 |
Muay Thai Kali Judo Strength & Conditioning Group Fitness Health & Wellness Services |
|
December 2011 Iesha Covington Age: 30 Hometown: Brooklyn Occupation: 3rd Grade Teacher Years as a member: about 3 Favorite Class: Please don't ask me that. I have people who actually like me at the gym and I don't want to change that. :) Inspiring moment (and other thoughts): Five Points is an amazing place to train and have fun; and I am not being paid to say this either! When I signed up, it was after watching a show about women who were training to compete in Muay Thai fights in Thailand. I was super geeked! Upon entering the gym, I was so nervous and would wait on the benches or in the corner alone waiting for class to begin. I wasn't often picked as a partner. But, I will never forget the day when Master Cheetah was visiting and no one selected me "The New Girl" for a partner, and I was left alone. That day, I worked with Master Cheetah as a partner for the entire class. I experienced a multitude of emotions from: fear to anxiety, all the way to extreme panic; but Master Cheetah was so gracious and humble. His attitude is representative of the attitudes of all of the trainers at Five Points and that is what I consider to be inspiring. I'm inspired by a group of people who always make me feel welcome with smiles on their faces, who work extremely hard at learning and teaching others, who push us all to work harder, train harder, and never settle for less than our best. I'm inspired by Five Points Fitness! November 2011 Name: Jennifer Lee. October 2011 Name: Yalcin Bilguvar. September 2011 Name: Irina Khouade Hometown: Khimki, Russia Years as a member: a little over 1 year Inspiring moment (and other thoughts): I can't think of just one. Sometimes, a slice of humble pie can be as inspiring as words of encouragement and I get plenty of both at this place. I think inspiration is a feeling you get when you realize that extraordinary is possible. There is extraordinary here everywhere you look, with the instructors, the fighters and the members. I don't have just one favorite class, but my favorite day is definitely Saturday because there are so many excellent classes in a row. My only regret is that I can't take two classes at the same time! August 2011 Name: Chris C. Favorite Class: Morning Muay Thai
July 2011 Name: Chloe Zeff Favorite Class: Muay Thai because it's a great workout and a great way to meet news friends at the gym. I also like TRX a lot! I plan on starting Kettlebell classes soon. Inspiring Moment (+ other thoughts):
June 2011 Name: Jamiyl Priest Favorite Class: Muay Thai and Kettlebells for sure! I've just started getting into Kali, which is really interesting. I also enjoy Sergio's intense exercises. The combo of all of this is getting me into the best shape of my life. I'm getting flexible and seeing incredible changes in my physicality. The only thing I haven't tried yet is Judo, and I plan on getting myself a Gi soon so I can jump in to those classes too. It's impossible to get bored. May 2011 Name: Michelle Bryner Favorite Class: I enjoy Muay Thai classes the best and have come to realize that I learn something new from every class, every partner I work with, and all of the coaches. April 2011 Anthony and Alberto Ortiz Years as Member: Favorite Class: Alberto: Judo with instructors Shodan Kevin, Coach Frank, and Sandan Saro. Why? I like the grappling and learning how to handle different forms of weight. I've found that I walk around with more confidence. I'm not afraid to climb ladders at work and I'm confident that I would know how to protect myself if I was to fall. Inspiring Moment (+ other thoughts): March 2011 Name: Adrienne Reina Favorite Class: It's impossible for me to choose just one, but my favorite new class is the Friday morning TRX Training. Inspiring Moment (+ other thoughts): February 2011 Tulio Vera Years as Member: Favorite Class: Depends on the state of mind I am in, but either Muay Thai or Kettlebells. I truly enjoy personal training with Arjan Simon and, when he is in town, Master Cheetah. I wish I could do more of them. For someone who has never been a morning person, I love the 8am Muay Thai classes. Inspiring Moment (+ other thoughts): January 2011 Helen Dang Favorite Class: Shodan Kevin's Judo class and Coach Saro's Judo class. Their dedication to the sport and their commitment to the team are so evident in their teaching methods. Their support and encouragement have helped the team grow and expand in such a short amount of time in the few months that I have been here. The Five Points Judo team represent some of the most amazing group of guys that I have ever met. I'm so proud of them! Inspiring Moment (+ other thoughts): My first tournament was really nerve wracking but having the support of my fellow team mates and Shodan Kevin McGrath inspired me to better myself for the next tournament. The members of the gym represent a community where everyone is so encouraging and supportive of one another. I never thought that I would be able to deadlift 100llbs before, but thanks to Turnbow and advice from various staff, I am proudly able to say that I can. I couldn't have picked a better place to train than at Five Points. All of the members and staff are amazing and continue to inspire me to better myself. You guys rock!
