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
A local, Chinese girl who loves to eat and has 3 cats. Usually do yoga or swimming to keep fit, but currently, is hooked onto Jiu-Jitsu! Haha XD
2. HOW AND WHY DID YOU START JIU-JITSU?
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.