Coach AKO HARPER was born in Chuuk,MICRONESIA, a young nation of remote pacific islands unrecognizable to many. As a young boy he imitated the moves of martial artists in movies and acted out real street fights as there was no other outlet available for the islander youth. He moved to the United States where at the age of 16 he began his dream of training in the Martial Arts. His love of karate because of the discipline and aggressiveness of the art, brought out a natural, instinctive mastery of skills and movements. Many of his sensei approached him to lead in the school but because of the birth of his son he declined. He also felt an inner need to expand his martial arts love beyond karate and experimented in other forms.he discovered Muay Thai and trained wholeheartedly and immersed himself in the culture and spirit of the art. Ako was able to combine the defensive moves of karate with forward, offensive kicks of Muay Thai. Ako realize that a mixed martial artist is what he strived to be and the only missing ingredient was Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He was fortunate enough to meet Professor Alberto Crane and he continues to train in this art he has come to honor and respect. Ako has his 2 children enrolled in the Gracie Barra Pasadena school. He wants his children to be well rounded citizens. To be able to defend themselves physically and emotionally in any life situation and as a Coach at Gracie Barra Pasadena he wants all his students to strive for this as well.