Congratulations, Ezra Hoffman! March 2025’s Student of the Month!

7-year-old Ezra was born into Jiu-Jitsu and was the youngest of all his siblings to train at the Academy. He watched countless classes from the sidelines as a toddler. Watching his Father, Rick, who’s a black belt, and his siblings, Sariah (blue belt), Eliana (blue belt), and Josiah (orange/white belt).

Early in Ezra’s Jiu-Jitsu journey, when the Instructors walked by and tried to interact with him, he would refuse to give high fives or handshakes and occasionally growl.

Over time, with the persistent coaching of older brother Josiah, Ezra would give the Instructors reluctant handshakes with strong eye contact.

Ezra started his Jiu-Jitsu journey in October of 2023 in the 4-6-year-olds’ program, and he was all business from day one, with the support of his family watching from the sideline and his older sister Sariah as an assistant Instructor. He was at home. Now, the roles are reversed, and he is the one being watched!

Ezra works extremely hard, is always on task, and elevates his partners with his focused intensity. When he partners with someone who isn’t on task, he looks at them with a quiet stare, and his teammates get the message: “Back to work!” He leads by example.

Ezra is competitive and is motivated to beat his older brother, Josiah (12). He has a calm and focused confidence about him. His diligent work on the mat magnifies his confidence, focus, athletic ability, and skill. Ezra drills every day on the mats at his home as well. He doesn’t have much to say in class, but when he speaks, everyone listens!

In October of 2024, Ezra made a smooth transition into the 6-8-year-olds’ program, and during the Winter Belt Ceremony of 2024, he earned his full Grey belt.

Great job, Ezra! We are proud of your hard work and commitment!