December 2010 Michael Ma Favorite Class: Muay Thai because my mind is clear and focused on the task at hand. It's one of the few moments of peace when outside interruptions and distractions aren't bombarding me. Inspiring Moment (+ other thoughts): There are so many. The first time I heard that satisfying crack when you hit the pads properly, or the time I took a hard shot and didn't fold like a house of cards and just generally training with everyone who always have something to teach me. There's always something inspiring happening and I learn so much about myself every time I go so it keeps me coming back for more. November 2010 Name: Marian Toy Favorite Class: It's way too difficult to pick a favorite but I'll choose Total Conditioning with Coach Emily. It's a tough work-out and there's a lot of laughter. There's no better combination. The great mix of members that attend make it challenging and really fun. Alright and I love the Muay Thai classes too. Try them back-to-back on Saturday morning and you'll very likely see me there. Inspiring Moment (+ other thoughts): I came to Five Points after meeting Steve and Simon at a social function. I clearly recall voicing my discontent with the 60lbs of post-9/11 stress-related weight I needed to lose and Steve immediately offered me my first training session. Twice a week and six months later, I lost all the weight and have kept it off ever since. No one says it's easy. It truly is about taking it one day at a time. This place rehabed my spirit. (Sure, that and a good therapist!) It gave me community. I can't help but smile when I think about being here. Both my children train here too. I appreciate the way Steve, Simon, and Kevin use all the resources they can muster to constantly update the gym and accomodate the growing demand for new and exciting classes. This place is immaculate. October 2010 Name: Ivan Leon Favorite Class: Muay Thai, for sure. All the instructors complement eachother, bringing a unique perspective to each class. Kettlebells are great too. I enjoy working out on my own and watching the Muay Thai classes every so often. I consider myself a Muay Thai voyeur. Is that wrong? Inspiring Moment (+ other thoughts): When I started Muay Thai, Arjan Simon was constanting correcting my kicks. Then one day he yells "niiiiiice", in that certain Simon way. (Make sure to put an English accent on that.) It made me feel accomplished! Also, I very clearly recall when Arjan Steve honored me with the blue grade and recognized my readiness for sparring. All in all, I feel like I'm home here at Five Points. That's what keeps me coming back. Some familiar faces from years ago, some new faces, everyone is friendly. It doesn't hurt that it's always prisitinely clean here...Miguel (and cohorts) sure do one heck of a job. September 2010 Name: Lauden Mirshahzadeh Favorite Class: Technical Sparring with Steve on Monday, Emily's Friday evening class, & Simon's Saturday Muay Thai at noon. Inspiring Moment: It was probably my first real punch in the face during sparring. I don't remember who gave it to me, but it was then when I realized "Oh snap, this is serious." I have never really been in a fight so it brought up all kinds of unexpected emotions. I felt like I was 9 years old again and my brothers were trying to beat me up. I have since learned that it is ok to get hit and I try to leave deep childhood emotion out of it :) July 2010 Name: Justin Apperson Favorite Class: I love all the Muay Thai classes and enjoy taking advantage of the different teaching styles and qualities that all the trainers offer. If I had to chose just one, it would be the 12pm Muay Thai classes with Arjan Simon on Thursday & Friday. These classes are normally smaller and you get more corrections and personal attention to go along with the usual sound technical instruction and advice.
Inspiring Moment: There have been a few, mostly involving hearing the sounds the pads make after finally 'loosening up' and landing flush combos. However, I think the most inspiring moment I had was after I began doing basic clinch work with Arjan Simon and being tossed around like a hapless rag doll for a few weeks. For awhile, I was literally being thrown to the ground ten times per round and was not able to do anything even vaguely useful from the clinch. It was pathetic, but we kept at it and with time and effort I improved and we progressed to full sparring with an emphasis on incorporating clinch work. Then one day after a long training session with Arjan Simon involving a lot of grueling clinch work, I realized I had not been thrown the entire time. While I was considering this, Kru Emyr approached me and gave an unsolicited complement; he commented on how well I had done in the ring. Apparently he'd been watching! I was very pleased since I knew this sort of compliment was rare from him. And as if that was not enough while he was walking away he turned back a second time and out of nowhere said that my clinch work looked good. I was ecstatic. (We miss you Kru Emyr.)
June 2010 Name: Angela Bracco
Favorite Class: Honestly, I can't pick just one! I have so much to learn from everyone and enjoy the variety of instruction. Inspiring Moment: I recently landed a front kick while my partner threw a roundhouse one evening in Arjan Simon's technical sparing class and that did feel pretty great! However, Muay Thai is such a complex sport I continually face new challenges. I am grateful for all the lessons I have learned both inside and outside of the gym as a result of this sport. I also would like to add that I am continuously inspired by the woman fighters at the gym. They show such discipline and tenacity. It was an honor to watch them this past weekend. Good Job Ladies!!
