Jiu-Jitsu Helps Keep me Healthy, Positive, Confident and Overall Happier | Cheryl's BJJ Story
Submission Shark BJJ Interview
When I first met Cheryl on social media, I was pleasantly surprised at how much energy she had! Of course, our conversation started after she finished her jiu-jitsu class showing how much of a hard worker she is. Her kindness and loyalty are also very evident in how much appreciation she shows for her professor, Lucas Lepri.
Cheryl's energy and positive outlook on life is honestly rare and having people like that cheers up the rest of us. She comes from a great academy and is an excellent example of a positive role model not just for the kids she teaches, but for adults as well. Please welcome Cheryl Mongeon to the Submission Shark Community!
Submission Shark Community | Instagram: @tinyytigerr
Full Name: Cheryl Mongeon
Age: 49
Belt Colour: Blue
Professor: Lucas Lepri
Short Term Goals: train at least 4 Days a week, stay in good health physically and spiritually
How long have you been doing jiu-jitsu for?
Two and a half yrs
Where do you train out of?
Lucas Lepri BJJ Team Alliance in Charlotte
We're very happy to have our Professor back!! And with a championship from ACBJJ!!
Do you prefer BJJ in the gi or no-gi?
Gi because I haven’t had time to train much in no-gi.
Have your instructors helped you in other aspects of life other than jiu-jitsu?
I am so thankful for all the help and support, Professor!! @lucaslepri (I’m always hearing your voice even if you’re not present-“Take your time”...) OSS My goal for this year was gold- onto bigger goals!! Phil 4:13
Yes, always encouraging me to keep trying and stay positive, don’t give up
What are some lessons you learned from jiu-jitsu that apply to everyday life?
When it seems impossible that is when you have to keep trying and don’t give up.
How often do you train BJJ?
4-6 classes a week
What made you want to start training?
Was doing Krav Maga and learned some JiuJitsu there and fell in love with the sport
Do you plan on training your whole life?
Yes as long as God gives me the ability
What’s it about jiu-jitsu that makes it so addicting?
There is always something new to learn and you always want to keep improving and you DO improve if you don’t quit, and it’s such fun and you make great friends and you get a great workout! It keeps me young!
What has jiu-jitsu done for your physical health?
Endurance and strength
Has BJJ benefited your mental health?
Staying positive, confident, overall a happier, less stressed, more content person
If you could restart your jiu-jitsu journey, would you do anything differently?
No, because I have the best instructors and team. They are family to me.
What’s your advice for someone that’s never tried jiu-jitsu before but is interested in trying it?
just do it and don’t compare yourself to others and have fun
Do you have any aspirations in jiu-jitsu?
World championship sounds appropriate
What’s your favourite BJJ move?
Cartwheel haha (don’t get to use it much yet.)
People ask me,”So what do you do for fun?”...😂😂🙏🏻I enjoy LIFE!! “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”...Colossians 3:23
If you didn’t discover jiu-jitsu, where do you think you’d be now?
Running because it’s my other favourite sport
Would you like to see the sport become more mainstream?
Yes
Rooting for our Professor Lucas and Fred and our teammates at worlds today!! @lepribjjhq Get it!! CONGRATULATIONS to @sabrina_paige_ for your amazing work out there getting silver!!! You’re amazing!!
Have any of your training partners pushed you to reach your full potential?
Yes many times most of them, actually all of them because I learn from everyone
Thank you to the 7 AM crew! Always pushing me to be my best! Every success comes with the help of teammates like you!
When you were first starting, what was the most difficult concept of jiu-jitsu that you had trouble getting?
Professor Lucas loves to show us the X Guard and when I first started learning some of the sweeps as a white belt I was mind-blown haha
What makes you want to inspire and motivate others?
Seeing others succeed and having success myself
What's it about teaching kid's BJJ classes that you enjoy and is there anything that the kids taught you in return?
Teaching kids have taught me to laugh at myself and enjoy the learning process and never think I know it all. It is humbling.
When we first spoke, you explained how you wanted to own your own jiu-jitsu school by the beach. What's it about the beach environment that you enjoy?
I grew up near the beach in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. reminds me of my childhood days of being carefree ...and the feel of the wind and sounds of waves soothe my soul...and an important aspect of Jiu-Jitsu is being relaxed and fluid- like water ( sorry I took that from Bruce Lee but it’s true hA!!) And who doesn’t love playing and surfing in the waves???
You look very healthy and young. What are some of your secrets that you use to maintain your beautiful looks and your youthful spirit?
I pray. I have faith in Jesus and He keeps me from being too stressed and gives me the strength to deal with the trials of this life. (I quit drinking and smoking once I had this conversion to Christianity also...in my twenties.)
What would you tell someone that is going through a traumatic experience right now and is having a hard to recovering?
To have faith. God can make good happen anywhere and anytime. We have to keep looking forward and clinging to the good and work to make things better for ourselves and eventually others around us. ( while learning from mistakes.) This sense of purpose will get anyone through a difficult time. And just “do the next thing”...
Submission Shark BJJ Interviewer:
Wow! Thanks for sharing Cheryl. It was amazing getting to know you better. I love how thorough your beliefs you managed to find a healthier lifestyle. Through your positive attitude and kindness, you managed to become a great mother, friend and jiu-jitsu practitioner. You are leading by example and that will inspire others to make a change and become a better version of themselves. I am really happy that you are so passionate about something and that you are surrounded by people you consider family. Your ambitions are inspiring and I believe you have all the tools to achieve them.
I wish you nothing but the best in the pursuit of your goals. You truly expressed how the only thing keeping you from your old job was the love you had for watching young children grow to be confident people and your love for building their character. Many kids feel lost and it's people like you that truly help them become who they really are and reach their full potential. I was once a kid like that and although you weren't my coach, you still had the same mission and for that I thank you. You may be a "Tiny Tiger" but you have a big heart. Welcome to the Submission Shark Community :)
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