Karate Kid of the Month

We have a fun announcement: in 2012, Swiftkick is going to highlight a student in our program once a month as \”Karate Kid\”.  (I know, I know, we don\’t do karate but it sounds cool!)

We will choose a child/teenager that we feel has exhibited exemplary behavior in our program and also an adult as “Champion of the month”. Choosing one person can be difficult since we are proud of so many of our students!  With this in mind my hope is that both staff and students alike can celebrate each student and their accomplishments.

Without further adieu we are proud to announce the Swiftkick Karate Kid of January:  Abby Cherniss! (clap, clap, clap, whistle, clap)

Abby has shown extreme commitment to her training.  When she began with us four and a half years ago she was a little shy and cautious on the training floor.  Now she is bold and a force to be reckoned with!  She has really blossomed as a young, confident woman on and off the mat.

Abby is a member of our performance team and takes her functional and artistic training very seriously.  She is a hard worker and does not give up.  She is a stellar student and one of the toughest girls I know!

Abby is among the first group of Junior Black Belt students at Swiftkick.  She also will be the first girl to achieve such high ranking in our program!

We had the privilege of asking Abby a few questions so that we can take more of an inside look. Here is her interview:

Q: What did you think of your first few classes?

A: I thought it was going to be something different because I’ve never done martial arts before. In the first class it seemed like it was going to be fun because Mr. Cowell was fun!

Q: What feels different when you train now compared to when you first began?

A: Training seems easier now.  I’m more confident.

Q: What is your favorite kick?

A: My favorite kick is the Round Kick.

Q: How do you feel when you spar?

A: I’m curious about what might happen each time, because it is always different with each partner that I spar with.

Q: Do you feel like you could hold your own if attacked on the street?

A: Probably, yes!

Q: Does that affect your confidence?

A: I feel safer walking around at school or on the street.

Q: What is your favorite subject in school?

A: My favorite subject in school is Social Studies.

Q: Do you have any other interests/sports/hobbies?

A: I like to draw and sing.

Q: What do you want to do for a living?

A: I would like to be a martial instructor after receiving my Sr. Black Belt so that I have more knowledge and experience.

Q: What does success mean to you?

A: That you have accomplished something in life to be proud of.

Q: What specifically do you feel proud about earning your red belt?

A: It seems like it’s gone by quick, but there has been a lot of accomplishments in between.
I am proud of the fact that I stuck with it all the way up to this point and never gave up.

Q: How does it feel being the first girl in Swiftkick to attain a red belt?

A: It is very empowering and it gives me confidence in everyday life.

Q: What do you plan on doing after you achieve your black belt?

A: I plan to continue on in the program for the Senior Black Belt with SwiftKick.

Q: What would you say to anyone considering joining Swiftkick?

A: If you’re thinking about martial arts I would start with SwiftKick. It’s a better environment than going to other traditional studios from my perspective. You will succeed in what you set out to accomplish!

 

We\’re proud of you Abby!!