Coach’s Corner

* Contributed by Coach Nick Spencer

I’d like to take time to talk about the importance of training partners. Without our training partners we literally cannot do jiu jitsu. This is something that we know and understand but although jiu jitsu is an individual sport, it takes a team to build a champion. 

A good way to approach training jiu jitsu is to teach those who are behind you, learn from those in front of you, and help push those that are your equal. We are all on the journey together and we come from all walks of life. The road from white belt to black belt is bumpy. Remember those who helped you when you needed that extra push and help carry on that tradition. 

I’m thankful every day when I step into our gym. The fact that we all come together to learn this amazing art on a daily basis motivates me every time I walk down those steps to the basement. Always feel free to ask me and any other instructor whatever questions you have. That’s what we’re here for!

 

November Calendar

Happy Veteran’s Day! Please note: no classes on Friday, 11/11, but adults come join us for open mat! Thanksgiving is right around the corner. No classes Thanksgiving Day or weekend. We will be taking the time to clean and get our space looking and feeling fresh and clean. However, we’d love to see you for the Turkey Roll open mat Thanksgiving morning!

 

Save the Date

We have two exciting events in December that you don’t want to miss! First is a FREE Mobility Clinic with Daragh Crowley on Saturday, 12/10 at 1:30 in Beacon. Check him out on Instagram at daraghcontiuum to see a bit of what he does!

Second is our annual EGA Holiday Party! This adults only party will be held at Cold Spring Depot on Saturday, 12/17. More details to come!

 

Student Spotlight

Layla Davis

Coach Mike says, “One of our tough young lady grapplers, Layla’s skills on the mats are very slick! She’s a natural grappler, who wrestles hard to avoid giving up the top position, and then pins her training partners when she gets on top with heavy pinning pressure.”

Layla has been a hardworking regular in our kids program and we are so proud of her. When asked, Layla shared, “I love jiu jitsu because of all the nice people there. It always feels good to go! And my favorite move is the arm bar because it is a real power move!” Great job, Layla!

 

 

 

Brennan Moranski

“What can we say about Brennan? We’re super proud of him! Over the course of the last 2 months he’s really dialed in and has made leaps and bounds of improvements on the mat. He works hard and has a really good double leg takedown.” – Coach Mike.

Brennan has been training at EGA for about 3 years and his favorite move is the Triangle Choke. Here’s what Brennan wanted to share about his time training and as encouragement for others, “Class is hard, but I still work hard. Other kids should never give up.” Thank you for the encouragement, Brennan! Keep up the hard work!

 

 

Kate Ward

 

“I enjoy EGA because it’s a physical and mental workout. The instructors are very skilled and make helpful suggestions throughout class to ensure proper technique. At the end of class I always feel invigorated and like a badass. It’s a great place to come blow off steam and sweat!”

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Kocaj

“Hey all, I’ve been training at EGA for just over a year now and it is my favorite part of every day. Jiu jitsu has become an obsession for me as there’s seemingly infinite knowledge and skills to obtain and it helps scratch that competitive itch. Everyone at the gym is awesome; all my coaches and training partners have helped me immensely in my journey and have been great friends outside the gym as well. I’m grateful for how far I’ve gotten, excited for how far I will go, and hoping that I can make an impact on others in the way so many of you have made on me.”

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Coach Joan

This month we are excited to give you the opportunity to get to know Coach Joan Demetroules! Coach Joan started her martial arts journey training MMA at age 8. After several years she decided she wanted to give BJJ a try and her parents found EGA. Joan has grown from a regular in the kids program to now coaching and earning great success in the competition world racking up medals in highly competitive Adult Blue Belt brackets. “Coaching kids makes coaching fun. I like getting to know them and love that I get to teach them something I really like.” 

After coaching, Joan stays for her own training. She shows a great balance of enjoying her training partners while working hard, regularly improving, and encouraging her teammates to do the same. Watching her move, plan, and respond to whatever is thrown her way is incredible to take in. Kimuras and Bow and Arrow Chokes are her things, though wrestling has become a recent focus. She will continue to be a force to be reckoned with as she rounds out her game. Fun fact about Coach Joan: she’s fluent in Hungarian! And if she’s not at school or EGA, you can find her working at an ice cream shop or enjoying some much deserved down time with her friends and pup.

 

Wanting More?

Can’t get enough striking? Do you have a favorite coach? Would you be interested in or benefit from some additional training? If you answered yes, we offer personal training sessions! Reach out to any of our striking coaches for more information: Nick, Joey, Rocky, or Jacqui.

 

October Recap!

We had the so much fun hosting THREE events at the gym in October! There was an incredible turn out for NERF Night with the kiddos. It was loud, CRAZY, and so much fun! Thanks to our helpers and a BIG THANKS to all the parents that brought out their kids! We’re looking forward to more kids nights to come!

We also had the pleasure of hosting Leo Delgado for a great NoGi Seminar. Again, the turnout was great and each person took away something to up their game. We are so grateful to be able to provide many learning opportunities to our tribe. Learning from others and training with each other only sharpens our brain and our skills. If you couldn’t make this seminar, we hope to see you at the next!

Coach Jacqui’s Spooky Punch & Brunch was a HIT! What a fun morning of working out, being goofy, and enjoying some treats with our teammates. Each person said they can’t wait for the next and we hope to see YOU there!