Last Updated on September 25, 2012.
13 year old “macho Camacho” finds inner strength since starting Tiger Schulmann’s Glendale
By: TSMMA Glendale
My name Is Jennifer Camacho. I first started training at Tiger Schulmann’s when I was 10 years old. My mom told me there was a mixed martial arts school opening and asked me if I wanted to try it out. I said yes and thought it’d be splendid to give it a shot! So my parents took me over to sign me up. As I walked in the school I was amazed to see how cool it looked and wanted to start right then and there. At first I wanted to only learn cool moves and be like, “Oh I know karate so you better watch out” even though I knew that it wasn’t the right way to think.
Before I started mixed martial arts I did gymnastics. I loved it very much until my coach brought down my hopes. I was very good at it and had a bright future but the way my coach taught didn’t inspire me. He constantly picked on me and I guess due to that I lost interest. On the other hand, Sensei Iavarone believes in me and has taught me everything I need to keep confidence in myself and love what I do. He’s been there through all of my challenges and all of my achievements.
One of my biggest accomplishments was getting my black belt on May 1st of 2011. I was 12 years old. Getting there wasn’t easy though. It took me 2 years to get it. I was very dedicated to my training, (hours a day) and gave all my heart into each and every one of my classes. I am 13 years old now and still have great self-confidence and non-quitting spirit. I really love what I do and I’m proud to be where I am now.
I’ve also made HUGE friendships. I have never had such long lasting and amazing friends like the ones I have connected with from karate. They aren’t just my friends in the school, but now I spent time with them outside of the school too.
TSMMA has made a huge impact in my life. I now know how to defend myself, never quit on anything I attempt and have loads of self-confidence. I couldn’t ask for a better School or Sensei!
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