He also won State Championships in North Dakota, Mississippi, Alabama, Puerto Rico, Iceland, New York, and the Caribbean.

Master Velazquez was the recipient of the Meritorious service medal, 5 Commendation Medals, 4 Achievement medals, and 5 Good Conduct medals, among others. He was also the self-defense trainer for the military police at Patrick AFB and, as a certified Nutritionist, was named the NCOIC (Non Commission Officer in Charge) for the Health and Wellness Center before retiring in 1999.

Master Velazquez is married to Roxana Velazquez and has 5 children: one son Philippe II, and four daughters Taylor, Andrea, Carolina, and Claudia. He has an Associate’s Degree in Nutritional Medicine and is certified through the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research Dallas, Texas as a Personal Trainer. In 2004, he and his wife founded the Master Velazquez Tae Kwon Do Institute.

Master Philippe A. Velazquez received the ultimate honor when he was inducted into both the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the USMA International Hall of Fame in summer 2007 and was named Master of the Year in both organizations.