October 20th marks one year of my daughter learning Japanese jiu-jitsu and kickboxing/mma here. My daughter and I have been reflecting lately on how much she’s evolved and grown through bullying, tough life events, and some heavy disappointments this past year.
Sensei Samir, Sensei Latifah, and Ms. Zida, have created an environment and community that values respect, discipline, safety, community, etc. and make a point of earning and building a foundation of trust with their students. They are all living examples and embodiments of the very values they teach. They maintain high standards through the teaching of their techniques, fine-tuning skills, with personal reflection and responsibility. Their consistency and commitment to showing up for their students in the way that they need, has helped my daughter better recognize who to trust and why, what healthy boundaries look like, how to clearly communicate her own boundaries, and how to recognize which people and situations to avoid. The training, support, self-confidence, respect, and trust that she’s been building with Rise has given her the tools and resources to protect herself and has thankfully kept her safe a few times this year. The expectation and consistency in mutual respect has recently helped my daughter feel comfortable in partnering and sparring with the boys in the class as they have been mindful to match her energy, while carefully challenging her to improve, while also checking in constantly that she is still within her comfort zone. She now playfully tackles and arm bars them during kickboxing and mma because she recognizes the green flags that earned her trust and permission to play like that and vice versa when appropriate.
Around this time last year she was feeling lost with nothing to look forward to. Then we were suddenly without a vehicle for a couple months recently and she would relentlessly make sure to make it to class despite the 2 hour transit ride through heat waves, rain storms, missing the bus and running late. Their dedication, support, and energy they invest in each student inspired my daughter to invest in and continue to show up for herself and gave her something positive to look forward to. She even asked for private lessons but they were fully booked. The attention and value they pour into their classes still prepared my daughter to pass her first two belt gradings this year.
The amount of value you get with the harmonious teaching dynamics of Sensei Samir and Sensei Latifah and their individual complimentary styles are endless. Sensei Samir with his firm, respectful, and disciplined voice, commanding the attention of the class while explaining techniques, how and why they’re used, how to watch and understand body language, in an age appropriate manner, empowering his audience without instilling fear. Sensei Latifah and her highly observant personality allowing her to attune with the students and communicate patiently with gentle, but FIRM clear expectations - Especially when advocating for the safety and benefit of each individual for the overall well-being and safety of the dojo - leading an important and impactful example to all of the young ladies that look up to her to follow. Ms. Zida, also a constant at the studio, providing support with the children, the class, and with the parents - oftentimes offering support to the families of the dojo in many ways that I never expected that I needed, nor thought possible from any place of business. Their desire to see their students thrive is evident in the endless energy they pour into those who are willing and ready to match it.
Posted 10 months ago
