Beginnings in Cuba
He began training under Maestro Andrés Kolychkine, an organizer of judo in Cuba and founder of the Panamerican Judo Union.
Founder · Teacher · Sensei
The Legacy of
Humberto “Bert” Becerra
A lifetime devoted to judo—from a young student in Havana to the founder of a Texas dojo that continues to build champions on and off the mat.
9th Dan Traditional Judo
A life shaped by judo
More than seven decades on the mat
Bert began studying judo and ju-jitsu in Havana in 1954. What started at age six became a lifelong pursuit of skill, service, and the belief that martial arts should shape character as powerfully as technique.
National Competition
He competed locally, nationally, and abroad, earning a place on Cuba’s national youth team and achieving 2nd dan by 1970.
Service & Teaching
After arriving in the United States, he taught judo in Miami public-school programs and served in the U.S. Military Police from 1972 to 1975.
A Texas Home
He moved to Texas and opened Becerra Judo & Ju-Jitsu, creating the home for his teaching legacy in Garland.
Competitor to mentor
His greatest achievement lives in his students.
Bert’s path included repeated training visits to Japan, national and Panamerican referee credentials, and service as an International Gold Coach. He led United States teams at Panamerican, state, and national events.
His teaching reached beyond the club. He taught ju-jitsu at Richland College for 17 years and helped organize camps and competitions that brought generations of athletes together.
Promoted to 9th dan in judo, Bert remains committed to the traditional values at the heart of the art: discipline, respect, confidence, strength, and character.
The legacy continues
Every bow, every fall, and every return to the mat carries his work forward.
Becerra Judo honors Bert’s vision by welcoming students of all ages, preserving traditional judo, and helping each person grow both on and off the mat.