My martial arts journey started when I was 19 years old in the fall of 2009, 6 years before I joined Tri State Mixed Martial Arts. In the years leading up to me finding martial arts, I struggeld with dyslexia and my mental health. In school, I was bullied profusely and would often miss weeks of school at a time. In my Jr. Year in high school, life took a sharp turn. At that moment I realized I did not like the person I was. I made a choice to do... to be better. Martial Arts saved my life. In February 2016, I joined Tri State. The moment I walked through those doors I knew this school was something special! I was in awe at the professionalism of the staff, the culture, and the school as a whole. I joined that day! After some time training at Tri State, Sifu Jeff offered me a position as an assistant instructor. It has been such an honor teaching. Teaching was very new to me and I was a bit nervous at first. Sifu Jeff gave me a gift to help kids, the kind of help I wish I had when I was their age. My hope is to be a positive influence to others the way Sifu Jeff has been to me. Tri State is home!

Since beginning training at Tristate my son's life has changed quite a bit. He began in 1st grade. He begged to join "karate" something I know nothing about. He tried a few classes and said "Yes mom. This is what I want." Anything for my Buggy. We signed him up, and, of course the honeymoon stage. He loved it. Loved the coaches. Loved his classmates. Then things were getting rocky. He was struggling in school. Fighting with me and my husband to do homework. I almost took him out. His schoolwork can't suffer for an extracurricular activity. I talked to Karen. She had Sifu Jeff meet with me and then me and Chase. After some encouragement and this Mama feeling like she was at the end of her rope, some hope. Chase isn't just a kid who doesn't want to work or read. He has severe double vision. Sifu Jeff continued to encourage Chase through his own struggles. Chase feels so privileged that he and Sifu Jeff share a learning difference. He looks up to Sifu Kasaun and Sifu Aiden. He is happy when they say his name or call him out that he's doing a good job. He started at age 6. He is 10. He struggles with wanting to go to class but each time he goes he feels proud. Each belt he earns makes him strive to the next belt. Our family is incredibly thankful to Sifu Jeff and all the Tristate family. From this Mama: Thank you for all you do. We can't wait to be back in the gym together but am so thankful you have adapted to current conditions.