Coach’s Corner

 

Promotion = Progress.  

As a coach, it is such a rewarding feeling and experience to oversee the development of an individual from the very beginning of their journey all the way through their advanced development. A promotion in rank is a marker of your progress and development. Whether you’re being promoted with stripes on your belt, or you’re being promoted to a new belt, promotion is a reflection of your skill development. Each rank in BJJ is indicative of certain skills that have been attained through the trial and error processes of Jiu Jitsu. These skill developments are often just as much mental as they are physical, and seeing an individual overcome the obstacles on their path to progress is greatly fulfilling for themselves as Students and for me as a Teacher. 

 – Coach Mike 

 

 

 

Adult Promotions & Field Day!

 

Join us Saturday, July 16th at 10:30 for Jiu Jitsu in the Park located at Pete Seeger Riverfront Park in Beacon . A very special Black Belt Promotion will begin at 12:30 for Al Gernhardt, Joe Pomarico, Vinny Fernandez, and Billy Rockwell! Following promotions, hang around for some BBQ and Field Day fun with your tribe!

 

 

 

Student Spotlight

 

Eli Nasca

Eli is 6 years old and has been training BJJ since the age of 3. He has grown so much over the past few years and continues to be a great role model and training partner in our kids program! When asked, Eli says he loves BJJ and EGA because it, “Makes me stronger!” Coach Gabbi says, “Eli is one of the most respectful kids in the program. He has a great comprehension of jiu jitsu and is always looking to apply what was learned in class to live training. On top of being a model student, he always goes out of his way to help his training partners and make sure they have the moves down too.” Thank you for your consistent hard work, Eli!

 

  

Ryder Demetroules

Ryder is 11 years old and has been a regular at EGA for the past 5 1/2 years! His love of jiu jitsu has evolved over time as he’s grown physically, competed, and continues to learn more. Coach Gabbi says, “Ryder always brings so much positive energy to the room. He has come so far in the 5 ½ years he’s been training and lately his technique has increased exponentially. He is a prime example of the progress that can be made when you stay consistent and don’t give up.” What does Ryder appreciate about jiu jitsu? “Jiu jitsu is fun with a handful of discipline.” Keep up the great work, Ryder!

 

 

Alexander Milnikiewicz

“I started training at EGA in January. Jiu jitsu was always something that interested me and I’m glad I found a gym that is both local and has such a welcoming environment. The most exciting part of jiu jitsu for me is the constant challenge, both physical and mental. I’m eager to learn a new skill that I can always make progress in. I would like to thank Mike and all the coaches at EGA for always taking the time to help me better understand the techniques, and a big thanks to my training partners for pushing me and raising the bar every class. I’m excited to see what the future holds for everyone.” 

 

 

Katrina Sceppaquercia

My interest in Jiu Jitsu began when my children briefly joined in 2014. I desperately wanted to start but at the time I was going through a 2 year medical work up for multiple physical symptoms which originally started out as ruling out ALS and then to my finally diagnosis of Chiari malformation and rare clotting disorder. I knew I had to be cleared in order to train, but I kept putting it off because I was afraid physicians would tell me I could not participate.

Fast forward to March 2020, I was one of 300 in Dutchess County to get the original strain of Covid. I’m versed clinically; but with the symptoms I was presenting with….for the first time I was actually scared.  I made my decision after a month in quarantine and reflecting on the fact with the above recent events and my Chiari at one point possibly taking my ability to ever train again (if I have the decompression surgery or it gets worse). I was not going to hold off on doing ANYTHING I wanted to do ever again…thus beginning my journey in JIU JITSU October 28, 2020.

I feel my training partners have become family. Very rarely will you find a group of people who truly sacrifice themselves to help others without expecting something back. I strive to return that compassion and ease the stresses of the newer members who come in. My end goal is to obtain my black belt before osteoporosis sets in!

 

 

Kevin Candia

“EGA is one of the best places I have ever joined. EGA has helped me improve in every possible way you can think, not just physically but mentally and emotionally, as well. The atmosphere there is really amazing once you get comfortable; so many funny and kindhearted people there! Boxing, cardio kick boxing, muay Thai; all those classes are amazing. The coaches there help you in any way they can. They motivate me to become a better person. The atmosphere you share with them is incredible. The coaches are all strong and kindhearted people; I wish to become like them one day. I’ve learned so much and so easily because of their teaching skill. I hope to keep learning from them.” 

