Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilver Villasmil
Hi Ilver, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Chapter 1: The Beginning of EPSE
Life always finds ways to teach us profound lessons. As Nelson Mandela once said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” This quote became my mantra when, in 2009, during the World Taekwondo Championship, I suffered a devastating injury. My leg was broken in two parts, destroying both my tibia and fibula. At that moment, as I struggled to overcome both the physical and emotional pain, I never imagined that this same experience would lead me to create something that would change my life and the lives of others: EPSE.
I am Ilver Villasmil, born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, on April 15, 1985. From a very young age, sports were my passion, and Taekwondo became my life. Before becoming a high-performance athlete, I tried many sports, including boxing, which my father, an artist with multiple talents, taught me from the age of three. However, Taekwondo caught me in a special way. At just 10 years old, I decided to train at the School of Sports Training in Barquisimeto, Lara State, and from that day, my athletic life began to take shape.
My inspiration has always been Bruce Lee, the great martial arts master, and it was he who motivated me to follow the path of Taekwondo. Over the years, I joined the national Taekwondo team and represented Venezuela in international competitions. But in 2009, while fighting to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics, life gave me a harsh lesson: a serious leg fracture. Not only was I physically broken, but I was broken inside as well. The feeling of watching my dream of representing Venezuela in the Olympics crumble was devastating.
When I returned to Venezuela, I was determined not to let that tragedy defeat me. I remember that moment on the plane, sitting next to my coach, as tears fell uncontrollably. The pain wasn’t just physical; it was the feeling that my dream was slipping away. But something inside me told me I had to rise. And I did.
The recovery process wasn’t easy. There were dark moments, but I also discovered an inner strength that pushed me to continue. The doctors told me I would never be the same again, but I refused to accept it. It was at that moment that I began to create exercises to rehabilitate my body but also to strengthen my mind. From that process, EPSE was born: Average, Superior, Expert Training.
EPSE wasn’t just a response to my rehabilitation. It was the manifestation of my experience as an athlete, as a coach, and as a human being who never gives up. Instead of following a traditional training path, I created a system that adapts to everyone, regardless of age or skill level. Since its creation, EPSE has been a powerful tool to transform lives. It is a comprehensive training, both physical and mental, that goes far beyond the limits of the body.
Chapter 2: The Journey to Miami
Emigrating from Venezuela wasn’t an easy decision. I was facing a country sunk in economic and political difficulties, and I knew that for EPSE to grow and reach its full potential, I had to take a leap. I was determined, though doubts and fears accompanied every thought, because the circumstances were not favorable, but the hope of achieving it remained alive.
I had already trained a friend in Houston, who had begun teaching EPSE classes at a combat gym. The gym had shown interest in having me teach directly, and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to expand EPSE. However, the negotiations weren’t as fruitful as I had hoped, and I found myself in a dilemma: stay in Houston, with broken expectations, or risk taking a bigger step into the unknown, but with the firm conviction that only with courage could progress be made.
While in Houston and seeing how difficult the situation was, I realized that I needed to be somewhere with more opportunities, where fitness had a broader reach. It was then when, almost like a sign, a designer friend who lives in Miami, with whom I had worked in Venezuela on projects with models and beauty queens, called me. He asked for my help in training some models, and I saw the opportunity right away. So, with a suitcase full of dreams and the certainty that something big could happen, I moved to Miami. There, I began teaching the models, and almost instantly, I discovered the incredible energy that fitness had in the city, the vibrant culture surrounding it. It was at that moment that I knew Miami was the place I needed to be.
In my first year in the city, I toured various gyms, rented a car, and spent three months living in it while teaching classes and moving between the models’ homes and the gyms. I slept in the car, ate on the street, but I never lost hope of fulfilling my dream and finding a real opportunity. My purpose was to understand how the market worked, how gyms operated, and most importantly, how fitness was handled in Miami. That’s when I realized that my approach and the training method I was teaching were different from what I was seeing in the city, which gave me the clarity and conviction to keep going. I then discovered there was a real opportunity to open my own gym, with the certainty that I could offer something unique, something different.
I knew what my goal was, and I had a clear objective, but the path wasn’t easy. I started from scratch, so I decided to look for a gym where I could offer my EPSE classes and give people the opportunity to experience this lifestyle that had been born from my passion. My proposal was to partner with a gym that had the space, the time, and the willingness to teach the classes. I began searching tirelessly, but at first, it was all a failure. I found one, but it wasn’t the right fit, then I tried another, and that didn’t work either. Finally, after much persistence, I found a Taekwondo gym that gave me the opportunity to teach. There, I started teaching my classes, and now, with a year and a half of experience, the system is well established. People are getting to know it, and best of all, they really like it. This method is transforming not only people’s bodies but also their minds. I am currently still teaching at this gym, and every day I see the positive results in those who train with me, which fills me with satisfaction to see their progress.
