Congratulations to all our best friends on displaying such a high level of Jiu-Jitsu on and off the mat. You’ve all definitely earned your Health Patches and will continue to be a better example to the world! Well done!
Every Month we pick a Student from the Academy as ‘Student of the Month’ and asked them a few questions of how has Gracie Jiu-Jitsu benefited them in their life mentally and physically as well as what impact has it made in their lifestyle so far. Many of our students come from a variety of different backgrounds and each with a different goal but ultimately, to learn the number one most important thing, SELF-DEFENSE, as most fights will most likely end up on the ground willingly or unwillingly.
The student for this month is our Aussie brother, Andrew! Read our interview with him below to get to know this cool dude better. Have a good one!
Name: Andrew C Abraham
Age: 38 (mental age of about 12 though ;-))
Belt Rank: Blue
Years of Training: Well I actually took my first BJJ class in 2009. Back then, there were no homegrown black belts in Singapore and the sport was really in its embryonic stages. Unfortunately, I’ve been plagued with injuries though, so I’ve probably only spent half of the last 8 years training.
Other Martial Arts Experience: I grew up watching a lot of Bruce lee and Van Damme movies…does that count?
Occupation: Hustler
Social Media:
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/andrewcabraham
1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
2. HOW AND WHY DID YOU START JIU-JITSU?
3. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT GRACIE JIU-JITSU?
4. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TECHNIQUE?
5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO’S STARTING OUT JIU-JITSU?
6. HOW HAS GRACIE JIU-JITSU BENEFITED YOU?
Fitness, fun and confidence.
7. FAVOURITE QUOTE/PHILOSOPHY?
8. FINALLY, I WANT TO SAY?
Every Month we pick a Student from the Academy as ‘Student of the Month’ and asked them a few questions of how has Gracie Jiu-Jitsu benefited them in their life mentally and physically as well as what impact has it made in their lifestyle so far. Many of our students come from a variety of different backgrounds and each with a different goal but ultimately, to learn the number one most important thing, SELF-DEFENSE, as most fights will most likely end up on the ground willingly or unwillingly.
The student for this month is our Kimura Hunter, Azahar! Read our interview with him below to get to know this dangerous dude better. You’ve been warned! :p
Name: Muhammad Azahar Abdul Rahman
Age: 32
Belt Rank: White Belt (4th Stripe)
Years of Training: 1 Year
Other Martial Arts Experience: Boxing, Krav Maga.
Occupation: Civil Servant
Social Media:
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/muhd.rahman.9
1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
2. HOW AND WHY DID YOU START JIU-JITSU?
3. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT GRACIE JIU-JITSU?
4. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TECHNIQUE?
5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO’S STARTING OUT JIU-JITSU?
6. HOW HAS GRACIE JIU-JITSU BENEFITED YOU?
It has definitely made me a more confident person. It has also made me a more relaxed person when confronted with problems.
7. FAVOURITE QUOTE/PHILOSOPHY?
10. FINALLY, I WANT TO SAY?
Every Month we pick a Student from the Academy as ‘Student of the Month’ and asked them a few questions of how has Gracie Jiu-Jitsu benefited them in their life mentally and physically as well as what impact has it made in their lifestyle so far. Many of our students come from a variety of different backgrounds and each with a different goal but ultimately, to learn the number one most important thing, SELF-DEFENSE, as most fights will most likely end up on the ground willingly or unwillingly.
The student for this month is our Irish brother, Desmond! Read our interview with him below to get to know him better. Enjoy the read!
Name: Des Fitzgerald
Age: 30
Belt Rank: White Belt (3rd Stripe)
Years of Training: 1 Year
Other Martial Arts Experience: Boxing
Occupation: Engineer
1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
3. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT GRACIE JIU-JITSU?
4. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TECHNIQUE?
5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO’S STARTING OUT JIU-JITSU?
6. HOW HAS GRACIE JIU-JITSU BENEFITED YOU?
7. FAVOURITE QUOTE/PHILOSOPHY?
10. FINALLY, I WANT TO SAY?
Every Month we pick a Student from the Academy as ‘Student of the Month’ and asked them a few questions of how has Gracie Jiu-Jitsu benefited them in their life mentally and physically as well as what impact has it made in their lifestyle so far. Many of our students come from a variety of different backgrounds and each with a different goal but ultimately, to learn the number one most important thing, SELF-DEFENSE, as most fights will most likely end up on the ground willingly or unwillingly.
The student for this month is our chill/cool brother, Dao Wen! Read our interview with him below to get to know him better. Enjoy the read!
Name: Phang Dao Wen
Age: 20
Belt Rank: White Belt (3rd Stripe)
Other Martial Arts Experience: None
Occupation: Pre-Enlistee
Social Media:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/paranoid97/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/daowen.phang
1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
Stumbled upon it on the internet years ago and instantly felt like it’s something I would like. Suitable for me too since I’m a pretty small guy. But didn’t think of actually joining classes for it until I found out there is an actual CTC in Singapore.
3. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT GRACIE JIU-JITSU?
