Meet Lena Salgado | Karate teacher and Special Needs advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lena Salgado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lena, what do you want your legacy to be?
Although I am a karate teacher, my hope when students leave is that they felt cared for and and had a fantastic experience. Karate is not for everybody and that’s okay, but my goal as the teacher is building confidence, teaching that kindness and empathy are essential traits, and giving my students the skills to defend themselves or others when necessary.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Martial Science Academy is a Shito-ryu karate school that focuses on family friendly karate for all ages and abilities. I opened my studio 8 months before the pandemic and lost all my students during COVID. I have rebuilt by ensuring my students learn practical self defense and karate, and teaching for a local school district’s homeschooling program. Teaching students how to defend themselves and others is a very important life skill and something I didn’t learn until late in life.

I didn’t start martial arts until I was 37 and went to a class with my daughter and I loved it! I has been an incredible way to heal from past trauma in my life. I had been drugged and kidnapped while in my 20’s and in a separate incident, raped. I became so disconnected from my body and didn’t even speak about it for over 10 years. Learning how to defend myself has been a vital part of healing and recovering from PTSD from the events. I thrive on teaching easy to remember self defense and how to get the most power possible in kicks and punches. There are not many women in the martial arts and I love being both the owner and teacher of a karate school.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to see shows at the DCPA, I would take my friend friend to an opera, musical or the symphony and before the show, definitely take them to have margaritas at the Otre Vez Cantina. Everyone need to experience the Rocky Mountain National Park and hike to some waterfalls. For a sweet treat, Twisted Sugar in Highlands Ranch has awesome cookies. I think the trolls are really fun to visit too and are easily accessible for everyone.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband and children, have had such incredible patience when I had to train for seven days a week for almost a year and when I have to come in to the studio to do book keeping, or cleaning, or fixing problems in the building. I would not be able to run this business without their cheering me on, helping when I need it, and taking care of our home when I was busy getting the business off the ground.

Website: https://msakarate.com

Instagram: msa_karate

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martialscienceacademy1/

Image Credits
First image-Sabrina Sandberg