OUR BLOG

by Joseph Zavala (Head Muay Thai Coach) –Finding Mixed Martial Arts I grew up always interested in sports — soccer, basketball, football — but I was never really good at them.Especially in soccer, I had dreams and aspirations to become a pro, but I was absolutely terrible at it. I could never really get my footing in the sport. Around my teen years, I was a bit lost and didn’t really

by Lydia Pierides (Jake’s mom)–My relationship with Judo has evolved alongside my son’s for the past 15 years, ever since Jake first stepped onto the mat as a young boy. Watching his journey through this incredible martial art has shown me how deeply Judo shapes character, not just athletic ability. Over the years, I have seen Judo instill in Jake humility, commitment, responsibility, and an unshakable determination. No matter how

by Jake Pierides —My relationship with Judo has continuously evolved since I began practicing this incredible martial art 15 years ago. Over time, Judo has taught me two defining lessons—discipline and perseverance—which have shaped both my personal and professional life. I first learned discipline as a young beginner on the mat, then developed perseverance through years of competition and adversity, and today I actively apply both lessons as I navigate

by Kimberly Huang-Boruta —I am 33 years old and started judo a year ago. I have done competitive swimming and a few other sports and though I was always interested in learning a martial art, I felt it was out of reach. However, the birth of my first child changed my mind.When my daughter Victoria was born, I lost myself taking care of her. Every minute of every day was

by Nicholas Yurisak —“But Mom, I don’t want to.” I sighed as she turned off the latest episode of Pokemon.“You’ll thank me one day. Now get in the car,” she said, as we piled into her green minivan.We drove across town on streets I had never seen to reach a place I had never been. That Thursday evening in the autumn of 1999 forever changed my life—it was the day

by Cyrus Mozzarri – 10 months ago I took a leap. I jumped into the world of Judo with no possibleway of knowing how far it would take me. What started as a trial class I took on a whim is now often the very thing I look forward to the most in my week. Funny how a sport that routinely sends me flying also keeps me grounded. Maybe it’s