Ernie Reyes Sr.'s early life was marked by a strong work ethic, instilled in him by his parents as they toiled in the labor field. This discipline, though not easily transferable to the classroom, proved to be a valuable foundation for his future endeavors. Despite struggling in school, where he was often the first to doze off and the last to master reading, Ernie excelled in various sports, showcasing his natural aptitude for physical activities such as basketball, soccer, and kickball.
Fast-forward to 1967, and Ernie made a conscious decision to dedicate himself to achieving his goals. One of these goals was to become a skilled martial artist, and he began training once a week. Following his junior college graduation, Ernie intensified his training in Tae Kwon Do under the guidance of Dan Choi, where he also met his lifelong friend Tony Thompson. Ernie's commitment to his craft was unwavering, as he trained six days a week and taught for free.
As his skills continued to evolve, Ernie started competing and soon found himself exceling in the sport. He went on to become a Lightweight USA National Champion, amassing a collection of trophies along the way. This success led to the formation of his dynamic West Coast Demo Team, and Ernie's reputation as a talented teacher spread far and wide. Notable students of his include Cynthia Rothrock and George Chung.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ernie has accumulated an impressive array of titles and awards, including Black Belt and PKA's Instructor of the Year, California State Tae Kwon Do Grand Champion, and USA National Tae Kwon Do Champion in Fights and Forms.
