Lisandra Pena never set out to be a martial artist. Her parents signed up her for classes at EvolveAll at the age of 5 simply wanting her to learn the basics of self-defense, but what started off as bullying prevention and a desire for an increased sense of safety became so much more. Earlier this month Lisanda earned her Black Belt.

A familiar face to many EvolveAll families as one of our YMA student instructors, Lisandra has been practicing martial arts for more than a decade. “Longer than most of the students here were alive!” she says.

Reflecting on achieving her Black Belt, Lisandra says, “My greatest memories lie from the friends I’ve made, many who I’ve grown with, and others who I haven’t seen in a while…I remember their warmth.” One memory that stands out, she recalls, was an in-house tournament that ended in a tie between herself and a friend. “Mr. Christian couldn’t decide who got first and who got second. So we got to choose what we wanted. I kept the medal (second place) while she got the mug (first place).”

A Black Belt is something you earn, but it’s also something you grow into. Lisandra is now focused on her teaching. “I’m working on my teaching skills…I’ve been told that I’m doing pretty well, but striving to be better.” She monitors her progress in a notebook with detailed plans about any task she’s given to lead. Afterwards, she looks back on how she did and makes notes for improvement. Despite feeling some nerves, she will “not allow it interrupt my growth.”

Lisandra’s future plans are big, like COSMIC big. She loves astronomy and cosmology. She even has her own telescope and hopes to apply for the OSTEM NASA internship. When she’s not looking at the stars, she’s interested in what’s happening here on Earth as well and has considered careers in archeology, marine biology, and meteorology. One thing she definitely wants to try: Storm chasing!

Lisanda has proven she can do great things. We’re excited to have her share all that she knows with the students in the Youth Martial Arts program as a Black Belt and we can’t wait to see what she does next–on the mats or in the stars.

Confidence: Confidence is the foundation of success in all aspects of life. Our program is designed to instill unwavering self-assurance in our young members. Through mastering martial arts techniques, setting and achieving goals, and engaging in positive peer interactions, our students develop a sense of confidence that radiates through every facet of their lives.

Discipline: Martial arts demand discipline, and at EvolveAll, we make it fun and engaging. Our skilled instructors guide students through structured classes that teach the importance of discipline, focus, and dedication. These invaluable traits translate into improved academic performance and better decision-making skills.

Physical Fitness: We believe that a strong mind resides in a strong body. Our youth martial arts classes offer a fantastic opportunity for children and teenagers to stay active, improve their coordination, flexibility, and overall physical fitness in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Self-Defense: Safety is paramount in today’s world. Our program equips students with effective self-defense techniques, empowering them to protect themselves and others should the need arise. We foster a sense of awareness and teach practical skills that bolster confidence in challenging situations.

Community: At EvolveAll, we are more than just a martial arts studio; we are a community. We foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among our members, encouraging teamwork and mutual support. Lifelong friendships are forged here, and our inclusive atmosphere ensures that everyone feels welcome and valued.