''We did stretches and punches, and the next day I woke up sore,'' said Troncoso, a fourth-degree black belt in tang soo do. ''That's all I remember, but after that I fell in love with it.''

Troncoso earned the Martial Arts Hall of Fame Spirit Award earlier this year - 27 years after he threw his first punch in a training hall. The award goes to people who have dedicated more than 25 years to practicing and teaching martial arts.

Troncoso said he is excited to have won the award, but said he's prouder of the nearly three decades of blood and sweat that made him a martial arts hall of famer.

''This is a very high and prestigious award,'' he said. ''It's the Academy Award of karate, but it's only the cherry on top of the cake.''

A scorpion's sting

Fellow martial arts competitors nicknamed a teenaged Troncoso ''Scorpio'' after watching him score multiple points against opponents using one of his favorite techniques - the hook kick.

In the fight move, Troncoso skips forward and swings the heel of his lead foot just inches from his opponent's face in a motion that resembles the sting from a scorpion's tail.

The tang soo do master shares his techniques with his students at Martial Arts Academy in San Angelo.

Last month, students mingled and practiced techniques with traditional weapons while Troncoso stretched to the Grateful Dead's ''Touch of Gray'' before class. The training hall's bulletin board was tacked with candid photographs of Troncoso with legendary martial artists such as kickboxing champion Bill ''Superfoot'' Wallace and triple-crown Ultimate Fighting champion Dan ''The Beast'' Severn.

After warming up, Troncoso circled around his students who were lined up in formation and practicing punches.

''Kiap!'' he shouted as the students punched in unison. The loud command echoed across the studio - evidence of the intensity in which Troncoso and his students train.

''Get rhythm, get rhythm,'' Troncoso said as his students quickly switched to front kicks. ''You will break a sweat tonight. I promise you.''

The students' cheeks flushed and sweat beaded on their foreheads, but Troncoso was just getting started.

''I'm not done with you yet,'' he said while students performed jumping roundhouse kicks. ''I'm going to wear your legs out, guys.''

Troncoso knelt in front of a small child and held out a pad for him to kick. The pad snapped loudly when the child struck it.

''This one's going to be mean,'' Troncoso said with a smile as he patted the boy on the head.

Andy Mohr has trained with Troncoso for six months. He said he admires the drive the instructor inspires in his students.

''This is really hard training, but I like it,'' he said.

Troncoso said the attributes that help martial artists persevere through intense training are the same ones that led him to the hall of fame.

''Passion and commitment are my key ingredients,'' he said. ''I've always had a love for this art and I love teaching it. When an individual gets a black belt and then drops out, that's not a true martial artist. You have to study and keep growing.''

A master's guidance

Troncoso stood along the wall of a racquetball court adjacent to his training studio and watched a young female student practice a kata, a pattern of pre-arranged martial-arts techniques.

After a few minor modifications, the girl completed the form with ease.

''All right,'' Troncoso cheered with applause. ''That's what I like to see.''

Troncoso knelt to eye level of the girl and her younger brother, who also trains with him.

''Give me five,'' he said. ''Y'all did great tonight.''

Troncoso said he fashions his relationships with his younger students after the way he was taught as a teenager.

He said he was a trouble-making preteen when he stumbled onto martial arts.

''I was always getting in trouble in school, but when I started this art it changed my life,'' Troncoso said. ''When the kids come in here, it brings me joy. I like to take them to tournaments and watch them succeed. ... Outside the dojang (training hall), they excel in life too.''

George Howard, one of Troncoso's instructors, said Troncoso has been dedicated to martial arts since his rookie days. He said that when Troncoso worked nights, the two stayed up into the early hours of the morning preparing Troncoso for upcoming tests and tournaments.

''He always had the desire,'' Howard said. ''It was untouched, but with a little help, he developed into a great martial artist. ... He has dedicated his life to martial arts. When somebody dedicates his life to something, it's great to see them get recognized for it.''

Troncoso joked with some of his students after class.

He put one large title belt around his waist, draped another over his shoulder, raised his fists in the air and bounced on his toes like a prize fighter.

Student C.W. Yountz watched Troncoso and said the indomitable spirit that won the instructor a spot in the hall of fame will take him further in the martial arts.

The award is ''really wonderful,'' Yountz said. ''It makes me proud of the school and of him. I think he'll go wherever he wants to.''