From Puerto Rico to El Barrio chronicles the life journey of Eddie Diaz, one of the first Puerto Rican-born to join the NYPD, where he proudly served until his retirement in 1988. During his career in law enforcement, Eddie experienced many unimaginable situations and circumstances that have shaped him into the person he is today.

Eddie was born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico along with four of his five siblings. After his parents moved their family to New York in search of a better life, Eddie attended public school, where he learned to speak English, and later graduated from Samuel Gompers High School in the Bronx. At the age of twenty-four, Eddie began learning martial arts. Through continual practice, he later began teaching the art of Ju Jutsu, ultimately earning the title of Shihan, or teacher. From a small boy born in Puerto Rico to an adult American man, brother, husband, law enforcement officer, Ju Jutsu Master, and expert martial arts teacher, Eddie Diaz is a source of deep pride to his family and loved ones and an inspiration to us all.