Self Defense & Confidence

Like many American kids, Mike Miguel grew up playing baseball and football. He thrived in that environment, gaining confidence as he grew stronger and better and relishing in the camaraderie of his teammates. So, when he graduated and was no longer part of a team, he felt restless.

Mike missed being challenged athletically and being surrounded by people who pushed him to be better. That’s when he decided to try martial arts, and he was immediately enthralled. Not only did it provide camaraderie, but the confidence he gained was better than he had ever felt because it had real-world applications.

“School sports taught me a lot of valuable lessons that I indirectly apply to my life every day,” Mike explains. “But martial arts gives me a practical skill set that, if it came to it, I could use to protect myself or others in real life.”

Gaining that practical skill set of self-defense is why MMA is so popular with law enforcement, women, and children who face danger, insecurity, and bullying on a regular basis. It’s also great exercise, and just plain fun, which is why Mike was hooked from day one.

“My path became clear very quickly,” Mike says. “I would rise through the ranks, get my black belt, and then pass on the art to others.”

Mike achieved his black belt in 2022 and is an IBJJF and NAGA Medalist. Confident in his ability to now pass on the art, Mike opened two MMA studios this year, including one in Key Largo. He was prompted to open the local studio by his brother-in-law, Alejandro Bolivar, and friend, Frank Crowley, whom he has been training out of their garage.

“We realized that Alejandro and Frank weren’t the only people in the Keys that wanted to learn MMA. We partnered and opened a gym for anyone and everyone that wanted to join.”

Male or female, young or old, big or small, all are welcome and can thrive at Apex Martial Arts & Fitness. Alejandro and Frank apply their business backgrounds to creating a clean, safe, well-organized environment and Mike and his long-time peer, Estella Fernandez, provide the experienced training.

“Estella was well on her way to a black belt before female fighters like Ronda Rousey were household names,” Mike says. “She proves that MMA is for everyone, and is especially gifted at making our female and young students comfortable.”

Apex offers a range of memberships for jiu-jitsu and kickboxing, including an unlimited membership. They will soon be adding morning classes to accommodate night shift law enforcement officers and parents.

“Work schedules and extracurricular activities often get in the way of LEOs and parents training. Morning classes give them the opportunity to build confidence and camaraderie outside of work and kids.”

Working with LEOs is very important to Mike since these skills could mean the difference of life and death for them. He has provided training for the Pembroke Pines Police Department and hopes to do a similar program with Monroe County PD.

“At Apex, we don’t water down the art and give a false representation of self defense. Whether you are a LEO, mom, or kid, you’ll gain real confidence in defending yourself.”

Mike has always enjoyed the Keys lifestyle, embracing the laid-back vibe at the sandbar or on a boat with his wife. “Keys people work hard, play hard, and relax hard– which is exactly my style.” Mike was happy to see this Keys vibe translate to the mat as a relaxed dedication, creating the perfect atmosphere to gain confidence through martial arts.