Coach’s Corner
Happy May!
As we head into summer and turn the page on the cold weather and leafless trees, I wanted to check in with all of you and share some exciting news. Thanks to all of you, we’ve officially won ‘The Best of Hudson Valley’ in TWO different categories! We’ve won ‘Best Jiu Jitsu School’ and ‘Best MMA School’. I’m thrilled and honored to hear that we’ve been awarded these titles, but I truly didn’t need an award to justify this for me. I don’t mean this arrogantly; I mean this genuinely: I’ve known we’ve had the best school for a long time. Together, our students, parents, members, staff, and team have built an incredible community where I’ve witnessed firsthand the progress and benefits of individuals. The bonds and friendships formed, the improved skills and coordination, and the care and guidance given and taken by senior students are a group effort, and it’s a beautiful sight to see.
When I was a 23-year-old laborer driving to and from the city daily, daydreaming of pursuing my purpose, the seeds were first planted for EGA. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu transformed me into the person I am today, and EGA has become something larger than my wildest dreams imagined, for which I am so grateful and thankful.
I’d like to share a piece of wisdom I picked up many years ago from a coach that applies to all areas and endeavors of your life: Consistency Over Time = Results. You’re going to have good days, and you’re going to have bad days, but just keep showing up, and over time, you will yield positive results.
Thank you all,
Coach Mike
Student Spotlight
Jax Fatigate
Jax, who has just 3 months of jiu-jitsu experience under his belt, is off to an incredible start and has brought so much to EGA with his determination and hard work. Attending the Jr. Warriors class in Fishkill, Coach Al has this to say about Jax: “Over the last few months, Jax has opened up a lot, and his smile lights up the room. We often engage in small talks about the movies he has seen or trips he has taken. When it comes to training in class, he is an excellent listener and always puts in solid effort. A great example of this is how he approaches warm-ups. Initially, he had some difficulty with the double shoulder roll (ninja roll), but through hard work and determination, he recently nailed it and can now be found rolling down the mats like a champ. He has also been working on his cartwheels with Coach Nico, and I expect to see him tumbling down the mats very soon! I often remind our kids that the only time we fail is when we stop trying to succeed. Jax is my shining example of that mindset. Keep up the great work, Jax!”
We asked Jax what his favorite part about the class is, and he said, “Warm-up drills and sumo!” His favorite move is the armbar, and while guard passing was tricky at first, it is becoming easier for him. When he is not at EGA, Jax practices at home with his dad or enjoys watching basketball and football.
Zakai Alon
Nine-year-old Zakai started training at EGA before the pandemic. The pandemic temporarily halted her training, but Zakai eagerly returned last year and seamlessly picked up where she left off. Zakai’s excitement to return was palpable, and she has made remarkable progress since then. According to Coach Nico, “Zakai has been an exemplary student whose jiu-jitsu skills have skyrocketed. She demonstrates incredible persistence in attempting new moves during live training, which has significantly enhanced her technique. It has been truly amazing to witness Zakai gracefully handle larger opponents with her technique.” Zakai particularly enjoys live wrestling during class and is quick to showcase her “Paint Brush” (Americana) move. When asked if there was anything else she would like to share, she exclaimed, “Coming to class is my favorite part of the week!”
Forty Nguyen
“I have been with EGA for approximately two years and have been taking Rocky’s boxing class for about one year. Last year, I suffered a severe BJJ accident at a school in Las Vegas, which nearly destroyed my career and turned my whole life upside down. I thought I would never be physically active again. I was in a bad place both physically and mentally. The passion for life that EGA has reignited in me has been everything. The physical rehabilitation I have been receiving for my knee during EGA’s Cardio Kickboxing classes has been essential to my recovery. The psychological rehabilitation I have been receiving during EGA’s boxing classes has given me hope.
I want to give a big shout out to Jacqui Moo. She is the Cardio Kickboxing coach, and she is my training partner. Her encouragement and support has been such a blessing to my journey. She is my Ken to my Ryu, or Vegeta to my Goku.
Outside of EGA, I enjoy breakdancing (which is my profession), playing video games (specifically League of Legends), and spending time with my family (whether blood-related or not).”
Kayla Natal
“I’m a purple belt and have been training for roughly 8 years. I’ve been training at EGA for 9 months and loving every minute of it! The fantastic quality of instruction, training partners and Jiu Jitsu styles at EGA has been amazing to be a part of. Jiu Jitsu helps me face life off the mats with confidence and I always look forward to coming back on the mats to learn, troubleshoot and grow.“
Tanner Scheible
“EGA is my 2nd home, where I have trained for about 7 years, and I am proud to say that I have earned a purple belt from Mike, a good friend and mentor whom I’m honored to call my coach, among the many other coaches who have helped guide me on the mats. I never intend to stop training; it’s a way of life for me. My favorite aspect of our gym is the opportunity to meet the coolest people from all walks of life, all striving to become better. This lifestyle has only changed me for the better, most recently as a Law Enforcement Officer! The repetitive battles on the mats, the checks on my ego, and the continuous learning only contribute to my improvement on the street, both in physical self-defense and, most importantly, in the way I treat people. At this point, I firmly believe that grappling/combat sports and the fam at EGA were placed on my path for a reason, and I have cherished every step of this journey. Oss.”
Training Schedules
Did you know there’s a quick link to access our schedules? Bookmark this link to your browser to keep on hand. Important note: Starting May 15th, the 6:30PM Adult BJJ Fundamentals class will be Monday/Wednesday – NoGi, and Tuesday/Thursday/Friday – Gi. This is already represented on the schedules, but won’t take effect till Monday, May 15th. If ever in doubt, bring both!
Who’s The Best?!
WE ARE!! As Coach Mike shared above, EGA was voted the Hudson Valley’s “Best Jiu Jitsu School” AND “Best MMA School!” This honor is thanks to YOU! Thank you for taking the time to vote and share with your friends and family.
A few months back we put out a survey to get an idea of how and why our students landed at EGA and what has kept you here. The purpose was to help us with future marketing as well as gain an understanding of what brings folks through the door. All the responses were extremely helpful and many of the written responses expressed similar sentiments! With those thoughts and quotes we wrote a blog post about why folks should choose EGA for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! Please feel free to share this with friends and family that may need a little extra encouragement to check us out, as we heard loud and clear that you’re out there sharing already! Also, take a quick read yourself as you may see your quote in the post! Again, THANK YOU!
Upcoming Tournament
Good luck to all our students competing in upcoming tournaments!! Make sure you’re training smart, intentionally, and taking care of yourself. Are you interested in competing? A great group of students will be heading to Saratoga Springs for the May 27th Grappling Industries tournament. There is still time to register! As always, see your coach with any questions you may have about competing or registering.