Natalie Schwartz
May 7, 2025
“We workout with Core Strength and Performance which shares a building with 5 Minds. The youth class for 5 Minds lined up with our strength training time so we decided to let all 3 of our kids (15, 13,11) who have never done jiujitsu give it a try. After the first trial class they were all hooked. Dave and Deven do a phenomenal job in the youth class teaching the fundamentals and making it fun. They model the move, train the move, play a game or have an activity to reinforce the moves and then end with some rolling to let the kids put it all together. They are there helping and coaching every step of the way. I also appreciate how they take the time to teach the kids how to be good partners and look out of each other’s safety. This sport is challenging and at times my 13 year old has found himself in uncomfortable positions and panicked a little and Dave or Deven have been right there helping calm him and coaching him through the next steps. And the smile and sense of accomplishment he has for working through hard things has been really rewarding. But I cannot emphasize or say enough about what it has done and taught my daughter already. During my daughter’s trial class, the owner Heidi was there and partnered with her and she had an amazing time. Heidi was a great partner also helping coach her through the moves and positions and during the rolling gave my daughter time work and think and move. The drive home that night she talked non stop what she did and how cool it was. I cannot remember the last time she was so excited about something. As she has done more classes there isn’t always a female there for her to practice with. However all of the guys have always been very respectful and made her feel comfortable. Deven made a point to make sure she knew that if she didn’t want to work with someone she can always say “no” and it doesn’t have to be explained. No is a complete sentence. And that really helps her feel comfortable knowing that. Though she has never felt the need to decline trying any of the movements with any of the great people that train here. She leaves each class with a huge smile and radiating pride in what she did. I love that she is not only getting valuable self defense skills, she is also getting stronger and more confident.”
