Congrats Dominyka and JT!

JT and Dominyka medal at Pan Ams!

I want to send a big congrats to friends of NJ United, JT Torres and Dominyka Obelenyte for their performances at the 2013 Pan American Jiu Jitsu Championships in Irvine, CA. Dominyka won the GOLD in the Purple Belt open weight class, the toughest purple belt division of the tournament with the medalists of every weight class from earlier in the day. As if this alone was not impressive enough, she’s accomplished this at only 17 years of age. JT won the Bronze medal in the Black Belt lightweight division, one of the most stacked divisions in the tournament. Check out this article from Gracie Magazine’s online site about Dominyka… 

http://www.graciemag.com/2013/03/2013-pan-middle-weight-females-dominate-the-purple-belt-open-class/ 

Along with being a great athlete, Dominyka is also a straight “A” student that this year has been accepted into Columbia University in NYC, class of 2017. JT was the youngest American to earn the rank of Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2009 and is one of only 5 Americans to ever medal at the IBJJF World Championships in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Black Belt. The dedication, work ethic, and determination that it takes to be successful in martial arts are the same traits that allow kids to be successful in school, and these attributes will be with them for the rest of their lives. This was learned from a young age and instilled in both of them by supportive families and reinforced in kids martial arts programs. There is a lot more to martial arts than learning cool techniques and getting in shape, and we are all fortunate enough to have this as part of our lives….

Dominyka is a the perfect example of how kids martial arts has a positive impact on a child/teenagers life. Currently she represents Marcelo Garcia’s academy in NYC, Dominyka originally began training private lessons with me when she was 10 years old. I was also a training partner with JT since he was 15 years old. I have been able to see both of them turn into two of the most talented Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes in the world. On top of being great athletes, they are also great young adults possessing all the qualities needed to be successful in life. Both JT and Dominyka are great role models for children and teenagers and their stories are a perfect example of why parents should enroll their children in kids martial arts programs. Check out our program at NJ United Mixed Martial Arts and try our classes for 30 FREE days!