In addition, I have the honor and pride of teaching at LA Fitness, a large and well-known chain that is undoubtedly one of the most prominent in the country. This opportunity is a dream come true, and I’m very happy to be part of such a solid institution. The fact that I can teach at this gym, in a country like the United States, which has such a unique fitness system and culture, is an experience I deeply value. It is a place where people are truly dedicated to transforming their lives, and being able to contribute to that process fills me with satisfaction.
Today, in Miami, EPSE has not only grown, but it has also evolved. The community that has formed around the system is a true “EPSE Family.” Every day, I help many people transform their lives, and that is the real success for me. The fight has never been against others, but against the limits we set for ourselves. My mission is to prove that anything is possible when we believe in ourselves because if we believe in our ability, we can achieve any goal.
Conclusion:
Deciding to emigrate and leave behind everything I knew was one of the toughest decisions I’ve made. But when I look back, I realize that every step, every sacrifice, every challenge, has been a life lesson. And now, with EPSE in Miami, I can say with complete confidence that the best is yet to come, that there is still more to achieve and more hearts to touch.
My message to all those who feel trapped by circumstances is this: never underestimate the power you have to change your destiny. Life may put us through tough tests, but those tests are only stepping stones toward success. If I could do it, you can too. What you need is to believe that every effort, every struggle, every moment of uncertainty is guiding the way to something much bigger.
Monday to Friday: EPSE Doral, Miami
Address: 8850 NW 13th Terrace #102, Doral, FL 33172
Schedule:
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Break
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturdays: LA Fitness Flagler
Schedule:
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM
Sundays: Outdoor Classes
Sunday classes are special motivation sessions. We gather at the beach or in the park with the EPSE community to share our passion for fitness in a relaxed and open environment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
1. The Physical Injury: In 2009, during the World Taekwondo Championship, you suffered a severe injury that shattered your tibia and fibula.
Lesson: You learned the importance of perseverance and mental strength. Your body may have been broken, but your spirit remained unshaken. This setback pushed you to explore ways to recover physically and mentally, ultimately giving birth to EPSE.
2. The Emotional Struggle: The injury was not only physical but emotional. Watching your Olympic dream crumble was devastating.
Lesson: You discovered the value of emotional resilience. You learned how to channel pain into motivation, realizing that emotional strength was just as important as physical recovery.
3. The Initial Failures in Houston: When you moved to Houston with high hopes, you faced the challenge of not being able to secure the right opportunities, and the negotiations fell short.
Lesson: You learned the importance of adaptability and the value of taking risks. Even when things didn’t go as planned, you realized that failure was just part of the journey toward success.
4. The Financial Struggles: Starting from scratch in a new country meant dealing with financial challenges. You had to live frugally, making sacrifices to keep moving forward.
Lesson: You learned the power of resourcefulness. Instead of giving up, you found creative ways to manage your finances and focus on your long-term goals.
5. The Language and Cultural Barriers: Moving to Miami and trying to adapt to a new language and culture posed challenges.
Lesson: You learned the importance of patience and open-mindedness. Understanding that cultural and language differences were part of the process allowed you to grow and communicate more effectively.
6. The Struggle to Find the Right Gym: Searching for the right gym that would allow you to teach your EPSE classes proved to be a difficult task.
Lesson: You discovered that persistence pays off. Even after several failures, you didn’t give up, and your determination led you to the right place where you could start teaching and grow your brand.
7. The Disappointment with Initial Opportunities: Some early business opportunities didn’t turn out as expected, leaving you feeling discouraged.
Lesson: You learned that setbacks often lead to new opportunities. You understood that not every opportunity would be a perfect fit, and each failure brought you closer to the right one.
8. The Challenges of Being an Entrepreneur: Starting your own business meant dealing with the constant pressure of managing everything by yourself.
Lesson: You learned the importance of leadership and delegation. You realized that entrepreneurship required not only hard work but also the ability to trust others and build a strong team.
9. The Fear of Taking Big Risks: Emigrating and starting over in a new country meant taking risks, and at times, the fear of failure threatened to hold you back.
Lesson: You learned that fear is natural but should never stop you from moving forward. You realized that true growth happens when you take risks and step out of your comfort zone.
