Vanguard Gym

Even though we train together as a team and benefit from the mutual support of those around us, when it comes down to the match you are challenged and overcome your adversary based on your abilities. Many find the challenge exhilarating and that the sense of accomplishment helps them overcome other challenges in life. By having short term goals such as learning specific techniques or preparing for their next belt level, children and adults learn to feel a sense of accomplishment when they apply themselves and achieve their goal.

From the Micron Company newsletter “Inside MTV” under the “The Human Element” section in the March/April 2010 edition.

We asked Paul what is his greatest accomplishment thus far has been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

“To date, my greatest accomplishment was when I was promoted to blue belt after only 8 months of training; the average time is closer to 2 years. For me to get to the next (purple) level, one of the tasks I must successfully accomplish is to help teach new students the basics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This not only helps introduce them to the sport, but forces me to solidify my understanding of the concepts as well. I am fortunate to be able to do this at both the Manassas (Vanguard Gym) and Culpeper (Culpeper MMA) locations.”

Has practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu influenced your work at Micron?

“Yes, it has. When I am practicing, I set goals that I need to achieve, both physical and mental. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a lot like a chess game; it is about developing a strategy and executing to it through physical and tactical means. At work we do the same: develop a strategy, and set short term goals to meet our long term goals and objectives. Also, when I am teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I understand that not everyone learns the same and I need to adopt different teaching techniques. In the gym, I may take a complex move and teach it in fewer steps (a concept) until the student is comfortable with the move before adding the more complex details. I have also realized how important feedback is. My greatest feedback in the gym is when students continue to ask questions both before and after class, and ultimately seeing them progress and achieve their ambitions. Setting goals, breaking down complex tasks into manageable components and giving and receiving feedback correlate very well to the work environment.”

Do discipline and values in martial arts carry over to your work too?

“Yes. To have pride in ones workmanship whether it is how I present myself at work, or handle myself while practicing or teaching Jiu-Jitsu is an important discipline. It is also very important in both teaching and my job as a leader at Micron to use encouragement to help my students and employees reach their goal. Encouragement and self empowerment are definitely more effective.”