We have some pretty impressive kids in our Kids Program! Nyal and Blake are bringing you some high level BJJ work for this week’s Kids Technique of the Week. Check out Nyal’s breakdown of this lapel choke from side control.
Kids Belt Testing and Promotions
Belt testing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu takes a lot of hard work. You need to make it to class consistently. You need to learn the different techniques. And you need to practice a lot so that, when you have to use the techniques under pressure, you don’t forget the little details that make all the difference.
Coach Caveman and Coach Matt work hard with all of the kids to help get everyone ready for belt testing. Having the opportunity to prepare for and then succeed in a high pressure – but safe and comfortable – environment helps teach kids how to stay calm in potentially stressful situations. This is one of many skills that our MMA and Anti-bullying program is designed to teach.
This past weekend we had 18 kids successfully test for their next stripe or belt promotion. We could not be more proud of how well they did. Congratulations to all of the kids on their promotions. Thank you to our kids coaches for their tireless efforts to help the kids (including volunteering to come in for extra help sessions). Finally, both congratulations and thank you to all of the parents. You put in a lot of behind the scenes work to help your kids be successful, and we are very grateful to have so many wonderful families be part of our WNY MMA family.
We would also like to congratulate and thank our 7 Junior Instructors, who received a red stripe on the other end of their belts. Leadership and accountability are extremely important to learn, and we are proud to foster an environment in which kids are able to develop these fundamental skills.
Promotions
1st Stripe (White Belt)
Blake Melewski
2nd Stripe (White Belt)
Rudy Issac
Coleman Bitter
Xavier Backstrom
Erica Smith
Ciprian Giamatti
3rd Stripe (White Belt)
Felix Hatton
Denae Wagner
Promoted to Grey with White Stripe Belt
Nyal West
Ni’Shaun Satchell
Blake Bishop
1st Stripe (Grey with White Stripe Belt)
Vai Butts
Mason Hollis
Dylan Hollis
Maya Kay
Mike VanEvery
3rd Stripe (Grey with White Stripe Belt)
Dakota Roberts
Kreighton Butts
Junior Instructors
Maya Kay
Matt Flores Jr
Nyal West
Denae Wagner
Ni’Shaun Satchell
Dakota Roberts
Kreighton Butts
