Hello!
I’m Elsa and I started my journey on the martial arts road in 1984. I simply feel in love with it and easily spent 4-6 hours a day practicing. As a result, my effort was awarded by earning my First Degree Black Belt in American Tae Kwon Do in only eighteen months by none other than the “Father of American Tae Kwon Do” Grand Master Jhoon Rhee himself!
Shortly after that, I became the first female Head instructor of one of the largest Jhoon Rhee Institutes in Northern Virginia at that time. This school was run by Grand Master Jeff Smith (one of my mentors), who was one of the three original kickboxing champions along with Bill Wallace and Joe Lewis. Years later when Jeff Smith branched off to create World Champion Jeff Smith Karate, I was picked to run his largest school.
My passion led me to the world of competition, nationally and internationally, in four different sanctioning bodies. I proudly won seven National Titles in Women’s Form Competition and represented the United States on various occasions. I was also ranked in the top ten in open style sparring and weapons nationally. I am most proud; however, of being the first person to win the Diamond National’s Championship (one of the largest and most renowned national martial arts tournament) four times and was inducted to their Diamond Nationals Hall of Fame.
About Us
Elsa Cordero
Toward the end of my competitive career, I, and my business partner at the time, Arlene Limas (1984 Olympic medalist in Tae Kwon Do), trained a junior and adult national competition group with much success at their school "Power Kix". Some in that group went on to become National and World Champions. And a handful of them even ventured out to Hollywood in recent years and are now successful stuntmen and actors in movies such as ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’.
Besides earning a 5th Degree Black Belt in American Tae Kwon Do, I have also studied Hapkido and Krav Maga for many years.
My passion for the martial arts led me to the study of acupuncture and herbology.
After spending many years training to compete and incorporating different styles of martial arts has led to my development of Xtreme Kickboxing Fitness. It is a dynamic, fun, supportive and challenging way to help you reach your fitness goals!
In this class, you will experience the challenge of training like a kickboxer!
Are you up for it?
Looking forward to teaching you!
You can read more about Elsa at USAdojo.com