Coach’s Corner
Practice and the Importance of Approach
In 2015 I read a book called Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise by Dr. Anders Ericsson. Ericsson, coining the term “Deliberate Practice,” was the world’s leading expert on “experts.” In his research he identifies two major types of practice of which I’d like to share with you: Naïve Practice and Deliberate Practice.
Naïve Practice is showing up to class or practice and just going through the motions. It’s the slowest form of progression for an athlete.
Deliberate Practice is study for which is very well prepared. The practitioner or student has clearly outlined goals, comes to practice prepared, asks for feedback, and also applies the constructive feedback received.
This book was monumental in my own personal development on the mats leading me to recommend highly that you further research the concept of Deliberate Practice. YouTube is a wonderful resource as you can find many great short videos breaking down Ericsson’s work and book.
Enjoy!
Coach Mike
Calling All Women!
Over the years as the gym has grown, so has the number of women in regular attendance at EGA! We’re excited to announce the addition of a Women’s Only class to the schedule! Whether you’re looking to compete, a regular that wants to soak up all the training you can, or have been toying with the idea of stepping on the mats for the first time, we would LOVE to see you there! Join us Saturday mornings at 7:30 in Beacon!
Student Spotlight
This month’s Student Spotlight is going to feature a brother duo! Ethan and Jake Lopez both began training right at a year ago. Before landing at EGA, both boys trained a little muay Thai as well as tennis. Speaking of Ethan, Coach Gabbi says,
Ethan
“Ethan always gives 110%. It doesn’t matter if it’s warm-ups, drilling, or live training; he always tries his hardest. He is naturally very good at jiu jitsu and has better movements and technique than even some adults who have been training for a comparable amount of time.” When asked, Ethan couldn’t come up with something he loves about training and EGA because, “There are so many awesome things!”
“Jake brings a tremendous amount of positive energy to the room. He always
Jake
gives his full effort and no matter how many times he fails he always gets back up and tries again. His persistence is something that can be a lesson not only for the other kids, but for everyone,” says Coach Gabbi. Jake, speaking of training, has a great word of advice for all of us, “When you are tired, just keep going.”
In addition, Coach Gabbi says, “As a coach, seeing their skill development has been awesome to watch. Not only are they great athletes, but they are extremely coachable, which is something that can’t be taught. It is exciting to see where they are going to be in a few months, especially if they decide to compete. Both boys have the potential to be very strong competitors.” Keep up the great work guys!
Cem Manisali
Cem “Jem”
“I started boxing a little more than a year ago. I have been dancing my whole life, and previously did fencing, track, and wrestling as a teenager. In college I did weight training and eventually olympic-style weightlifting, and yoga. Muay Thai and boxing have become an almost-daily practice for me. As a showman that has his shirt off most of the time while performing, keeping my body fit is an important part of my craft, and boxing has been superb at this. Compared to all other sports I’ve done, boxing has a certain addictive quality, where it’s like a craft that you always want to work on and improve – plus it’s social, fun, and useful – and all your friends at the gym are there to keep you motivated. Even on days I’m tired, it’s totally normal to just do a class where you take it a little lighter and focus on technique. When I enter the EGA and step on the mat I leave my whole day behind and completely focus on my present moment. 3 hours later when I leave, I resume my day feeling completely relaxed and positive. I get all the fight and aggression out of me and I feel like a marshmallow. Sparring, particularly, has been very beneficial. After about a year of boxing I did my first boxing and muay Thai spars, and these have taught me a lot about courage, fighting spirit, being tactical, and perseverance.”
Let’s Serve!
Have any costumes, unworn or gently loved, tucked away in the closet? Have the ability to grab another costume or two while shopping with your family? We would love to take those off your hands to provide other kiddos in our community with a fun night! Details on poster below!
Stop what you’re doing and give this a try!
From the Podium
Many members of the EGA Tribe have been busy competing this month! Each member has been consistently dedicated to practice and putting in the hard work. Here are some results and a few fun pictures from the podium! Great job, everyone!
Crew wrapping up the day and taking home 2nd place overall!
Rae Baresel – Grappling Industries: Gold & Silver
Ashley D’Aversa – World Master IBJJF
Ricky Kolmel – World Master IBJJF: Gold
Nico DeMilio – Jiu Jitsu Con: Bronze
Charlie McArtin – Grappling Industries: Gold & Silver
MJ Bonfiglio – Grappling Industries: Bronze x2
Clay Ortmann – Grappling Industries: Bronze
Christian Mendoza – Grappling Industries: Silver
Ted Bailos – Grappling Industries: Bronze x2
Julian Gernand – Grappling Industies: Gold & Silver
Rich Ortmann – Grappling Industries: Gold x2
Joan Demetroules – Grappling Industries: Gold x4
Charlie M.
Team Ortmann!
MJ B.
Ricky K.
Bounce!
Thank you to all the families that came out to Bounce! We had such a fun time jumping, climbing, playing, and eating pizza. At any given moment someone was being tossed into the foam pit by Coach Mike all while the others were running, giggling, flying through the air, and enjoying each other. We’re looking forward to more events for the kids of EGA to let loose and have fun. If you missed this one, hopefully we’ll see you next time!
