Coach’s Corner
Hey Tribe,
I am happy to announce the start of a monthly EGA Newsletter to keep parents and students up to date with current events, future events, and announcements. We have an environment filled with dedicated and disciplined hard workers ranging from young children to adults. I’d like to use this as a platform where I could ‘spotlight’ individuals’ hard work for all to see, naming a Student of the Month for our Adults and Kids Programs. I’m really looking forward to July 16th, when we will be holding our annual Adult Promotion Ceremony at Riverfront Park here in Beacon. I am ecstatic to be promoting four incredible individuals to the rank of Black belt; a rank that typically takes over a decade to achieve. I look forward to remaining in touch with you all and hope you enjoy our monthly newsletter! – Coach Mike
Student Spotlight
Maia Accomando
Maia is 5 years old and has been training BJJ for a little over a year. Coach Gabbi says, “Maia is fearless and not afraid to take on new challenges. She is always striving to be better and this has helped her to not only make progress in the gym, but to be successful in competition as well!” When asked what she loves about jiu jitsu, Maia said, “I love the animal exercises and to go against the boys!”
Hazel Bonfiglio
Hazel is 6 years old and was excited to start training as soon as she was old enough to jump on the mats! Coach Gabbi says, “Hazel always shows up with a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn, Her perseverance allows her to overcome any obstacle that comes her way and to continuously grow both on and off the mats!” When asked what she loves about jiu jitsu, Hazel said, “I love to wrestle!”
Kailey McEneany
Jiu jitsu has been the most challenging yet rewarding thing I’ve experienced! The mental and physical challenge, constant learning (and re-learning), and progression is addicting. I am so grateful for EGA and everyone here. Especially as a woman doing something like jiu jitsu, it can be very intimidating. But from the start they welcomed my boyfriend and I with open arms, no judgement, and genuinely want us to grow and progress. A special thank you to all the ladies who have welcomed me and helped me along the way! It has helped me with
my self-confidence, discipline and my outlook on success and failure as a whole. It has been such a wonderful experience so far and I’m excited to see what’s ahead!
Emily Martinson
I joined the gym 7 months ago to not only challenge myself physically but to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I quickly fell in love with not only the sport but the community. Since joining, I’ve not only experienced physical growth but also mental and emotional. It’s helped me grow as a person, improve my confidence, and push myself in other areas and aspects of my life. It helped shape me into becoming a better version of myself. From the beginning, all the members were welcoming and supportive and friendships were quickly formed. The coaches are not only knowledgeable, but also patient, supportive, and encouraging. They work on improving my form and technique while also pushing me to get stronger and building my confidence each and every class. I look forward to going to the gym at the end of the day, escaping the stress of the day, if only for an hour, and pushing myself to leave it all on the mat.
* Save the Date! *
Summer promotions are right around the corner! Save the date for Saturday, July 16 to celebrate your tribe’s hard work. Join us at Riverfront Park in Beacon for adult belt promotions, an outdoor open mat, food truck, lawn games, and more! Stay tuned for more details.
Meet Coach Jacqui
After a grueling recovery from surgery due to an autoimmune disease, Jacqui Moo fell in love with kickboxing. Cardio Kickboxing not only kept her engaged but produced results she could both see and feel! Having a passion for health, wellness, and fitness, Jacqui considers it, “…an honor to help many others thrive and stay consistent on their health and fitness journey.”
What you can expect from Jacqui’s Cardio Kickboxing class is an exhilarating, yet challenging, 45-min full body workout experience for all fitness levels. Kickboxing on heavy bags mixed with body weight exercises, kettlebells, and a variety of other exercises will keep your heart rate high and body engaged. You can find Jacqui in Beacon Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6:15!
Meet Coach Vinny
Having grown up in sports, and rarely shying away from a fight, Vinny Fernandez happily landed in wrestling in 2005. He was soon e
xposed to BJJ and found himself formally training just a few years later. After some time off due to injury, blue belt Vinny began his time here at EGA in 2015. Now known as Coach, Vinny has found a passion in helping others find confidence on the mats. “It’s incredibly rewarding helping people who couldn’t correctly perform a movement or technique to eventually be proficient.” Coaching has also deepened his love of the sport as, “It isn’t about me anymore. It’s about making everyone around me better.” A little word of warning should you find yourself rolling with Vinny: watch out for his front headlocks! They are one of his favorite positions as they lead to so many other attacks and positions. You must wake early to find Coach Vinny in action coaching Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:30 a.m. As his Morning Maniacs like to say, it’s “the best way to start the day!”
From the Podium
Big CONGRATS to Matt Montleon (3 silver) and Steve Spencer (1 gold, 2 silver) for putting in the work and representing EGA at the recent Grappling Industries event in New Hampshire. Matt most recently took double gold at Grappling Industries in Newtown, CT!
MJ Bonfiglio took double gold at a recent Grappling Industries event in Saratoga Springs, NY, as well as double silver in Newtown, CT fighting an age bracket up!! Way to go MJ!!
Congrats to Leo DeSousa (not pictured) who took silver in his division at Grappling Industries, Newtown!