I am not sure where to begin on how to express the significant changes that have occurred since starting the Muay Thai program here at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

First and foremost, I have conquered the ‘ I don’t have time’ and the ‘I am not sure I can do this or that’ statements. I have been able to overcome the ‘fear’ of it all. I am able to participate in classes with certainty that we all started at square one. This was a ‘first’ for us all.

Secondly, positivity is all around us. Everyone in the program from Professor, to the teachers, to the classmates have positivity oozing out of them. The greeting as soon as you walk through the door makes you instantly feel like you belong there. The senior students in the class coach you along the way and they never make you feel insecure in your abilities. They provide constant encouragement and helpful tips along this journey.

This is so important to me because it gives you the self confidence and motivation that you need to do this. If you can do this, then what’s to say you can’t do something else you thought you wouldn’t be able to? One of the best parts of class is the end. When we high five each other and offer one compliment to our partners. For some of us that may be the only positive statement we hear that day or even that week. It makes a person feel good about themselves that someone else recognizes an achievement that they made.

The energy level that I have gained is amazing. Honestly, I have always been the ‘on the go Mom’. With four kids I have to be. This is the one thing that I do that is just for me. After 12 hours at work each day who wants to have to go to class? But because this makes me feel good and it makes me happy I find the energy within myself. I actually leave class with more energy then what I had before class. I wake up every day ready to conquer what the world has in store for me.

I believe in the three D’s. Determination, discipline and dedication. The Muay Thai program pushes me everyday to follow these three D’s. One doesn’t work without the other. I have more energy, have great exercise everyday and a bonus is making some friends along the journey to black belt.

This is has been one of the best decisions I could have ever made for myself. I cannot wait to see what’s in store for me in the days, months or years to come.