Ollin Atlético: The Heart of San José || Hispanic Heritage Month Feature

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The Aztec “Ollin” symbol represents movement and transformation. It’s the motion and rhythm of the universe. It’s both destruction and creation. It’s fluid. It’s starting anew.

“The earth shakes for transformation… It shakes to create new life… We shake it off and we begin a brand new world.”

On September 19, 1985 an earthquake struck Mexico City, bringing hundreds of buildings to the ground and claiming thousands of lives. On the same date 32 years later, another earthquake shook the city yet again. This kind of tragic event can tear a community down, but it can also bring people closer together. That’s what it was like for Gloria Telles, Ollin Atlético’s head instructor.

When Gloria was preparing for a fight on September 19, 2017 and heard about the Puebla Earthquake affecting her hometown and family, she took it as a sign that everyone and everything needs constant movement. She continued to carry that energy and sentiment with her when she opened Ollin Atlético in 2024. Now she looks back on the community spirit she witnessed in the past and strives to create the same culture within her own academy.

Long before Ollin Atlético, there was Gloria, a 10 year old girl who was asking her mom if she could try martial arts at the local karate school. Then there was Gloria, a student meeting people from all walks of life who shared one goal – to work hard and receive a black belt. Finally there was Gloria, who was turning her dream into her reality.

“We have to learn to give value by teaching.”

After four years of training, she received her black belt with the Ernie Reyes West Coast Martial Arts Association and started teaching. Along the way she even dove into amateur kickboxing and strength and conditioning to become a stronger fighter. After spending time on the stage as a competitor, something called back to her. In 2017, Gloria participated in her last big ticket fight, ready to return to her roots and dedicate herself to teaching.

Gloria and Program Director Jahida, now operate Ollin Atlético with the goal of cultivating an environment that echoes the unity witnessed in the aftermath of the Puebla Earthquake. This rings true in their classes and events where they’ve built confidence and trust. Within two years of opening, Gloria and Jahida have fostered their own close-knit community through martial arts in San Jose, California.

“When it comes to Hispanic culture, man, what a treat.”

Ollin Atlético’s mission is rooted in the same collaborative attitude as Aztecan times, where everyone relied on each other in an effort to grow together. There is no fear when everyone leans on one another. There is a community in Hispanic culture that is mirrored in San Jose. That becomes apparent through events such as Viva CalleSJ where the city comes together specifically to celebrate and honor Hispanic culture with music, food, and movement.

Even beyond that, Jahida finds unique and diverse ways to bring people closer together – whether it’s through events like “Kick and Sip”, hosting MMA fighter Cris Cyborg, or offering Muay Thai clinics with Janet Garcia. There is an endless passion to share resources with students – the same resources Gloria had wished for when she first started training. 

“People feel sincerity and people feel energy.”

The ability to  become so deeply integrated in your city and shared culture is special. Connecting with your community might be a daunting task for some, but luckily Gloria leaves fellow instructors with two pieces of advice:

1. Stay true. Teach and unite with your community through being authentic. Be genuine in your values to create an honorable, comfortable environment.
2. Be compassionate. Regardless of what you teach, martial arts or otherwise, they’re there for help. It can be for something as simple as movement, but if they’re smiling and sweating – we’ve done our job.