 

 

Jaime Brockett

“I started kickboxing in December, originally because I was bored with a regular gym. Now it’s become an obsession. Jacqui, Joe, and Nick all focus on different things in their classes which really makes for a well-rounded training. I feel stronger, and even though I have always been physically fit, people that have known me for years can tell what a difference kickboxing has made.” 

 

 

 

Upcoming Special Event

 

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to learn from Coach Mike’s professor, Rafael “Formiga” Barbosa! A Black Belt since 2002, Formiga has been a top competitor in both the Adult and Masters divisions. This 9x World Champion is also known as an incredible professor with a great love for sharing his knowledge and helping his students achieve their goals. This event is free for members! If you have any questions reach out to Coach Mike.

 

 

 

New Shirts!

 

Have you seen the new shirts?! They are $25 and available in both adult and kid sizes, stop by the gym and grab your shirt!

 

 

 

Meet Coach Mark

 

In 2017 Mark Lewis was minding his own business at a gym in Newburgh when he met Joe Pomarico. They quickly discovered a shared love of BJJ which led Mark to EGA. Having trained BJJ and muay Thai for 6 years and earning his purple belt at American Top Team in FL, Mark was excited to try out a few area gyms to find the best fit. “Originally, my plan was to try all the gyms in the area and pick my favorite, but after my first day at EGA I knew it was the place for me. I love the community and culture Mike has worked so hard to create.”

Now a brown belt and new coach, Mark is experiencing BJJ through a new lens. “Though I just started coaching, I’m having a lot of fun. The way BJJ creates instant friends on the mats and how people enjoy struggling with new skills is incredible. The struggle of jiu jitsu has a funny way of connecting people. ” Favorite position and submission? “Butterfly guard was my first love and will be with me forever!” Also, watch out for his high elbow guillotines! When Mark isn’t at EGA training or coaching, you’ll find him travelling (he’s traveled the country TWICE in his car dropping in at different gyms along the way!), hiking, or watching jiu jitsu. You can catch Mark’s class on Tuesday and Thursday nights at our Beacon location. Grateful for all BJJ has given him, his love of the sport shines through, and you will feel it too! 

 

 

 

From the Podium

 

June was a busy month for our competitors! A crew traveled to Long Beach, California to compete at the World IBJJF Championship and Masters International Championship. Joan Demetroules, Nico Demilio, Ashley D’Aversa, Ricky Kolmel, Dave Echevarria ,and Mike Palladino all had incredible performances with Ricky placing first and Mike place third in their divisions.  

A little closer to home, Steve Spencer placed 1st at NJBJJF. Dave Echevarria also traveled to Washington DC for the IBJJF Open and came home with both gosld and silver medal to add to his collection! 

Lastly, but certainly not least, a HUGE shout out to Clay Ortmann (pictured), Christian Gomez, and Daniel Gomez for stepping up and competing at Tap Cancer Out. TCO is an incredible jiu jitsu-based non-profit that is raising funds and awareness for cancer fighting organizations. Thank you for your hard work, guys!  

 

** Interested in competing?  Talk to your coach! There are many opportunities in the coming months.

 

 

 

Did You Know?! 

 

Did you know a monthly newsletter isn’t the only regular addition to our blog? One new series titled, “Off the Mats” is dedicated to strengthening your BJJ game…off the mats! From strength and training, sports psychology, nutrition, to injury prevention and rehab, we will share ways to improve yourself and your BJJ game from many different aspects of life. Check out the post titled, “For the Love of Salt” to make sure you’re hydrated and feeling well these hot summer months. Check back regularly as the blog will be updated with helpful and interesting articles related to BJJ/Striking, technique highlights, and a chance to get to know the faces you see around the gym!

 

 

 

Schedules!

 

Current schedules can now be found at the gym OR save these links for quick access! A link for the Fishkill location will be posted soon!

COMPLETE EGA SCHEDULE – BEACON

ADULT BJJ & MUAY THAI – NEWBURGH