Featured Students

 

Jacob Bradshaw

Jacob is 8 years old and has been training at Calhoon’s for just over 2 months. He had no previous Martial Arts experience other than 2 years of wrestling before he joined Calhoon’s. Currently a White Belt, Jacob will be testing for his Gold Belt within the next couple of months.

Jacob is very driven and has some specific goals. In addition to earning his Black Belt at Calhoon’s, he also wants to compete in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) someday! One of his heroes is UFC Hall of Fame legend, Randy “The Natural” Couture. Jacob’s parents say that he is very passionate about the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. He loves it! He counts the days between classes, and is always looking forward to the next workout. While he is waiting for the next class, he spends a lot of time wrestling with his dad at home.

Jacob performs above his grade level academically. He was able to read at 5th grade level while just in the 2nd grade! Jacob especially enjoys Science class and anything having to do with animals and biology.

Jacob’s parents say that he absorbs information like a sponge. He always strives for excellence in everything that he does, whether it be Martial Arts, or the other sports he is interested in—Wrestling and Baseball. They also note that he is very respectful to others.

Jacob helps set a great example for all other students in his class. He shows great discipline and focus during workouts and is genuinely interested in learning. He applies himself 100%. During the physical fitness exercises, Jacob regularly outperforms students at higher belt levels! He is usually one of the very last students in class still doing pushups and sit-ups even when he has the option of stopping.

There is no doubt that Jacob will someday be a Black Belt if he continues on the path he is on. And who knows? Someday we might all be watching him on TV fighting for the Championship Title in the UFC!

Congratulations JACOB BRADSHAW for being CALHOON’S FEATURED STUDENT!!!

 

Ali Beigh

Ali is 11 years old and in the 5th grade. She has been training in the Youth Mixed Martial Arts & Life Skills program at Calhoon’s for a few months now and will soon be testing for her Gold Belt. Before moving to Walla Walla, Ali had spent 7 months training Kenpo 4 days per week in Spokane.

In Martial Arts classes, Ali regularly outperforms higher ranking belts on all of the physical fitness exercises. During grappling challenges, she is one of the toughest in the class! When it comes time for team challenges, everybody wants Ali on their team! Ali sets a great example in class for students of all belt ranks. She pushes herself physically and demonstrates discipline, self-control and respect.

When asked to describe Ali, her mom says the word “Independent” sums it up best. She says that Ali is very assertive, very determined, quick, smart and a real go-getter. She is fair, confident and very focused on achieving her goals. She fights for equality. Ali already plans to someday be an attorney and go to school at Gonzaga!

When she is not training Martial Arts, Ali enjoys playing soccer as well as both indoor and outdoor volleyball. She also enjoys rollerblading. Ali is also very artistic. She sings and has performed at Cordiner Hall. She has also taught herself how to play piano, and enjoys playing Beethoven and other classical pieces. Reading is another of Ali’s favorite hobbies. Ali also knows sign language.

Ali’s mom describes her as being very disciplined. She uses logic in decision making and shows self-control. She may start to react to a particular circumstance, but then stops to think things through, and process the situation.

At home, Ali does all of her chores without needing to be asked. She helps out a lot around the house. She gets along great with her brother and helps him when he needs it.

There is no doubt that Ali will be a Black Belt someday. Ali helps “set the bar” in classes
and is a great inspiration to all who know her.

Congratulations ALI BEIGH for being a CALHOON’S FEATURED STUDENT!!!

 

Brock

Brock just turned 5 years old and has been training in the Youth Mixed Martial Arts & Life-Skills program at Calhoon’s for 10 months. He is currently a 4th stripe White Belt and is testing for his new Gold Belt at the beginning of December.

Brock’s parents say that he absolutely loves Martial Arts and practices at home all the time with his dad and his sister Emry who both train at Calhoon’s also. He especially likes to practice his wrestling and his punching combinations with his dad as his dad holds his hands up giving him different targets to aim for. It is obvious that Brock does practice at home. At barely 5 years old, Brock’s punching combinations are sharper than many of the students in the 8-12 year old class! Brock is already an MMA fan and enjoys watching UFC events on television with his dad as well as boxing.

Since beginning his training at Calhoon’s, Brock’s parents have noticed that he is more disciplined. They say that he does what he’s told the first time now instead of having to be told to do something several times. They appreciate the life-skills development and positive physical outlet that the program provides.

In addition to Martial Arts, Brock also loves playing baseball and football in the back yard with his dad. He also likes riding his BMX bike and is looking forward to starting BMX racing this next spring at Fort Walla Walla. In pre-school, Brock especially likes working on art projects. Brock’s teachers and friends all comment on his fun personality. They say he is a joy to be around and that everybody likes him.

