Darrin Lopez

Darrin Lopez is a native of El Paso where he was born on February 23, 1974 and still currently residing. 

Darrin began studying the martial arts in 1982 at the age of 8 with the Third Generation Martial Arts Association.  This was under the teaching and direction of Renshei Bernard F. Samuel who is the founder of the Third Generation Martial Arts Association.  The martial arts and Master Bernard F. Samuel, who is now at the rank of 7^th degree black belt has given Darrin more than he ever thought possible.  He has been given self-confidence, physical fitness, a direction for creative energy and a way of life.  More importantly the knowledge that Darrin has gained under Master Samuel’s direction goes unsurpassed. 

 Darrin currently remains under the training of Master Samuel and at the present time, Darrin is President of the Third Generation Martial Arts Association as well as an assistant instructor to Master Samuel.  He currently holds the rank of 2^nd degree black belt. 

Darrin is a graduate of Irvin High School in El Paso, Texas as well as a graduate of the University of Texas/El Paso where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences.  Darrin enjoys both the training aspect of the martial arts as well as the competing aspect of it because it has allowed him to develop camaraderie with other competitors.  Master Samuel and the martial arts have taught Darrin the meaning of gentleness and kindness and guided him to the path in helping him to become a better person.

Darrin is the youngest child of three.  He has two brothers, Adan and David whom he is very proud of and loves dearly.  Darrin also has a loving mother and father (Adan And Estela Lopez) whom he credits for the person, which he has become today.  Darrin works full time as a Pharmaceutical Representative during the day and trains full time as a martial artist in the evening.  Darrin considers himself very lucky and fortunate.