I can remember it just like it was yesterday. Watching this tiny little girl stand on the side lines watching as her big brother took my kickboxing classes. She would mimic his movements right down to the last detail. While watching him in Jiu-Jitsu she would follow along with the class as if she knew her turn would be right around the corner. Always so bright and full of energy I had mixed feelings about her going on the mat. I wasn’t sure if she would be able to reel in all that energy and harness it in a disciplined manner. I’m glad to say in this instance I was wrong.
“For a child in the martial arts, there are many challenges. At times those challenges seem overwhelming, unbeatable. When other members of their family train in the same classes they have seen what it takes to overcome these obstacles. They have seen first hand the result of hard work and discipline. So it makes it a little easier for them.”
She has been in the class for about a year or so. I that time I have seen her grow and develop the skills she will need through out her life to achieve. Her discipline is strong. She knows that what is asked of her is only done so in an effort to make her stronger. Her focus is determined. She does get distracted from time to time but a quick snap of the fingers or glance at her gets her right back to true north. Most of all I am impressed by her non-quitting spirit. She is very strong for her size so I am usually putting her with some of the more experienced kids in class. At first this was unpleasant to her. She thought I did it as a punishment of some sort. That could not be further from the truth. I explained to her that she was with these kids because of her talent level and because I believed that she could hang with them. This challenge would make her stronger and that is all she needed to hear. Now she is eager to face down anyone.
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As usual I would love to say that all of her progress is due to my expert tutelage but it’s not. It is simply because she wants to get better. She understands that where her life goes is in her hands. With the tools that martial arts training provides, Discipline, Focus and Non-Quitting Spirit anything is possible. Gigi is also blessed to have a great support crew behind. Her big brother trains in my classes. Her father trains in my classes. Even her mother just started taking classes. That’s right people. Think twice before popping off at the mouth with this family. It won’t end in your favor. I’m so proud of Gigi and thankful of her family.