May 2010 Name: Kim Elphinstone
Favorite Class: Every lunchtime (12pm) class during the week. You get a lot of personal attention because it is a difficult time for many people to make. You can't get away with anything at the lunchtime class! The instructors see all. It's like getting a private. Oops. That was supposed to be a secret. Bonus if Arjan Simon gives a compliment! Inspiring Moment: In my very first sparring class, I missed blocking a punch and it landed in the center of my face. Although dazed for what seemed like an eternity and probably only a few seconds--I didn't stop. At the end of class I realized I was left with two black eyes. I had overcome my unmistakable fear. I can only speak for myself, but I think we are all apprehensive about actually getting hit. I took it and kept moving. You can face life's difficulties and keep going. This attitude has helped me to make a recent career change. Muay Thai has been the hardest thing I've ever done. It doesn't come easily to me. The fact that I can come every day and get better makes me want to face all the challenges I encounter in life. AApril 2010 Name: Zwehla Taylor Favorite Class: Arjan Steve's class. When I first started, I always begged for the bag and not to be partnered, Arjan Steve let me slide only a few times before "gently" kicking me into action! I definitely prefer the Mon 6 and 7 pm classes to get my week started off with a good kick, punch, knee, and elbow! Aside from the obvious, the "cool down" at the end of class is always a source of inspiration to me because we can see each other lined up working and pushing through it all down to the last "and time!" Inspiring Moment: Making it through a 20 package of personal training sessions with Steve and Sergio - need I say more? I avoided throwing up with Sergio, I got toned up, and learned how to use the gym equipment to workout in between classes - all in 10 short weeks! The fact that I became strong enough to take back to back classes and workout is a testament to the value of the 20 pack. I have all the tools to keep working on my 6 pack! March 2010 Name: Tristan Manaloto Favorite Class: I've only taken Muay Thai. Soon I hope to try some of the other martial arts classes. Muay Thai has helped build my self-confidence a lot. It helps me to create a routine. If you want something you have to work very hard for it. I've learned to be discipline. Even if I don't start off good at something right away, I recognize what I have to do to improve. This helps me with all my school work, chores, at home with my family, and with everything else. Inspiring Moment: I admire the fighters and enjoy watching the sparring classes. There are a lot of great fighters out there! I've met a lot of nice people here even though there aren't a lot of kids my age. Steve and Simon are great role models and by example, they demonstrate to other members that I can be treated just like all the other adults in class. |
|
|||||||
|
February 2010 Name: Kathryn Grooms Favorite Class: Mondays 5pm and 6pm (competitors) Muay Thai taught by Arjan Steve. I always take both, so together they feel like one class with 5pm being the perfect warm up and the 6pm pushing the difficulty level so I'm good and tired by the end of both. These are also the only evening classes I am able to get to, so it's great to have the chance to see so many familiar, friendly faces. Inspiring Moment: Before my last fight, on my last Saturday sparring class, Steve partnered me with Emily for what felt like forever, and actually was something like six 4-minute rounds (which I was unaware of), during which Emily kept a flurry coming at me and I worked non-stop and after I was absolutely spent. I knew if I could work that hard for that long, I could handle whatever my opponent brought into the ring. When class ended, I plopped down and said thank you to Arjan Steve and Coach Emily. Okay so thanks was the sentiment, which fortunately they both were able to interpret, my choice of words had a slightly grumpier, exhausted tone. |
|
|||||||
|
January 2010 Name: Christopher Nagel Favorite Class: I don't think it's any secret that I'm partial to the Kali classes. The footwork developed in Kali spreads to everything else. However, the intensity of Muay Thai builds stamina unlike any other sport I've every pursued. I'm enjoying Judo because it doesn't come as naturally to me as the others, and the coaches have helped me figure out how to not get my long limbs in the way. It's very clear how they all compliment one another. Inspiring Moment: Maq taught the very
first Kali class I ever took. He ran me through some basic
knife techniques and proceeded to overwhelm me by "running circles" (his term!) around
me during a light sparring session. Fast forward one year to
Maq and I sparring in Arjan's Simon class. At the end of a great
session (for me) Maq said, "Your footwork was really good.
