Carlos Flores’ journey into crafting wooden swords began as a personal search for healing, discipline, and connection—one that led him from Japanese woodworking traditions into the practice of judo and ultimately back to himself. Deeply influenced by his Taíno ancestry, his work blends cultural reverence with intentional design, creating pieces that are not just functional but deeply symbolic. Guided by a philosophy that embraces effort as essential to growth, Carlos creates objects that encourage movement, mindfulness, and longevity—inviting people to reconnect with their bodies, their environments, and the quiet power of working with their hands.

When you’re born in Borikén (Puerto Rico), you are part of what we call the criollo Puertorriqueño, a result of the complex interplay between our Taíno, African and Spanish ancestors. My DNA test proves what we know culturally also exists in our blood. Armed with that knowledge, I spent a number of years trying to dig into the stories of my people who have been erased, only to discover that it truly was merely scratching the surface.