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
Have been interested in jiu-jitsu/MMA since 17, willing to step up to challenges to test me, addicted to the adrenaline rush and recently have been interested in practicing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
2. HOW AND WHY DID YOU START JIU-JITSU?
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!
