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.
Robin Wong is the student for this month! The guy that many of our students can absolutely agree on that’s been the most technical and sharpest student. Read our interview with him below to get to know him better and follow him on social media. Oh and yes… we’ll see him soon in the competition scene in the near future. Don’t forget to say hi when you see him 😉
Name: Robin Wong Zhi Cai
Age: 24
Belt Rank: White (3 Stripes)
Years of Training: 5 Months
Other Martial Arts Experience: Muay thai
Occupation: Student
Social Media: FB – https://www.facebook.com/robinwong93
IG – https://www.instagram.com/robinwong/
Laidback, adventure loving, overly active, occasionally annoying.
2. HOW AND WHY DID YOU START JIU-JITSU?
I spent 6 months in Northern Sweden studying, traveling and continued to train Muay Thai in the local MMA gym. As luck would have it, a Gracie CTC was there, the only one in Sweden, just next door. Curious, I ended up attending my first Gracie Combatives class, the triangle choke/haymaker defense lesson. After a few classes and some research on the Gracie’s, I was surprised to find that there was a Singapore CTC. I knew I was on to something and have been hooked ever since.
3. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT GRACIE JIU-JITSU?
So many! The self-defence aspect of it, that everybody can practice Gracie Jiu Jitsu, the friends made in the gym, but the thing I enjoy most is the movements behind every technique.
4. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TECHNIQUE?
Trap and roll & The Triangle choke.
5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO’S STARTING OUT JIU-JITSU?
For anyone who has thought of starting Jiu Jitsu but is holding back, go for it!! The hardest belt to earn is the white belt! Be patient and humble, no egos on the mat, always be eager to learn and ask questions. Train safe and take care of each other.
6. HOW HAS JIU-JITSU BENEFITED YOU?
The mindset and philosophy that Jiu Jitsu teaches, which I’m able to adopt in other areas of my life. This is something that I love about Jiu Jitsu and have never felt it while training other martial arts.
7. FAVOURITE QUOTE/PHILOSOPHY?
Self-control not only applies in Jiu Jitsu but also in your personal life and is the foundation for every decision you make in life. Whenever you face difficulties, you know it won’t be worse than being beaten up on the streets, and it gives you the confidence to push forward.
8. FINALLY, I WANT TO SAY?
A big thank you to Dan (Head Instructor) for all his teaching and sharings, thanks to everyone at the Gracie CTC for helping and guiding me all along the way. Let’s keep each other motivated and work hard!
