Last Updated on October 25, 2013.
Testimonial by Liz Campbell, TSMMA Paramus
I first came to Tiger Schulmann’s in 2008 after a friend and colleague had taken me to a Woman-Safe Seminar at the martial arts school’s Paramus location. I joined soon after the seminar and I was immediately hooked. I had been a competitive athlete for most of my life, and after having children moved away from athletics and competition. I truly missed it, not as much for the competition, but for challenging myself.
I found myself out of shape and full of excuses. “I don’t have time”, “I’m in OK shape”, “I’ll workout starting on Monday”
Being a parent and Health and Physical Education teacher, you want to be a positive example and a role model. I found myself out of shape and full of excuses. “I don’t have time”, “I’m in OK shape”, “I’ll workout starting on Monday”. After taking that first beginner class at Paramus Mixed Martial Arts, I realized that this is where I need to be. I was exhausted, but energized. I had found what I didn’t even know what I was looking for.
After taking that first beginner class at Paramus Mixed Martial Arts, I realized that this is where I need to be.
As the months went on I had new found confidence and lost 20 lbs in my first 90 day challenge.
As the months went on I had new found confidence and lost 20 lbs in my first 90 day challenge. I competed in my first tournament at the 2010 Challenge of Champions and won 2nd in both kickboxing and grappling. I’ve continued competing at C.O.C. and through the encouragement of my instructors, Joshu Murray and Joshu Neilson, have also competed at NAGA (North American Grappling Association); I’ve even earned medals and trophies (1st, 2nd, 3rd). But pushing and challenging myself to new levels is where its at for me. The trophies and medals are just the icing on the cake.
I had never really realized what a great stress reliever hitting the bag is until recently when I was “sidelined” with an injury. What I had thought was a bruised knee was found to actually be a torn meniscus. I’ve worked through injuries before—sprained ankle, sprained elbow, etc. Injuries are like those little orange cones that I put out on the field for my Physical Education classes. Sometimes they are boundary markers that you are not supposed to cross, other times they are obstacles that you are supposed to figure out how to go around. With persistence and the assistance of Joshu Murray and Joshu Neilson, we figured a way for me to still get a good workout in class, even with the injury. I was able to stay disciplined and consistent. I stayed true also to my promise of participating in the 90 day Challenge and have lost some weight and toned my body–with clean eating and coming to beginner kickboxing classes.
Through it all, my son Dillon has witnessed me persevere. Dillon has his challenges with ADHD and other behavioral issues.
Through it all, my son Dillon has witnessed me persevere. Dillon has his challenges with ADHD and other behavioral issues. Team sports and the typical recreational activities never worked well for him. They did not require the discipline—especially the self discipline. They came with the typical “participation” trophy rewards and no personal accountability. Dillon looks forward to the positive feedback he gets from Joshu Murray when he behaves or performs a skill correctly. He also benefits from the structure and immediate accountability. He values and respects Joshu Murray and in turn values and respects himself—giving him confidence to carry him through school and life’s challenges.
He values and respects Joshu Murray and in turn values and respects himself—giving him confidence to carry him through school and life’s challenges.
There will always be obstacles in life. Tiger Schulmann’s has shown me to make an effort — not an excuse!