TESTIMONIALS
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Ruben (Student)
“East La Jiu Jitsu has become a huge part of my journey, giving me a sense of stability that I have never experienced before. Since joining ELABJJ, I’ve found a place I can call home, where I can push through challenges and keep going, and in turn, opened up new paths for my life and career.”
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Vero (Mother)
“As a mother to Miguel, who was diagnosed with autism, I have seen my son overcome being overwhelmed in crowds, where he used to shut down. Training two years with ELABJJ my son has developed a confidence he desperately needed. Before, Miguel had a hard time making friends, now he calls his friends from East LA Jiu-Jitsu, his brothers.”
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Sonia & Cesar (Parents)
“Our daughter is 12 years old, Gizelle, who at first refused to try self-defense. Gizelle was bullied at school, and when she finally decided to try East LA Jiu-Jitsu, she loved it! Her self-esteem and confidence have skyrocketed, and has become outspoken. We have seen our daughter, once be glued to her phone, to now interact with us, and has been recently drawn to community service. Our family is so thankful for ELABJJ and how it has positively impacted Gizelle."
“East La Jiu-jitsu has become a huge part of my journey, giving me a sense of stability that I never experienced before. Growing up, I moved from place to place, living in motels, apartments, trailers, cars, and struggled to settle down, and never felt I had a home. The constant moving made it hard to ever fully commit to anything and easily gave up when things got tough. However, since joining East LA Jiu-jitsu almost two years ago, I’ve finally found a place where I learned how to push through challenges, since the training has been some of the hardest, I’ve ever faced. The support from my coaches helped me stay focused and from quitting. East LA Jiu-jitsu has empowered us by introducing us to doctors, business owners, and others who have been part of my journey, professionally and personally. It has truly strengthened my resolve and opened up new paths for my life and career.
Ruben Coronado-Garcia
“ELAJJ has been a wonderful resource to our students at Learning Works Charter School and the Homeboy Industries Youth Re-Entry Center. We serve students from 6th-12 grade who have experienced particular hardships, including pregnancy, incarceration, gang affiliation and poverty. I am so thankful for the way that Ron, and the ELAJJ team, approach our students with open arms and teach them not only jiu-jitsu, but something much deeper-resilience. It has been amazing to see the progress in our students, not just in the physical movements, but in the mental resilience and tenacity that is grown through this practice.”
Ms. Alona
“I have battled with depression and suicidal thoughts since the age of 7. I can say without a doubt to be brief; I would not be here today without Ron Mukai and his impact on my life with his jiu-jitsu school. East LA Jiu Jitsu has become more than a home gym, it is a second home, and that is an understatement, and a place I will bring my family. Professor Ron is a mad I admire and aspire to be like, a person of true excellence and character, like no other. With the utmost pride and appreciation, I get to represent him, East LA’s mission, and our friends and families at East LA Jiu-Jitsu. Throughout my life I have battled many mental health barriers and may not have won them all, but knowing Professor Ron and the East LA Jiu-Jitsu club is there waiting for me, is a blessing I’d love everyone to have.”
Daniel Salazar
