Suddenly faced with the biggest challenge in his life, Alberto was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome at the age of twenty one. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is a rare disorder that affects its victims differently, but typically seriously degrades the tendons and joints, often resulting in the joint completely dissolving. While Alberto can accomplish incredible feats in martial arts, his wrist can completely dislocate while holding a cup of coffee. Doctors feared that he would be in a wheelchair by the time he was twenty six years old. Today, at thirty-two, not only is he still walking, but he is still actively practicing his beloved martial arts. With mind over matter, Alberto refuses to stop doing what he loves best.
Still, something as simple as talking on the phone, opening doors, or even sleeping can cause something in his body to dislocate. "The first thing I do when I wake up is re-set my ankles, my elbows and relocate my arm sockets. I have to make sure that everything is in place before I get out of bed," he admitted. Alberto knows that his disorder is likely to get worse regardless of whether he sits at home feeling sorry for himself, or if he leads a full and active life. So, he has taken up the fight for his active life. Every time he goes to the hospital for a check up, the nurses and the doctors are amazed that he is still walking, and better yet, still practicing martial arts.
After his long journey to become a "master" in martial arts, Alberto is teaching children the wonders and the discipline of the sport. He teaches at a school in Florida called White Dragon Tea Kwon Doe. Tea Kwon Doe is a specific form of martial arts that focuses on self defense. While he modestly considers his accomplishments to be "just dumb luck," it is obvious that it is a lot more than luck that has enabled him to be the hero that he is to people around the world and the children that he teaches. His positive attitude, inner strength and determination serve as important lessons to those who sometimes feel that life has dealt them harsh and difficult challenges. Alberto Freidman continues to be a winner in every aspect of his life.
Alberto Friedman with some of his martial arts students