Congratulations BROCK for being a CALHOON’S FEATURED STUDENT!!!

 

Oswald Corona

Oswald Corona has been training at Calhoon’s for nearly 6 months now. “Oz” works out in all of the MMA classes, Kickboxing classes and often in the Boot Camp classes. Since Oz is also a member of the Competition Team, he also works out in Friday’s Team Practice. It’s no wonder that most everybody in the gym recognizes him since he’s at the gym 5 nights per week!

One of the greatest things about Oz is his incredible attitude. He’s always ready to work hard and push himself. He willingly does everything the coaches ask of him. He doesn’t have a know-it-all attitude. The coaches all love to work with Oz because he’s always ready to learn. He is then always very grateful for the help. Oz sets a great example for everybody training at Calhoon’s. His great work-ethic is inspiring. Even with minor injuries, bumps and bruises, he is still willing to be pushed during workouts to be the best he can be.

It is amazing how much Oz’s skills have improved over the last few months. If Calhoon’s had an award for “Most Improved”, Oz would win it! His punches and kicks have become much sharper and refined. He’s learned how to put combinations together. His ground game was non-existent before his training at Calhoon’s. His conditioning and mental focus have also greatly improved.

2 months ago, Oz competed in his first MMA fight with only 4 months of training under his belt. He made a great showing, scoring some early strikes on his opponent and then taking his opponent to the ground, but eventually lost the match by way of tap out due to a choke. Oz has been working very hard in the gym and is scheduled for his 2nd fight October 18th at the WWCC Dietrich Dome. This time, Oz plans to leave the ring with the victory. Plan to come to the show and root for Oz as he lays it all out on the line and works to earn his first win!

 

Mike & Cheryl Goudy

Mike and Cheryl Goudy have been training diligently at Calhoon’s for 7 months now.  They both originally sought out the fitness programs at Calhoon’s to get into better shape and lose a few pounds.  Mike and Cheryl both work out 4 nights per week, attending 2 nights per week of Kickboxing classes and 2 nights per week of Boot Camp classes. 

Since joining Calhoon’s in January, Cheryl has lost 20 pounds and is down 4 sizes!!!  Just as important, she reports that she is now sleeping better at night, has more energy during the day and feels happier overall with an improved outlook on life.  Way to go Cheryl!  Keep up the good work!

Mike has lost 25 pounds so far, down from 260 to 235.  He says that since they have been working out at the gym, they don’t fight as much.  Working out at Calhoon’s has become a family event.  They have fun during workouts and enjoy joking around during class.  Mike says that before joining the gym, he was more likely to be sitting on the couch in front of the TV eating junk food.  He is now working out instead, which has also motivated him to start eating healthier and stop smoking.  Most recently, Mike has begun working out in the MMA classes and would like to eventually compete in the ring for Team Calhoon at 205 pounds.  Mike is also working out occasionally in the Fitness Center now.

Mike and Cheryl’s friendly and smiling faces have become staples at the gym.  Every evening of the week, they can be found out on the mats dripping with sweat.  They are a great inspiration to everybody.

Congratulations MIKE & CHERYL GOUDY for being CALHOON’S FEATURED STUDENTS!!!

 

Anthony Senne

Anthony has been training Martial Arts at Calhoon’s for about 14 months and is getting ready to test for his Green Belt. In all of his Martial Arts training, he has yet to miss a single class or Test Day! Anthony is one of the most focused and disciplined students at the gym. And at only 6 years old, that is saying a lot! At his regular school, he is known for teaching the other kids to quietly “Sit at Attention” and teachers have commented that classes that used to be quite chaotic, noisy and unfocused, are now the most focused classes they have taught! He gets excellent grades at school and is at the top of his class.

While in Kindergarten, he was easily doing 1st grade math. Anthony also participates in other sports. In wrestling, Anthony was the only 6 year old on the wrestling team that got to participate in the wrestling tournaments. He has won 2 second place medals. On the soccer field, coaches credit Anthony with being one of their very best players, and as far as his physical conditioning, that he’s on a whole different level than the other kids! Anthony also plays basketball. But even though Anthony plays all of these different sports, he is quick to tell all of his friends that Karate is his first sport. Anthony’s maturity, focus and ability are beyond his 6 years of age. His grandfather mentions that since he began his Martial Arts training, he has continued to become more confident and outgoing. He says that Martial Arts is all Anthony talks about! He always can’t wait until his next Martial Arts class! Anthony is definitely a future Black Belt in the making! Begin placing your bets now on how old he will be when he reaches it!

Congratulations ANTHONY SENNE for being a CALHOON’S FEATURED STUDENT!!!