Aedan’s behavior has changed so drastically while training at SBG Buford that even his parents and teachers are noticing a difference.
This is the kind of improvement that makes us beam with pride, and reminds us of why our job is so much more important than just coaching kids. The SBG Buford Kids Jiu Jitsu coaches hold tremendous influence over these kids, and we like to think that we’re helping them transition from children to young adults.
Aedan started training in our Growing Gorillas Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program in the fall of 2019, when he was just about to turn 4 years old. As you would expect from a four-year-old, sterling behavior wasn’t always his forte, but Aedan was incredibly persistent and continually showed up for Jiu Jitsu practice twice per week, every week.
Flash forward to the Spring of 2021 and Aeden was just invited to our Leadership program!
Leadership is a special program reserved for Straight Blast Gym Buford’s youngest students that excel in class, both with their techniques and behavior. The young BJJ students invited to our Leadership program are the athletes that lead their teammates through positivity and hard work, both on and off of the mat. When it came time to pick our newest crop of Leadership applicants, Aedan was one of the first students selected by Coach Woo.
Coach Woo went on to tell us his thoughts on Aeden and his progression in SBG Buford’s Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program:
“Aedan has changed his behavior 180. He’s been helping the coaches also. Even his teachers and parents are saying that his behavior has been changed for the better. He’s always been a good kid but now he’s a rockstar. This past Saturday he was helping out the coaches to get the newer kids acclimated to class and feel welcome. That’s Leadership behavior. “
Aedan isn’t the only member of the Mazzatta family that trains at Straight Blast Gym Buford, as his father RJ has been training in our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program for over 3 years. RJ is incredibly involved with the SBG Buford tribe and just traveled to Louisiana to compete in the New Orleans Open Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition. Talk about devotion to one’s craft!!
When we asked Aedan what he likes most about training at Straight Blast Gym Buford he replied:
“Chokes and armbars. I also like my friends in class and Coach Woo….he’s funny.”
