Dan LaPaz and his wife, Lori, are co-owners of Open Guard Jiu-Jitsu in Oconomowoc. He has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for fifteen years. His family started training together many years ago at the Waukesha Mixed Martial Arts under the owner Reese “Old Man” Shaner. When Reese passed away 8 years ago in a motorcycle accident, Dan and Lori decided to continue his journey of empowering people through martial arts and that is what inspired them to open Open Guard.
About Dan LaPaz
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I was raised on Pretty Lake in Dousman, WI, and remember barefoot skiing at the age of 10, along with hunting, fishing and even riding horses into town. My grandfather made homemade airplane propellers and personally met Neil Armstrong who did a documentary on my grandfather. That was a special moment.
I have two sisters, four step-sisters, a half-sister and two step-brothers. My wife, Lori, and I have been together for 33 years, and have two sons and two grandchildren.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
My previous employment was as a Director of Facilities for local school districts and universities. Eight years ago, Lori and I felt a calling and I left my position in management and never looked back. We have been running our Martial Arts Academy in Oconomowoc for those eight years, and offer private lessons, youth and adult classes, and even programs for entire families to learn together. Our youngest student is four years old and our oldest is 65. Some parents started by watching their children and eventually took an interest in trying out some classes themselves. We are ever evolving to meet the needs of our community.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Helping people become comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Watching an individual change their daily habits, or face their fears in order to become more confident, is an inspiring reward. I become a friend first and then assist with guiding the student in the direction they need.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
Embracing the day to day grind of training. Also, accepting that immediate results will not occur.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Empowering People!
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
Continue to help as many people as possible through our academy. Also, expand programming to meet the needs of our students and their development.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
The work and dedication is extremely hard but the rewards are worth it!
Dan LaPaz & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
We really enjoy the Lake Country restaurants, walking trails and the amazing surrounding lakes.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Tyler Wolfe-He is the pastor for Bridge Church in Oconomowoc. He is a student and head youth instructor at the academy but also a good friend. We both have the desire to help people and that connection really is encouraging.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Whelan’s Coffee and Ice Cream, Oconomowoc, ID in Delafield and North 48 Oconomowoc-ask for Josh! We also enjoy Bella Gusto!
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Unique, Peaceful, Comfortable.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I coached basketball for thirteen years.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
TV Show: Seinfeld- it relates to everyday life. Movie: Rocky- everyone is hoping for that one chance. Song: My Way, Elvis Presley- summarizes my life, LOL. Book: Jesus My Friend, by Kristina Inzerillo.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife- She continues to support me through the ups and downs that life gives you.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Jocko Energy Fuel Drink.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
Michael Jordan- I appreciate his determination to be great!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to travel to Alaska and experience the beauty, the animals, the lakes, glaciers, all of the vastness. I also want to visit Italy for the culture and food. The movie “The Godfather” comes to mind when I think of Sicilian culture and food.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Spending time outside with my two grandkids, a two year old and a six month old.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Different quotes come to mind from previous instructors, such as: Treat life as a marathon, not a sprint. Be committed for the long haul. Students come to us with humility or leave with humility. Anyone can fight but not everyone can be a martial artist. Confidence is arrogance under control.
Where to Find Dan LaPaz
Email: openguardgym@gmail.com
Phone: (414) 551-5127
