With martial arts classes for individuals of nearly all ages, Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu in Lake Travis provides an opportunity for families to train together.

Started last June by Victor Hugo and Steve Hargett, the school is located at 1501 RR 620 N., Ste. B, Lakeway.

Community Impact sat down with students whose children also attend the facility to discuss why they chose the school and the benefits they’ve seen from their training.



What made you decide to join Six Blades and bring your kids to the academy?

John Walsh: Both Victor and Steve are highly accomplished martial artists themselves, but more importantly, their instruction is on point. It's very much about technique and learning how to move the body, which is something that I had to relearn how to do. The culture that they've created at the school, it was a very good fit for me and my daughter.

Cathy Sunu: It's a fantastic school. The coaches are world class athletes. They are the best of the best but they are also incredible teachers, and they're really good with kids. They're incredibly engaging, and they're super fun. You just see the kids having a great time, but they're also learning proper technique. I know that it's been a night and day difference from where we were to where we are now.

Yuri Xavier: For my daughter, she’s very much enjoying it. She’ll come home and talk about the things she’s learning. She’s having fun but she’s also seeming more confident in her ability to engage her body in the physical environments.

What has your experience with Jiu-Jitsu been like while at Six Blades?

Michael-Scott Earle: It's very rare that you're actually contesting with someone in a way where there's a victor and a loser. To be in a space where you're challenged with someone and they’re going to win or you're going to win, afterwards you're going to help them get better and they're going to help you get better. It's a meditative kind of state. I definitely have been stressed out with work and then I come to class and feel really relaxed and just really grateful for the experience.

Walsh: There's humility and continuous learning [at Six Blades]. Jiu-Jitsu is a physical sport, but it's much more of a mental test, where I have to figure out how to apply the techniques against different people and different body types. It's an ever evolving game of human chess.

What benefits have you and your children received since you began training?

Matt Zissler: When you get your kids started, they are kind of timid at first and you can see them being reserved. As they keep coming to class and keep learning, you can see their competence growing. You just see this shift in them to where the mat becomes their element. They're just totally at home and totally comfortable out there.

Sunu: I feel a big sense of accomplishment after each class that I survived. I get my butt kicked every class, but it feels really good and I really hope that more women will join the school.

Earle: Just from a quantifiable aspect, I've lost 40 pounds, and I went from a 38 inch waist to a 32 inch waist. For my daughter it's been really good for her because she just feels really confident when she's talking to people or walking around.

To learn more about Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu and to inquire about classes, visit the website.

The above story was produced by Community Impact's Senior Multi Platform Journalist Sierra Rozen with information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.