Student Spotlight: Brian Tanner Woo

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself, such as your name, age, where you reside, and how long you’ve been practicing martial arts?

My name is Brian Tanner Woo, my age is 28, currently residing in Monterey Park, CA. I have been practicing martial arts since 2018!

2. What inspired you to start practicing martial arts?

I have always had an interest in biomechanics and limits of the human body. It wasn’t until my friend introduced me to a trial week at Silanoe Martial Arts on what I now know is called Jiu Jitsu. It has opened my eyes and became one of my favorite hobbies ever since!

3. What motivated you to join Silanoe Martial Arts?

I came to Silanoe for my friend, but stayed because of the right combination of a playful and competitive environment that Silanoe has to offer.

4. Can you share some memorable experiences or milestones you’ve achieved during your time at the academy?

I would say getting a belt promotion is a pretty big milestone, because it means you’re progressing but other than that, I would say it’s two things: the moment where everything you learn clicks and it becomes muscle memory and the memories you make along the way with friends on and off the mat. As corny and cliche as it is, it is truly about the journey and not the destination.

5. What aspects of Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai do you find most challenging, and how do you overcome them?

The most challenging thing I think is about jiu jitsu is learning a new move or new playstyle and applying it to your game. But also, that’s the best part about jiu jitsu as well because there will always be something to challenge yourself with.

6. In what ways have you seen yourself grow, both physically and mentally, through practicing martial arts?

An aspect I have seen myself improve on is self discipline and just honestly being a part of something that’s bigger than yourself while still having room for individuality. I’ve made many friends and memories along the way and I’ve learned irreplaceable knowledge that can be applied to daily life. My cardio still sucks though but that one is on me.

7. What advice would you give to someone considering starting martial arts?

My advice for people starting is honestly just keep going. I know people say that a lot but that’s usually because there is some truth to it. It may be daunting or discouraging to start because you’ll be the nail for good while, but one day you’ll start being the hammer and you’ll see that all those hours you sacrificed paid off.

8. Where do you envision your martial arts journey taking you in the future?

I hope to one day reach black belt before my age catches up to me and hopefully enlighten others on how to learn from the mistakes I’ve made along my journey.

9. Is there anything else you’d like to add or share with our readers?

Thank you for listening to me speak and more importantly, thank you to Gino for being the coach that he is. If he didn’t make a great environment to practice jiu jitsu in, I wouldn’t have stayed for so long. I would also like to thank everyone else that has helped me become a better student and competitor.

Brian Tanner has seen improvement on his self discipline and enjoys being a part of something that’s bigger than himself. Jiu-Jitsu allows to have that while allowing room for individuality. If you would to experience Jiu-Jitsu please reach out to us or request a Free Trial. You can also read more about our previous month student in the spotlight which is Raidyn L.

Student of the Month: Raidyn L.

What do you enjoy most about practicing martial arts?

-I enjoy practicing with other people

What inspired you to start learning martial arts?

-I started learning martial arts to be healthy and to learn new skills.

What’s the coolest move you’ve learned so far?

-The move where you lift your opponent with your hips (he couldn’t remember the Japanese term for it!) The name of the throw is O-Goshi. [Redacted]

Can you tell us about a time when martial arts helped you in everyday life?

-It is helping me learn to defend myself and not to give up when something is hard.

What advice would you give to other kids who are thinking about starting martial arts?

-I would advise other kids to be a good sport and try your best.

Besides martial arts, what other activities do you enjoy?

-I like to go to Trail Life. (It’s a Christian organization, like Boy Scouts)

If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why?

-Any superhero that can be invisible because sometimes I want to not be noticed.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fellow students?

-I have a dog named Bagel.

Is your child ready for an exciting adventure just like Raidyn? Our program is designed to not only improve physical fitness but also build confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills. Perfect for kids who love to stay active and have fun, our classes offer a supportive and engaging environment where they can learn and grow. Don’t just take our word for it—let your child experience the excitement firsthand. Sign up for a free trial today and watch them thrive. Join us now and give your child the gift of confidence and fitness or read more about other students such as Angela.

Student Spotlight: Angela Yoeurng

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself, such as your name, age, where you reside, and how long you’ve been practicing martial arts?

-My name is Angela, I’m 29 years old, and I live in Pasadena, CA. I attended my first BJJ class back in 2017, but I didn’t start practicing consistently until I joined Silanoe Martial Arts in 2021. This month actually marks my 3 year anniversary at this academy!

2. What inspired you to start practicing martial arts?

-I’ve always been interested in practicing martial arts, but, aside from a Kickboxing class here or there during college, never had the chance to when I was younger. When I became an adult, with adult money and my own car, I signed myself up! Additionally, with the rise of asian hate during the pandemic, I was tired of feeling helpless and figured it’d be a good opportunity for me to learn how to defend myself and those around me.

3. What motivated you to join Silanoe Martial Arts?

-I moved to the area during the pandemic and, coming out of quarantine, I was looking for a place where I would feel safe practicing BJJ (both mentally and physically) and begin re-building my community. Silanoe Martial Arts was clean, covid-conscious, locally owned and operated, and had a growing and thriving women’s community. Bonus points that it was 5 minutes away from where I was living at the time.

4. Can you share some memorable experiences or milestones you’ve achieved during your time at the academy?

-The most memorable experience/milestone for me was probably competing in my first Jiu Jitsu competition as a white belt! I never pictured myself competing in a fight sport before, so I feel a lot of pride and accomplishment in forcing myself outside of my comfort zone and doing something that’s really scary, and surviving.

5. What aspects of Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai do you find most challenging, and how do you overcome them?

-One of the biggest challenges for me has been learning to be more assertive in my matches. By nature, I’m not super aggressive, and it can be tough to find that balance between being controlled and technical while also initiating attacks and capitalizing on opportunities. I’ve been working to overcome this by coming in with a specific goal I want to get to in each roll (e.g. hit a triangle from this position) and trying to reframe my mindset around “aggression”. I tell myself I owe it to my teammates (and myself) to give them challenging rolls as that’s the only way for both of us to improve.

6. In what ways have you seen yourself grow, both physically and mentally, through practicing martial arts?

-Physically, jiu jitsu has greatly improved my conditioning and body awareness.  Mentally, it’s greatly improved my confidence and mental well-being.  It’s helped me re-shape my view of my body from what it looks like to what it can do, as well as provided a strong sense of community and a great outlet for stress.

7. What advice would you give to someone considering starting martial arts?

-Just do it! The martial arts community is so supportive and it’s really not as scary as you think it is. It might suck at first but a year from now you’ll look back and see how much progress you’ve made. Everyone always says the only regret they have is not starting sooner.

8. Where do you envision your martial arts journey taking you in the future?

-My main goal is to still be practicing in some capacity decades from now, well into old age. Of course, the biggest tangible goal is black belt, but for now I’m enjoying the journey and just trying to learn everything I can about Jiu Jitsu.

9. Is there anything else you’d like to add or share with our readers?

-Martial arts has been such a positive influence in my life. I’ve been able to meet such amazing people through jiu jitsu from all walks of life and there’s an immediate bond whenever you meet someone else who practices. It’s been such an honor to share the mats with both my teammates and amazing martial artists at gyms around the world.

Martial Arts has been an asset to Angela in many different ways. If you are ready to give it a try please reach out to us or request a Free Trial. You can also read more about the Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt rank here.