An Austin native, Lu Villarreal has been a part of TMAA since 2010. They earned their 1st Dan Black belt under Sa Bum Nim Espy in 2017. Lu holds a B.S. in Kinesiology and B.A. in Gender Studies from UT Austin, a Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and they are also a certified R.A.D. self defense instructor. In their time at TMAA, Lu has helped to develop and teach many TMAA programs, including Wee Warriors, Fitness and Conditioning, Pyon Moo Do Kids, and Adult MMA. Besides teaching at TMAA, Lu is also an adjunct instructor at St. Edward’s University, where they teach a course called Basic Self Defense. Lu is active in the community giving self defense workshops for groups all around central Texas. Please email them at villarreal@martialartsaustin.com for more information about scheduling a self defense class for your group. When they’re not training, Lu enjoys outdoor recreation, gardening, and cooking.