Firstly it’s great for self defence. I also like the fact that it’s like a game of chess where it’s more brain than brawn and a lot of the time it requires you to feel it out and improvise.
4. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TECHNIQUE?
Triangle Choke & Rear Naked Choke
5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO’S STARTING OUT JIU-JITSU?
6. HOW HAS GRACIE JIU-JITSU BENEFITED YOU?
I’ve learned to defend myself properly and at the same time not hurt the other party. It has also made me into a more composed person as a whole and learn to have conviction in whatever I do.
7. FAVOURITE QUOTE/PHILOSOPHY?
Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching. The more you seek the uncomfortable, the more you will become comfortable. When life puts you in tough situations, don’t say “Why me?”, just say “Try me.”
10. FINALLY, I WANT TO SAY?
Thanks a lot to head instructor Dan and all the fellow members of the CTC in helping me out and shaping me into a better GJJ practitioner and as a person. I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for all of you all even though it has only been awhile since I joined. Thanks everyone!! Keep it playful!!
Every Month we pick a Student from the Academy as ‘Student of the Month’ and asked them a few questions of how has Gracie Jiu-Jitsu benefited them in their life mentally and physically as well as what impact has it made in their lifestyle so far. Many of our students come from a variety of different backgrounds and each with a different goal but ultimately, to learn the number one most important thing, SELF-DEFENSE, as most fights will most likely end up on the ground willingly or unwillingly.
The student for this month is our famous idol, Linda! 🙂 Read our interview with her below to get to know her better. Enjoy the read!
Name: Azlinda Amin
Age: 32
Belt Rank: White Belt (3rd Stripe)
Years of Training: 1 Year
Other Martial Arts Experience: Muay Thai
Occupation: Film & Graphic Editor
Social Media:
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/
Wordpress: https://eudaimoniacs.com/
IG: eudmniacsg
FB: https://www.facebook.com/
1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
It started as a challenge between me and my husband, Firman. He has to try my sport which is rock climbing and I will give a shot at his, which is Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. What I thought would end till the 10-days trial, progressed to my first stripe, 2nd and now 3rd.
3. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT GRACIE JIU-JITSU?
The practicality of it. The whole aspect about Gracie Jiu-Jitsu astounds me; from the ease in understanding the syllabus to the teachings of discipline and respecting others.
4. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TECHNIQUE?
Triangle Choke!
5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO’S STARTING OUT JIU-JITSU?
6. HOW HAS JIU-JITSU BENEFITED YOU?
I do solo travel frequently. Learning Jiu-Jitsu has helped me to be better prepared for unexpected situations, to know how to react and defend myself, and also to feel empowered.
7. FAVOURITE QUOTE/PHILOSOPHY?
“Give Feedback, Go Slow and Help Each Other” =)
10. FINALLY, I WANT TO SAY?
Thanks to Dan and Firman for turning me from a skeptic to a believer and to all the amazing friends I’ve made at Gracie CTC for helping me to hone my techniques. It is the presence of all of you, that motivates me to come and continue my Jiu-Jitsu journey.
On the 21st July, we promoted our brother, friend and most hardworking student, Firman Shah, to the Official Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt!
Like we always like to say “Don’t let the belt be the judge of your techniques, but let your techniques be the judge of your Belt.” We can definitely say with the sincere belief you are very much deserving of it. Well done my friend! Welcome to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and see you in the Master Cycle Classes!
Well done and Congratulations once again Firman. Keep it up and keep pushing us forward!
Every Month we pick a Student from the Academy as ‘Student of the Month’ and asked them a few questions of how has Gracie Jiu-Jitsu benefited them in their life mentally and physically as well as what impact has it made in their lifestyle so far. Many of our students come from a variety of different backgrounds and each with a different goal but ultimately, to learn the number one most important thing, SELF-DEFENSE, as most fights will most likely end up on the ground willingly or unwillingly.
The student for this month is Jasmine Teo! Read our interview with her below to get to know her better. Enjoy the read!
Name: Jasmine Teo
Age: 31
Belt Rank: White Belt (3rd Stripe)
Years of Training: 5 Months
Other Martial Arts Experience: Aikido (self-defense) in secondary school, Muay Thai, Boxing.
Occupation: Physiotherapist
Social Media: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/justmean.teo
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jasmine_teo
I have always been interested in martial arts since young as I find it a good form of exercise and I get to learn some self-defense as well. However, my mother forbade me to learn as she finds martial arts dangerous and unlady-like. -_-
I came to know about MMA from the Korean variety show, Running Man and read about Jiu-Jitsu while researching about it. Long work hours prevented me from getting any form of exercise, needless to say, thinking of learning anything else. After leaving my previous workplace, I wanted to learn something new and Jiu-Jitsu came into my mind. And the rest is history…
3. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT GRACIE JIU-JITSU?
EVERYTHING!!! The lessons, the techniques, the leverages used, the focus on the smallest detail, keeping things slow and helping each other out. Of course, the access to Gracie University and watching the videos definitely helped me in remembering and revising the techniques learned as well as preparing for the next class. Oh! And the access to training at other CTCs worldwide! I was amazed at how the classes conducted in Seoul were exactly the same in Singapore, as well as what you see in the videos!
4. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TECHNIQUE?
Rear naked choke! =)
5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO’S STARTING OUT JIU-JITSU?
Whatever you are feeling, we have been there, gone through it. Patience is the key. 1st time round of going through the lessons, you’ll definitely feel confused or even lost. 2nd round, you’ll start to be SLIGHTLY familiar with the techniques. 3rd time, you’ll start to be able to connect the dots. I’m still learning something new every time I go for classes, no matter if it’s the first cross or more than 3 crosses for that particular class. Practice makes perfect. Keeping practicing and feel free to ask questions.
6. HOW HAS JIU-JITSU BENEFITED YOU?
Jiu-Jitsu has definitely kept my weight in check! haha. It also has taught me the meaning of control on the mats and off the mats. There are always other alternatives, you just have to look from other perspectives.
7. FAVOURITE QUOTE/PHILOSOPHY?
“Leave the ego at the door.”
8. WHAT KEPT YOU GOING WHEN YOU HAD YOUR INJURY AND HOW DID YOU RECEIVED IT?
I first dislocated my shoulder while running up the steps but I ended up tripping over one and landed on my elbow. That was 10 years ago. It went back in on its own after a while and I continued with my basketball training. Super pain after that though! Hahaha… It popped out again last year within my first week of BJJ lessons. It also went back on its own and I continued with the class, again. However, I was out of action for 4 months after that and was scared to return to the mats. I went for Muay Thai and Boxing but the motivation level was low and I didn’t feel confident if I had to face a bigger or stronger person. After finding and going through the trials at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, it reignited the passion and hope that I can still learn some life skills and self-defense against the bigger or/and stronger person. However, I got injured again during an attempted takedown and fell onto my elbow. But that is not going to stop me from achieving my goal. =)
9. HAS YOUR TRAINING CHANGED NOW DUE TO THE INJURY?
I’m definitely more conservative now and taking care of my left shoulder. I’m also more consistent and focused with my own rehab for my left shoulder. I will be stronger and better! Even with the lousy shoulder! LOL! XD
10. FINALLY, I WANT TO SAY?
THANK YOU to everyone and especially to Dan, for being patient and pointing out my mistakes. To the partners I’ve met for the past 2 months, thank you and sorry for putting up with me and not having both sides to practice on. Let’s keep it safe and playful!
THE END.
Every Month we pick a Student from the Academy as ‘Student of the Month’ and asked them a few questions of how has Gracie Jiu-Jitsu benefited them in their life mentally and physically as well as what impact has it made in their lifestyle so far. Many of our students come from a variety of different backgrounds and each with a different goal but ultimately, to learn the number one most important thing, SELF-DEFENSE, as most fights will most likely end up on the ground willingly or unwillingly.
The student for this month is Kenny Ng! Read our interview with him below to get to know him better. Enjoy the read.
Name: Kenny Ng
Age: 24
Belt Rank: White Belt 4th stripe
Years of Training: 8 months
Other Martial Arts Experience: Boxing
Occupation: Kids Gym Programme Leader
Social Media: FB – https://www.facebook.com/kenny.n.zy
3. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT GRACIE JIU-JITSU?
The pace of the curriculum is awesome and everyone that’s a member of the CTC has that flow of going slow yet focusing on the technical aspects of each technique. The best thing about it is that there’s no “secret” technique that anyone has as we mainly focus on self-defense and with the mindset of being able to apply it in the street or competitive grounds. We all share our Jiu-jitsu techniques and try different things every day to further improve our understanding of the techniques while at the same time hand out a helping hand to those who’re less experienced.
4. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TECHNIQUE?
Trap & roll (A MUST HAVE) & Positional Control from the Side Mount.
5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO’S STARTING OUT JIU-JITSU?
Life is too short to not try what you want to do even if it might be picking up some self-defense skills for preventive measures. Trust me, try it out and take the first step, you will be surprised by your progress instead of setbacks!
6. HOW HAS JIU-JITSU BENEFITED YOU?
I’ve met a whole bunch of people that I actually bonded with like family instead of trying to beat each other up and see who’s the best every time we step onto the mats. The mentality of the word “control” not just applies to our techniques but it actually helped me tremendously by taking control of my own personal life as well.
7. FAVOURITE QUOTE/PHILOSOPHY?
Don’t be scared. If you’re afraid of something, there’s already a barrier hindering your possible path of happiness/success. Let that feeling go and embrace the moment.
8. FINALLY, I WANT TO SAY?
A big SHOUTOUT to Danial Ibrahim, our head instructor, for this opportunity to learn and grow in jiu-jitsu and to EVERY SINGLE MEMBER of the academy. Without all of you, I won’t be who I am today as a Gracie Jiu Jitsu practitioner. We have already made the first step of our journey, let’s continue and move on together AS ONE!
A side note, would like to give a shoutout to Tyrone Bess as well who came to our old location in Lavender to give us memorable tips on techniques and leverages on different positions. Was an eye opener indeed. Please visit us again soon!
