We had the good fortune of connecting with Andres Vasquez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andres, what role has risk played in your life or career?
“Risk has shaped everything I’ve built. Starting Libertá Fitness wasn’t easy — no loans, no backing, just a belief that I could create a space where people could learn Muay Thai and train with heart and purpose. That belief came from my brother.
My brother Luis created “The Soft Moon” a 3 person band on his own. He built his music from nothing, and never compromised who he was. Watching him take risks — living fully, creating honestly — made me realize that comfort doesn’t build anything worthwhile.
So I took the risk. I opened Libertá fitness I’ve risked stability, time, and sometimes even my peace — but I did it to stay true to the vision. Just like my brother stayed true to his.
That mindset runs through this place. The same way we train — with grit, with intention, without shortcuts — is how it was built. Risk isn’t something I avoid. It’s something I’ve learned to respect.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey started in a garage, learning to box from my grandfather — a Cuban pro fighter who taught me the value of discipline early. By middle school, I fell in love with Muay Thai. I trained hard, competed, and chased the fighter’s path for years. But then life shifted.
I stepped away from fighting to care for my family when cancer hit my sister and my grandma all at once. That choice changed everything.

I opened Libertá Fitness to build something real.This isn’t some flashy ‘get fit fast’ spot. We train real — Muay Thai, strength, and corrective movement — because sometimes you need more than a workout. You need a way through.” I speak from experience, In just three years, I lost five family members — including my grandmother, my uncle, my father, my brother, and that same grandfather who first taught me how to fight. Libertá means freedom, we all need a place to be FREE.

What sets me apart? I know what it’s like to fight battles inside and out. I bring that experience into everything I teach. My gym isn’t about hype — it’s about real results, community, and helping people feel powerful again, no matter what they’re carrying.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? You don’t need a perfect life to build something meaningful. You just need heart, purpose, and the will to keep moving forward. That’s what this place is all about.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day one, hitting up my old hometown highland park. Stopping at good housekeeping for a bite as my friend Darren DJ’s and plays some hits, then the greyhound for some cocktails. Late night fun going bowling at highland park bowl.
Day two or three heading out for a nice hike at Runyon canyon. Grabbing brunch at Redbird.
Day four a nice cooked meal at home and some amazing cocktails maybe even make my famous little beers.
Final day meet up with old friends and go golfing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
“If there’s anyone I’d dedicate this to, it’s my brother may he rest in peace. He was fearless with his art—he lived raw, real, and without compromise. Watching him create and fight through what he was going through and to see the impact he made on all of his fans, friends, and family showed me what true expression and resilience look like. That stayed with me.
Also to my son Luke, it means the world to me that I have an opportunity to bring him to the gym and see him interact and bring so much energy to this place. Seeing him kick the bag or even do pull ups, puts a big smile on my face. I hope to see him take my place as coach when he gets older.
But honestly, I also owe a lot to my students. They’re the ones who show up after long shifts, after life hits hard, and they still come in here ready to grow. This gym runs on their energy, not just mine.
So yeah—this shoutout’s for my brother, my son and for every student who ever walked through the door and gave it their all.

Website: https://libertafitness.pushpress.com/landing/plans/plan_1f34f010e8fd43/login

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