Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonia Mendez.
Sonia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Sonia and I’m a ninja. I’m a martial artist and a fifth-degree black belt. But first, let me give you some background on how I became this powerful little ninja. From the ages of 18 through 21, I had a stalker, had a convicted rapist tried to break into my home, and had a peeping Tom. I lived in fear, and I allowed that fear to seep into every facet of my life. After several years of having to call 911 to rescue me, I decided to take action and rescue myself. I started training in martial arts. After years of training, I tested for my first-degree black belt; years later, my second degree, then my third, then fourth.
And today, I’m a 5th-degree black belt, Krav Maga instructor, a blue belt in Gracie jiu-jitsu, SKILLZ martial arts child development instructor, and I own my own Martial arts school! I’ve dedicated my life to teaching the importance of never giving up, facing your fears, and living a happy, healthy life. In September of 2012, I opened a martial arts school to share my love and passion for the art. It’s changed my life in so many ways. Being a martial arts athlete taught me many things: Confidence, Perseverance, Focus, and more. And being a martial arts school owner has made me a better person. It has taught me patience, compassion and the importance of teamwork and support. It has taught me the power of how one person can make a huge difference in someone’s world. It has given me a mission: To change the world one Ninja at a time! While I was focused on changing the world through my students, it came as a surprise how much my students (aka my ‘Ninjas’) inspired change in me. I witnessed their bravery, tenacity, and resilience to overcome fears, hardships, and what some would see as physical limitations.
It was this inspiration that led me to start a second company – ‘Always A Ninja’, One ninja, in particular, had a profound impact on me – her name is Meredith. She has Dravet Syndrome, which is a rare, catastrophic, lifelong form of epilepsy that begins in the first year of life with frequent and/or prolonged seizures. Meredith takes her role as a ninja very seriously. She brings her high spirited energy to everything she does on and off the mat. It doesn’t matter if she is tired or if she had a seizure earlier that day. Meredith inspires the class and everyone around her with her quote, “A Ninja Never Gives Up”. This saying has become a mantra and culture at Symmetry Martial Arts. When we are discouraged or frustrated, those words push us through. We believe in teamwork and that you can’t be your best without the support of others. Because a ninja isn’t just about excelling in a particular skill or activity: It’s a way of life. It’s about never giving up, never settling, and always giving your best in everything you do. Whatever your sport or hobby, channel your inner ninja with purpose, effort, a positive attitude, and conviction. Make a difference in the world by giving your all! Now is the time, we need you, the world needs you!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life is never easy. It’s filled with obstacles and challenges. The biggest struggle I’ve had is allowing fear to paralyze me. Fear shows up in many different forms. It will kill your hopes and dreams if you let it. It will stop you from living your best life. Facing your fears is one of the most important things you can do. Watching my father go through the dying process was one of the hardest things I had to do. Talking to him about his death was something I ran from. It was his courage that made me face it. His courage helped me grow and be the strong person I am today. After years of training, learning choke defenses, bear hugs, attacks from the ground, someone on top of me, all the fears that paralyzed me. I gained confidence. I grew stronger, not just with my body, but my mind and spirit. “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along. ‘ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Symmetry Martial Arts?
Symmetry Martial Arts specializes in teaching children. Symmetry, Martial Art’s goal, is to provide the most comprehensive, age-specific Child Development Martial Arts training available on the market today, known as SKILLZ™. The SKILLZ™ Programs include an International evolution of Martial Arts, fitness and educational training that targets the age-specific needs in children. We’ve taken the coolest parts of Martial Arts from a variety of styles and combined them into an action-packed curriculum that helps children build skills that they can apply in every area of their life. This means children ages three and up will have a blast in their Martial Arts classes while learning valuable skills that enable them to be the best they can possibly be.
What were you like growing up?
A tiny girl with a big smile. I was born in the city of Chicago, raised to be a Bears and Cubs fan. The influence of sports shaped me into a tomboy. I’d rather play outside then play inside with Barbie dolls. Growing up a tomboy made me appreciate the strong side of myself. It helped me be independent and a more balanced human being.
Pricing:
- $69.95 Quick Start Program
- Monthly Membership $160
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@symmetrymartialarts.com
- Website: www.symmetrymartialarts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soniatheninja/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SymmetryMa/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/SymmetryMartialArtsJupiter
