1. What Inspires You To Train?
I train because I love the fact that martial arts is a continuous learning process. There is no end and you can always learn something new. A couple of the added benefits are being able to defend yourself, obviously, increased body awareness and it definitely keeps you in shape!
2. How Has Martial Arts Changed Your Life? Your Perspective?
I have always been intrigued by martial arts since I was little watching Bruce Lee movies. I find that it helps me problem solve much more effectively even outside of the martial arts world and it has increased my confidence significantly. Martial arts has become an everyday part of my life and I know for a fact I will do practicing the arts and forever learning for the rest of my life
3. What Inspires You To Teach?
When I learn anything in my martial arts training it is fulfilling and rewarding to be able to pass that knowledge on to people who are just starting out. Martial arts is unique in that even those who have not practiced nearly as long as you have can still teach you something in your journey as well. Learning and teaching sometimes because interchangeable and I love that about all the arts.
4. How Did You Find Martial Arts?
I used to do Tae Kwon Do when I was in grammar school because my father wanted me to learn how to defend myself. I had to stop going, however, because I played basketball competitively and the schedules just didn’t work for me. I knew I wanted to get back into it somehow so in my adult years, a friend and personal training co-worker introduced me to the school where she trained. After my first class I knew Anderson’s Martial Arts would be my home; I fell in love with it because of the variety of arts it offered and the family feel
6. What Is Your Single Most Defining Factor In Training?
Continually learning. I train to get better and more skilled everyday, and I love problem solving which is what martial arts is all about
7. What Was Your Biggest Hurdle In Martial Arts? And How Did You Get Over It?
I get frustrated sometimes when I can’t get a new move or can’t understand a new concept. In these times I have to force myself to slow down and just continue to practice until I get it. I ask my classmates or instructors to help me whenever they can and then just do the move over and over.
8. Whats On Your Play List In Class?
Justin Timberlake, Rhianna, Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Calvin Harris, DMX, Beyonce and so many others. It depends on the day and my mood!
9. What Class(es) Do You Teach? And Which Do You Train?
I train Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I teach some of the Muay Thai, weapons and Jeet Kune Do classes.
10. One Go To Move?
I don’t have one style as my go to so I can’t answer that, I love them all. But my go to move in Muay Thai is definitely the flying cross. But don’t tell my opponents!
11. How Do You Get Your Training In, Even On The Busiest Week?
There is always a way to get training in whether its shadow boxing at home before bed, going to class or practicing a move in the park, there are no excuses because even 10 minutes is better than nothing.
12. How Has Martial Arts Transformed Your Body, Your Health, Your Mind, Your Ability, Your Confidence?
You can’t deny the fitness aspect of martial arts, it works you out in ways traditional lifting couldn’t so I have gotten stronger and more toned. Also, in addition to being able to defend myself, it has taught me patience, a better appreciation of self and how to teach
13. Why Should I Try Your Class?
I always give an intense class, whether it’s physically or mentally, but you’ll always walk out of class knowing something new you didn’t know an hour earlier….
Where can you find Jénel? On the Anderson’s NYC training floor of course – she trains at the Academy daily taking Boxing, Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, Kali and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Jenel also teaches some of our Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and KB classes. —> email us at webinfo@andersonsmartialarts.com to try a class!
