Aiden and Claire became a part of the SBG tribe earlier this year, and what an amazing addition they have been.
The Trans are two of the sweetest and most hard-working kids that you’ll ever meet. When they are on the mats they display great enthusiasm and even better behavior. They are a treat to have in our Growing Gorillas Jiu Jitsu program and were an easy selection to be our Students of the Month.
Claire, who is about to turn 9, started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when she was 6 (at another gym) but took a hiatus from the mats during the COIVD pandemic of 2020. Her brother Aiden, who just turned 7, had no previous Jiu Jitsu training before coming to SBG. They found their way to Straight Blast Gym when their father, Loc, was speaking to a former training partner of his, Tom Lee. Tom had just started training at Straight Blast Gym’s newest location in Atlanta; him in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and his son in our Growing Gorillas Kids Jiu Jitsu prgoram. Tom told Loc how much he and his son (Wyatt) were enjoying themselves at SBG and Loc decided the time was right to get Claire back into BJJ, while giving Aiden his first taste of martial arts training. 4 months later and both Aiden and Claire are killing it at SBG!
“Both of my kids love training at SBG. Aiden was hooked at the end of the first class when it was announced that they were going to wrap up with dodgeball.”
It wasn’t just the dodgeball that Aiden and Claire were excelling at. During class, both of these young students are constantly making improvements to their Jiu Jitsu. Both Aiden and Claire have been awarded stripes on their white belts by Coach Randy, after showing continued progression in their technique and movement.
In addition to being awarded stripes for their constant improvements on the mats, both kids have been selected as our Student of the Day. At the end of class, one student (sometimes two) who has demonstrated great behavior and leadership skills that day get to select a card out of our Student of the Day deck. When the deck is completed, we have a Donuts & Dodgeball party for the entire class.
Kids Jiu Jitsu Coach Randy Garcia said this about Aiden and Claire:
“I love how engaged Claire is. For someone who does a million other activities, she doesn’t go through the motions at all. She actually helps me out a lot with getting the kids in order. Making sure they line up correctly, are listening when the coach is speaking, etc.“
As for Claire’s little brother, Aiden:
“I love Aiden’s curiosity. You can tell he is invested in what he’s doing because of how many questions he asks, lol. The enthusiasm he shows when he speaks and asks the questions rubs off on the other kids and it brings the energy in the room up.”
Both Aiden and Claire are involved in other after-school activities, including swimming, piano, and German lessons. These kids are a couple of go-getters!!
