Student of the Month: Emma G.

Congratulations to our Student of the Month: Emma!
Emma is in our Jiu-Jitsu kids program.
Special thanks go out to Emma’s parents, who helped us with Emma’s interview.

Hi Emma, can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

Well, first off, my name is Emma Thoa Tran Gluski. I am half Vietnamese and European. I am a 10-year-old girl and I am a very strong and confident. I mostly think that I am very confident of myself with everything. I like to sing and dance with my best friend, Allison Mamerto. As an older cousin, I have major responsibilities like, taking care of the young ones and help out around the house. I am always willing to help out one who is alone or hurt.

Why did you start training Jiu-Jitsu?

I started training at Jiu-Jitsu mainly because of my cousin, Allison Mamerto. I also did it to improve my self-esteem and to make a difference in this world, like helping out others and myself.

When did you start training Jiu-Jitsu and how often do you come to class?

I started Jiu-Jitsu on November 23, 2017, I was mainly there just to watch and support Allison, but I ended up trying it. It so fun and I decided “I’m going to be in Jiu Jitsu!” Then on November 28, 2017 I actually joined the class with a card, uniform and everything. I come to Jiu-Jitsu all the time when its class. I haven’t missed a day, but on March 20 I won’t be able to join class due to a music concert for school.

What is your favorite thing about Jiu-Jitsu class?

My favorite thing about Jiu-Jitsu is definitely the animals and the back-to-back sprawl game. I also enjoy the short games at the end of class. (My favorite is blob tag)

What do you like the most about professor Gino’s teachings?

What I like the most about professor Gino’s teachings is how he finds a way to make it easy and fun for us to do. It makes us learn the technique and enjoy doing it!

What improvements have you noticed in Emma?

Dad: I notice she is building confidence with each class. She is also improving her understanding of Jiu-Jitsu. She is improving her athletic abilities. She now has the courage to try something that is new and not familiar with her.
Mom: I notice that she is stronger and learning to respect others more and follow instructions.
Emma has always been a “pretty princess” and not much coordinated with athletic skills other than dancing.  She had no interest in trying martial arts until Allison convinced her to try, plus I told her she needed to pick a class since we have taken a break from dancing.  Since joining Jiu-Jitsu, she’s been more active and I feel her coordination of  “athletic skills” have improved.  She’s not as scared to get hurt when a ball is thrown to her, she’s always up for a challenge.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Emma: I would like to tell you guys how happy and thankful I am to have this reward. When Mrs. Anna told me that I was the student of the month, my heart was racing, And I was so happy. I was jumping and SUPER happy. I hope EVERYONE gets a chance to have an award like this and I wish you ALL luck. Once again, thank you!
Mom: We are extremely happy with the school and Professor Gino’s teaching.  The school is a positive environment, you always feel welcomed and it is family friendly!  Professor Gino’s teaching is wonderful because he is patient, happy, and incorporates his martial arts skills with daily life challenges and decisions.

Learn more about our Kids Jiu-Jitsu program here and or check out our schedule here. Read a little bit more about Emma’s goals and reasons for joining on our blog post here.