Shivan Livan Concepcion is recognized as South Florida’s Father’s Day Hero
Shivan Livan Concepcion is not only the chief instructor and martial arts program director for the American Ju-Jitsu Center, but also a Father’s Day Hero.
Acknowledging this recognition, Concepcion said, “I am humbled and honored. First of all, I am thankful to my amazing wife and my two amazing daughters Marielys and Leylani. There are many men that I have come across in my life that have helped shape my views of what it is to be a great father, such as my father-in-law Liborio Diaz. I also have to thank my older brothers Nivaldo and Victor who helped mold me into the father I have become. I would like to give a special thank you to my oldest brother Victor who kept me many times from getting involved with things I shouldn’t and taught me the value of working hard and being committed to the success of my family.”
Concepcion was recognized for his ability to balance work and home life, and for his role as a father-figure at home and at the center. “Having balance and being a father figure at home and at work is easy. You have to be the same person with the same values and ideals as a father and as an instructor. I believe the recipe to being a great father is to be an engaged father for every aspect of your children’s life,” he said.
According to Concepcion, from the beginning, his goal was to make the center a family oriented environment. “I am proud to say this is what we have achieved. I am not sure if my students consider me a father figure, but I can tell you I definitely consider them like my children.”
He indeed is recognized and considered an excellent father figure and mentor by not only his children but also his students and community. He teaches students never to quit, and instils the belief that they can accomplish anything if they set their minds to it. As a result, the center has seen community students become attorneys, successful business leaders, firefighters, paramedics, nurses, police officers, military service men and women, and heavy equipment operators. Concepcion added, “All of whom are amazing people in their communities.”
When it comes to advice for other fathers within the community, he shared, “The hardest lesson I learned is that despite how hard it might be, never be too proud or too afraid to apologize to your children when you have made a mistake. My experience is that COVID-19 has allowed most fathers the opportunity to spend greater amounts of time with their children. While I am sure this has presented many challenges, I would recommend that you cherish these extra moments because before you know it, we will return to our pre-Covid lives and these extra times will be lost forever. It’s a privilege to raise children, so cherish and enjoy every moment of it.”
Concepcion and the center are sanctioned by the Professional Martial Arts Association, the Florida Black Belt Association, and the North American Sport Karate Association. For more information, visit www.homesteadkarate.com
Haz clic para leer en Español: Shivan Livan Concepcion es reconocido como Padre y Héroe en el Sur de Florida
