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
     
    Cheryl In a White BJJ Gi
     
    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 

    Lucas Lepri BJJ Team

    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?

    Cheryl Mongeon and her BJJ professor Lucas Lepri

    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?

    Cheryl Mongeon Winning BJJ Tournament

    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?

    BJJ Girls in white and blue gis

    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?

    Cheryl Mongeon showing her strength through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    Endurance and strength

    Has BJJ benefited your mental health?

    Cheryl Mongeon In a White BJJ Gi

    Staying positive, confident, overall a happier, less stressed, more content person
     

    If you could restart your jiu-jitsu journey, would you do anything differently?

    BJJ Training at Lucas Lepri Martial Arts

    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?

    Gold BJJ Medal

    World championship sounds appropriate

    What’s your favourite BJJ move?

    Cartwheel haha (don’t get to use it much yet.)

    Cheryl Mongeon doing a handstand in a white BJJ gi at Lucas Lepri Academy

    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
     
    Lucas Lepri Team Watching their BJJ Professor on T.V
    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
     

    Cheryl Mongeon and her BJJ Training partners

    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???
     
    Cheryl Mongeon Surfing
     

    You look very healthy and young. What are some of your secrets that you use to maintain your beautiful looks and your youthful spirit?

    Healthy BJJ Diet

    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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