Discover how Karasu Tengu Academy in Nashua is empowering Latinos through mixed martial arts. Learn about the inspiring stories of Mike ‘Woodz’ Jolicoeur, Walter Cotito, and Julian Menjivar. Join the community and become part of the next generation of leaders in MMA.
| Key Points |
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| Karasu Tengu Academy is creating a strong community for Latinos through mixed martial arts. |
| Mike ‘Woodz’ Jolicoeur shares how joining the gym improved his life both inside and outside the mat. |
| Head coach Walter Cotito, originally from Peru, brings his experience from professional tournaments to the academy. |
| Julian Menjivar, an amateur MMA fighter, overcame adversity to pursue his passion. |
| Karasu Tengu Academy aims to empower the next generation of Latinos and fighters. |
| The gym collaborates with the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley to introduce more kids to MMA and leadership opportunities. |
Karasu Tengu Academy: Empowering Latinos through MMA
A mixed-martial arts gym in Nashua is going beyond teaching fighting techniques. Karasu Tengu Academy is fostering a tight-knit community for Latinos, where the fighting spirit extends beyond the mat. Mike ‘Woodz’ Jolicoeur, an amateur MMA fighter, shares how his life took a positive turn after joining the academy. ‘Once I stepped into my first class, my outside life started getting better as well,’ Jolicoeur said.
Three years ago, Jolicoeur found solace and purpose at Karasu Tengu Academy. The gym provided him with an outlet to redirect his energy and surround himself with like-minded individuals. ‘I was involved in some trouble, hanging out with the wrong crowd, and wasting my energy in negative places,’ Jolicoeur confessed. Fast forward to today, and Jolicoeur is reaching new heights in his MMA career. On September 15, which also marked the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, Jolicoeur celebrated his 21st birthday by winning the 145-pound amateur title at Combat FC in Wilmington, Massachusetts. ‘It was a remarkable series of events, and undoubtedly the biggest fight of my life,’ Jolicoeur proudly stated.
Head coach Walter Cotito, a fellow Latino, plays a pivotal role in the supportive community at Karasu Tengu Academy. Cotito reflects on his journey, saying, ‘I could have easily become a victim of my circumstances, but instead, I chose to fight for my identity. The gym has taught me that.’ Originally from Peru, Cotito faced numerous challenges when he moved to Japan as a teenager. Despite the cultural differences, he embraced MMA and even competed in professional tournaments. ‘I fought in front of around 14,000 people,’ Cotito reminisced. Bringing his extensive skills in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Thai kickboxing, Cotito established Karasu Tengu Academy in 2020, aiming to represent and empower the people of New Hampshire. ‘I have faith in the people of New Hampshire, and I want to be their team. We want to be their voice,’ Cotito affirmed.
Today, Karasu Tengu Academy boasts over 100 fighters at various skill levels. Some of them, like Julian Menjivar, also serve as coaches. Menjivar, an amateur MMA fighter and instructor, has an inspiring backstory. Growing up in El Salvador, Menjivar’s life took a tragic turn when his father was murdered by the MS-13 gang. ‘After that, my mom had to take care of me and my sister. I was 5 years old, and my sister was just 1 year old,’ Menjivar shared.
In 2016, Menjivar and his sister embarked on a perilous journey to reunite with their mother in the United States. They traveled on foot for months, enduring hunger and sleep deprivation, until they were eventually detained by border patrol agents. Menjivar vividly recalls the moment he tried to escape with his sister but was stopped by a horse. ‘I grabbed my sister and attempted to run, but a horse blocked our path just five meters away,’ Menjivar recounted in Spanish. Fortunately, a relative with American citizenship took custody of Menjivar, enabling him to obtain a green card and legally reside in the U.S. ‘When I returned to El Salvador about a year ago and asked about my friends, I discovered that most of them had been killed, imprisoned, or involved in gangs,’ Menjivar revealed.
Now, Jolicoeur, Cotito, and Menjivar are united in New Hampshire, working together to empower the next generation of Latinos and fighters at Karasu Tengu Academy. Cotito emphasizes the importance of not only being a skilled fighter but also a good person. The gym is actively collaborating with the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley to introduce more children to MMA and cultivate future leaders within their own communities.
