Student of the Month: Nikki David(Jiu-Jitsu Adults)

Hi Nikki, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Nikki David, born and raised in the Philippines but moved here 7 years ago with my little Shih Tzu named Wangwang. I am an adrenaline junkie and a fan of the outdoors. Traveling the world is my passion, but I am partial to countries with warm weather and beautiful beaches. Though absolutely love trying new things but I have not found anything that I have fully committed to or followed through with. You can say I am a Jill of all trades but a master of none. On my downtime, I try to catch up with my reading, in which I am currently engrossed with memoirs. At the moment I am living in Rosemead, CA.

Are you taking Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai or both, and what got you interested?

Here at Silanoe Martial Arts, I am again taking Jiu Jitsu classes, 2-4 times a week, after a 2-year hiatus. It all began 3 years ago when I was taking boxing classes at OTFC and I got invited to attend a Jiu Jitsu class under Professor Gino. I was ambivalent about the sport at first, after all, there is nothing enthralling about wrestling with sweaty men on the mats. But interestingly, I was hooked. Unlike boxing where you play around your jab, cross, upper cut and hook punches; there is always something new to learn in each Jiu-Jitsu class. It doesn’t get boring. So I traded sports.

How long have you been training and what is your current belt rank?

I presently hold a 4 stripe, white belt rank and have been training for about a year now. My favorite part of the Jiu Jitsu classes are the 5-6 minute rolls because I get to (or at least try to) employ the new skills/techniques I have learned that day without the assistance of my rolling partner. It is where I try to put things together as a whole.

What current and future goals do you have?

I only hope to be able to keep growing as a Jiu Jitsu athlete and to be able to truly commit to it and move up the ranks with my teammates.

Being a physical therapist what tips do you have for people in Jiu-Jitsu to ensure they can keep on training?

Jiu Jitsu can be very tough on your body especially if you want to train consistently. My tip for the athletes is to stretch and focus on getting flexible as you are pulled into different planes and angles otherwise not common in our everyday lives. Take your warm ups seriously because it helps your body adjust to the demands of the intensity of the sport. Take the time to strength train your major muscle groups and your core. But ultimately, listen to your body. Rest when you need to, and take time off when you are hurt to avoid further injuries. Allow your body to heal so you can come back on the mats and perform with your full potential.

You are a physically smaller female in what ways does Jiu-Jitsu help you?

Jiu Jitsu has shown me that even though I am petite, I am very much capable in defending myself should the need arise.

If you would like to join Nikki and her team mates request a free week trial here. You can read more about other team members such as Kyle here or Chris here. If you would like to visit us in San Gabriel please check out our schedule here.