Coach’s Corner
I am frequently told by both students and parents about their experiences regarding the benefits of Jiu Jitsu. There are few things that make me feel more fulfilled as a teacher and practitioner than these success stories.
Recently a parent, whose child had been enrolled in Jiu Jitsu a couple of years ago, reached out to me on Facebook. Her son, who was timid and shy, is now playing football and was being bullied by a bigger child on the team. After being teased and tormented the coaching staff was notified but didn’t really alleviate the bullying of which her son was a victim. The bully decided to become physical and it was at that point the former Jiu Jitsu student took the bully down and climbed into mount. The supervising adults quickly separated the two. The former student’s mother reached out to tell me how thankful she was for Jiu Jitsu and how she believed it was directly responsible for her son’s confidence to stand up for himself.
As a coach and teacher, hearing this story gave me a sense of fulfillment. It is my goal to equip individuals, both kids and adults alike, with tools they can carry with them throughout their lives. Whether it’s the benefits of exercise, stepping out of comfort zones, setting goals, learning what consistency, discipline and dedication can bring, or standing up for yourself, these are all important tools that we can carry through life and utilize daily or when needed.
This is just one of many stories I’ve heard from Jiu Jitsu parents and adult students over time and I look forward to sharing more. If you have any, please feel free to share!
– Coach Mike
Upcoming Events
Kids NERF Night!
Kids! Grab your favorite NERF gun and ammo and come ready for battle at EGA on 10/21! Cost is $25 and covers dinner and as many rounds as you can make happen from 6-8! RSVP by 10/19 to [email protected]. Payment for the event can either be cash or your account can be charged.
Coach Jacqui’s Spooky Punch & Brunch
On Sunday, 10/23, put on a costume and come try out a Halloween themed kickboxing class with Coach Jacqui! Regulars, not-so-regulars, and folks that have been wanting to give it a try are all very welcome to attend. After, stay for a fun hang with your teammates. BYOB and feel free to bring a friend and a snack to share. We look forward to seeing you there! To RSVP, follow this evite link OR send an email to [email protected]!
No Gi Seminar with Leonardo Delgado
You don’t want to miss this opportunity to learn from 3rd Degree Blackbelt and multi-time champion, Leonardo Delgado! It’s FREE for EGA Students and is sure to be a fantastic night. The benefits of learning from others are innumerable. That continues to be part of the teaching model here at EGA and it is a great joy to provide our students with many opportunities to show up and glean from as many top athletes as possible! The seminar begins at 6:30 on Thursday, October 27th. RSVP via IG @EVOBJJ or send an email to [email protected].
Student Spotlight
Anthony Lopez
Anthony began his time at EGA a little over a year ago and has been such an incredible addition, while making wonderful growth, to the teens class. Coach Mike says, “Anthony’s progress and development on the mats has been a treat to watch. Anthony takes a cerebral approach to jiu jitsu, and implements the techniques he learns right away in practice. He’s a natural competitor who wants to improve with every round of training. He works well with others and will often pick the newer students to work with, making them feel more comfortable. Anthony is a class act!” When asked about his experience in jiu jitsu and at EGA here’s what Anthony has to say, “I like how simple it’s been to learn at EGA and how challenging moves have been, stretching my body to its limits and knowledge of how to use my body in defense. I enjoy BJJ because it allows me to learn ways to be confident that I can defend myself even if it doesn’t involve all the full moves. I like how you can learn how to fight to your fullest without having to hurt someone. I’ve also gained confidence and strength.” Thank you for sharing, Anthony, and keep up the great work!
Josiah Smith
Josiah is 11 years old and has been training jiu jitsu for the past 3 years. After watching his little brother and dad on the mats he wanted to give it a try too! When asked, here is what Josiah says about his experience so far at EGA: “I like going to EGA because it’s a really cool place and I like training with my partners. Jiu jitsu gives me something to do and it makes me work out so I can be more fit. Jiu jitsu helps me feel good about myself. I like improving on techniques even though it takes me a while to get them right. When I do though, it feels good.” From his coach’s standpoints, here is Coach Mike’s observations about Josiah, “Josiah is a talented and hardworking boy. He’s a deep thinker and approaches jiu jitsu as an art form. His will to improve is visible to his coaches and teammates by how he trains and the questions he asks. Josiah’s also a great teammate, and when he sees a student struggling with animal exercises, he will take the lead and go next to that student and finish the exercises with them, by their side.”
Have a Question?
We are adding a new series to our newsletter and blog: Ask a Black Belt! Have you ever had training or technique related question that you’ve thought about outside of class and went looking for an answer? There’s lots of noise and self proclaimed experts out there so let’s ask the people we know and trust! We will be answering YOUR questions in this new series. Simply email [email protected], reference Ask a Black Belt, and submit your question!
New EGA Gear!
Have you gotten your new EGA rash guard and shorts yet? Get em’ before they’re gone! Each piece is $60 and can be purchased at EGA.
Want to Compete?
Thinking about competing? Talk to your coaches! There are many great local and regional opportunities to compete at all levels in the coming weeks and months. Pay attention to requirements and registration details when signing up. If you have any questions, please reach out and someone can guide you through! Here are a few places to check for upcoming events: Grappling Industries, NAGA, FUGI BJJ, IBJJF