Makana

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What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

He loves learning new techniques and styles. He represents his team by consistantly enrolling in tournaments local and out of state. Building friendships with like minded friends across town and in different states he can learn from and friends can hang out with even after the sports are done. Learning from other friends. He was built under pressure and learned how to transition himself out of uncomfortable situations. He continues to sharpen his skills by showing up to train daily.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Makana is inspired by his jiujitsu professor Fabio Serrao. One day he would like to become a black belt just like and have his own gym just like him so that he can inspire kids and pass down his learning. He’s also inspired by his dad who also trains in jiujitsu and teaches him all around life lessons on never giving up in anything that he does. He learns to sharpen his skills by being coachable and continues to sharpen the areas he needs work on. It’s not called losing it’s called learning.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

My proudest moment was his very first Jiujitsu tournament. He was 5 years old and with only three months of training he got on the mats and faced his opponents with hundreds of people in attendance and put his all on the mat. He finished 2nd place in one division and third in another. When he and his mother hugged after the matches it was happy tears pouring down from both their eyes. It’s a moment that I’ll never forget.