You were running circles around me!" In one year I was transformed. |
|
|||||||
|
December 2009 Name: Angela Babel Favorite Class: Muay Thai with Arjan Steve, but I love everyone's classes. It's great to have so much variation. Kettlebells are fun and challenging too. Inspiring Moment: The first fight I'd ever been to was this past October in Flushing. I was overcome with motivation. The intensity, level of athleticism and technical skill of the live display of Muay Thai made me want to work towards getting myself into the ring someday. I think about watching those bouts often--and it encourages me to push myself further and continue to train harder than each and every day before. Other comments: Since beginning my training, I have become more focused on and off the mat. I've found a new tranquility. I'm more calm and patient. My composure has improved dramatically--which is most needed while handling customers at work. Building lean muscle feels great too! I've witnessed my body change quickly in just a few short months. One more thing: It's encouraging to have so many women training with this much spirit and power under one roof. I'm in awe of Coach Emily and Coach Rima's dedication to the sport. I hope they know how many women like me they inspire. |
|
|||||||
|
November 2009 Name: Dwayne Neville Kenneth Richards Favorite Class: I was a fiend for Gavin Gointahell Van Vlack's "odd object playground," But my schedule hasn't allowed me to play, nonetheless, Pascal is great about the combinations, Jose and Gaius are heavy on technique, Eddie focuses on the nuances of fighting, Emily is a front kick queen, Kru Emyr makes lunch time more delicious with his noon class, Arjan Simon makes me rise up into my roundhouses, and Arjan Steve taught me to keep my hands up so as not to get beat up by girls in sparring class (shout out to Jennifer Pearsall). I would also like to give a nod to Bill Chiu's occasional Kettlebell class and the yoga instructors Lya and Lisa for making my hipflexors more flexibe. Inspiring Moment: My enlightenment moment is a toss between
recognizing Sergio's double |
|
|||||||
|
October 2009 Name: Monica Liu Favorite Class: Kali and Muay Thai are both great! Inspiring Moment: It's an ongoing process of gradual improvement. There's always more to work on. I've been doing Kali a lot longer, so I'm still working on getting to the point where I'm as comfortable in Muay Thai as I am in Kali. It's always good to learn something new and it's inspiring to work with people that are better than me and who challenge me. |
|
|||||||
|
September 2009 Name: Bill Chiu Other comments: I'm enjoying assistant teaching and look forward to teaching my own classes. I want to inspire others to make huge life changes similar to mine. Pass on the knowledge and the bananas. |
|
|||||||
 |
August 2009 Name: Jeff Mashie Favorite aspect of Five Points: My favorite thing about Five Points is my Independent Trainer Rob Morea. I also enjoy hanging out with my Five Points pals, Emily and Passa--who can kick your a$$! Other comments: Go see my most recent design work on Broadway, the hit musical "Next to Normal" at the Booth Theater. |
|
|||||||
|
July 2009 Name:Jake Janey Favorite Class: Sparring (Fight Team), Wednesday at 7pm and Saturday at 9am Most Inspiring Moment: After a few months of sparring and repeatedly developing a bloody nose, I finally figured out how to not block the jab with my face. Everything started to click, I started to relax more, think less, and simply react. I always have a lot of fun in class and try to learn something new each time. I try to think about how I did and take away the positives while also trying to improve upon the things I don't feel that I did quite as well. There really is nothing better than an intense bout of sparring and practice to take my mind off of my research and reset for another day. Five Points is a big part of my routine and besides getting myself into some semblance of shape, it's brought good balance to my daily life. |
|
|||||||
|
June 2009 Name: Luz Gandulla Favorite Class: They're all painful! I learn so much from everyone's classes. I plead the fifth. Most Inspiring Moment: After watching a few stand-out fights last Mayhem, and admiring the skills of the fighters (especially the women), I was inspired to make the decision to compete. Since then it has been non-stop training. Going to Nationals will be my own personal test. We'll see what happens! |
|
|||||||
|
May 2009 Name: George Flynn Favorite Class: Judo or Kali. It's a toss up! Most Inspiring Moment: In constant awe of Coach Gavin going through bodyweight exercises like he weighs 140lbs! |
|
|||||||
|
April 2009 Name:Jennifer Pearsall Favorite Class: Don't make me choose! I have learned so much from everyone. Steve has helped me to find a mental and physical tenacity that I never knew I could have. Emily has been a model of discipline, skill, and strategy; Rima has encouraged strength. Simon (he'll be surprised to hear) has taught me to have patience with myself and others, and Emyr has shown me the humor, control, and intelligence that is so necessary. Most Inspiring Moment: For me it was not one moment, but a shift that happened. I used to be afraid of everything - in the gym and everywhere else, too. I was afraid to come to class, to ask questions, to wrap my hands, to hold pads, to work with strangers. I was too nervous to share opinions at work, to reach for higher goals, or to cause a stir in any way. But training, and learning something new, makes you realize how capable you are. I am so much more confident and straightforward than I used to be. |
|
| ©Five Points Academy | website design: price design studio |
Alberto(R)OrtizSpotlight.jpg)
Five Points on Facebook
Five Points on MySpace