10. The Limited Vision of Others Regarding Possibilities: Often, people focus on limitations and problems, projecting their own limited view of life onto you.
Lesson: You understood that these perceptions were based on others’ experiences and not on your own potential. You learned that how people view life reflects their mindset, and that your obstacles were, in fact, opportunities for growth. You realized that seeing the possibilities instead of focusing on limitations is key to overcoming challenges and achieving success.
As you know, we’re big fans of EPSE LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
:
1. What should they know about what we do?
At EPSE Fitness, we specialize in offering dynamic and effective workouts tailored to the individual needs of each person. We use our unique methodology, EPSE, which combines various training modalities to achieve fast and lasting results. Our focus is on transforming both the body and the mind of our clients, helping them overcome their limitations and achieve their goals with a holistic approach.
2. What do we specialize in?
We specialize in personalized and group training that adapts to any fitness level. Whether you’re looking to improve your overall fitness, build strength, or achieve an aesthetic transformation, EPSE Fitness has highly skilled trainers who guide our clients through a unique training process tailored to their goals. We stand out for our exclusive methodology, which combines intensity with adaptability.
3. Why are we known?
We are known for our ability to deliver tangible results in a short amount of time. The combination of our unique methodology, close guidance from our trainers, and a comprehensive approach to physical and mental health has set us apart in the fitness industry. Additionally, we have built a strong community that values the constant support and motivation we provide in each training session.
4. What distinguishes us from others?
What distinguishes us from other fitness centers is our attention to detail and personalization. We do not believe in standardized training; instead, we offer individualized planning that takes into account each client’s capabilities, limitations, and goals. Additionally, our EPSE methodology is exclusive, and we ensure that each person receives personalized attention to maximize their potential. We are also proud to offer a complete training experience in a welcoming and exclusive environment.
5. What is the brand we are proud of?
We are proud of our EPSE Fitness brand because it represents not only excellence in physical training but also a commitment to holistic wellness. EPSE stands for overcoming challenges, discipline, innovation, and real results. Each member of our community feels that they are not only training but growing—physically and mentally—which is the true essence of our brand.
6. What do we want our readers to know about our brand, offers, and services?
We want our readers to know that EPSE Fitness is more than just a gym: it’s a space where bodies, minds, and lives are transformed. We offer training programs designed to fit any lifestyle, with both personalized and group options. We are also proud to offer exclusive promotions, such as discounts on annual plans, and we want people to understand that our service goes beyond the physical aspect—we help our clients find balance and purpose in their daily lives. We care about each of our members, and we are dedicated to helping them achieve their personal goals in an effective and sustainable way.
Here is your message translated into English:
My message to all those who feel trapped by circumstances is this: never underestimate the power you have to change your destiny. Life can throw tough challenges our way, but those challenges are just stepping stones toward success. If I could do it, you can too. What you need is to believe that every effort, every struggle, every moment of uncertainty is guiding the way to something much greater.
Monday to Friday: EPSE Doral, Miami
Address: 1401 NW 88th Ave, Doral, FL 33172
Schedule:
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Break
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturdays: LA Fitness Flagler
Schedule:
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM
Sundays: Outdoor Classes
Sunday classes are special motivation sessions. We gather at the beach or in the park with the EPSE community to share the passion for fitness in a relaxed and open environment.
This captures the essence of your message and class schedules clearly in English.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
:
What I Learned from COVID-19:
The pandemic taught me to deeply value health, physical well-being, and emotional well-being. During that time, when everyone’s focus was on physical health to enjoy life, I understood even more the relevance of what we do every day. Since I was dedicated to fitness, I experienced firsthand how physical well-being becomes the foundation for enjoying life fully. It taught me to appreciate what I do, because it’s not just about aesthetics, but about creating and improving life. Health is essential because it allows us to enjoy our family, ourselves, and life in its entirety.
Furthermore, COVID-19 taught me that mental health also plays a crucial role. This was another reminder of how sport, with all its benefits, both mental and physical, helped me get through those tough times with patience and calm. That’s why I am even more committed to this discipline, aiming to help people improve their quality of life, just as I experienced it.
Pricing:
- Full Personalized Training: $500
- Personalized Training: $350
- Group Training: $190
- Single Class: $40
- First Class Free: Try it at no cost
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.epsefitness.tv
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epsefitness?igsh=MTN3NG13MjVhN3liZw==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@epsefitness?si=Flj67kSpGJpf7m7Y
- Yelp: Www.epsefitness.com
Image Credits
Ilver villasmil
