Art Hugues

The Path to Strength

As a young boy growing up I was abused, taking frequent and savage beating from my step-father. I remember going to school with blurry vision on many occasions because I was regularly beaten on the head. In high school I had problems forming true relationships, despite having many friends, being very athletic, playing football and training in Boxing.

Following high school, I joined the army. “I remember going into the army because of my uncle Bobby, who was an idol and a role model to me, since I didn’t see my father much. As well as because my brother Robert Hugues who was an Airborne Infantryman with the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne.” … “I wanted to parachute from airplanes and do something to challenge myself,” Sifu says. Also my uncle Bobby was in Special Forces in Vietnam, assigned to a LRRP unit. (Long Range Recon Patrol).

I was stationed at Fort Davis on the Atlantic side of Panama with the 3rd Battalion 7th Special Forces Group (A). The 7th Special Forces orientation was Central and South America. They were responsible for training Salvadoran soldiers who were fighting the FMLN (a left-wing political/guerrilla group in El Salvador), training Peruvian soldiers combating The Shining Path (guerillas fighting the Government) as well as counter narcotic operations against the major drug cartels in Colombia. The 7th group was involved in the effort to train Colombian soldiers/law-enforcement who ultimately tracked down and killed Pablo Escobar, as well as one being one of the primary units involved in The Invasion Of Panama. ” I had the honor to serve with and support some real American heroes whom I idolize to this day!”

Soon after I left the army, I often found myself at clubs, drinking and getting into trouble. Getting into fights was a normal weekend ritual. After a serious scuffle with police, fortune intervened, and I was able to get myself on the right track. I began Kajukenbo (Emperado TrueMethod) training.  ”Because of the training, I was able to focus on something positive.”

I then had the opportunity to meet and train in Eskrima (stick/knife fighting) with Grandmaster Ramiro Estalilla jr. In time we became very close and there was even a time I moved into Grandmaster Estalilla’s home for awhile and began very intense training. Training sessions that were four to five hours long were regular, but looking back on it I wouldn’t have had it any other way. “How often does one get to train with a Grandmaster one on one in such a private setting?” In the art of Eskrima you tend to master body mechanics quicker because you do not want to get struck. After getting hit a few times you are forced to become more proficient. “I’ve always been the warrior type, I will train until I pass-out. I’ve always been that way,” he exclaims. “And having the honor of learning from Ramiro Estalilla jr. and having him in my life is a blessing that I am truly thankful for. And I will continue to teach, to honor him by exposing more and more people to the training.”  I then met and began training with Grandmaster J.C Cabiero of the Cabales Serrada system. In our school today we teach Kajukenbo (Emperado True Method), Cabales Serrada Escrima and Combat Muay Thai.  Durazo CQC is my own expression of martial arts. But make no mistake, Kajukenbo (Emperado True Method), Cabales Serrada Escrima and Combat Muay Thai is what you will be learning at Missing Link mma. I teach representing and associated with, Grandmaster Ramiro Estalillia jr. of the Kabaroan Eskrima system and J.c Cabiero of Cabales Serrada Escrima. Senior Grandmaster Rick Kinji of Inglewood, California is my Kajukenbo Advisor And I sincerely appreciate and am greatful for his invaluable guidance and support!

Teaching Others To Be Strong

“I teach because I found something positive in my life, and in the process I can help women and children defend themselves from the evil that is out there on the streets” … “I really want my students to learn and become better than me”, Art says.

For those who want to train, be prepared to challenge yourself, keep and open mind, and try the class for at least a month to see what the class has to offer. Its not easy, if it was then everybody would be doing it. So be prepared to suffer a bit. You will love me as well as hate me but if and when you have to get busy on the street, you will thank me afterwards… believe me!

This training is truly life changing but it isn’t for everyone. You will definitely challenge yourself and find out what you are made of and what you are lacking. In the end, you have it or you don’t. “I expect my students to be honest, helpful, respectful and every time you step on the mat, that you give me your best”. Missing Link mma is the place to learn Realistic street self defense, build self esteem, lose weight/get in better shape, and regain confidence that may have been lost as a result of a tragic event.

“I care about my students more than i do their money, and I train them to be better than me!”

I want all my students to learn and become better than me!

I've always been the warrior type, I will train until I pass-out. I've always been that way!

I care about my students more than I do their money.

I expect all my students to be honest, helpful and respectful.

Who's Next?

I don't tap!

Conquer or die!

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

Even if you fall on your face, you are still moving forward.

Sifu Art Hugues
Sifu Art Hugues