Blog
June
01
2016

Sandy Springs Member of the Month for June 2016: Shawne Elston

By Sean 0

Shawne came to SBG because he wanted to make some BIG changes.  

 

He’d slowly gained weight over the years due to a hectic work schedule and a lack of motivation from the gym.  He googled local martial arts gyms and found us.  He came in and tried a Jiu Jitsu class with Coach Sean and the rest is history.  He quickly found his way into Kickboxing as well, and now Shawne is a regular who can be found in the gym at least 4 days per week.

 

Coach Sean says this:

“He is incredibly consistent and has great energy.  Not only is he focused on his Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing progress, but he’s totally transformed his diet to help him on the mats and to have more energy off that mats.”

Coach Jim adds:

“How could anybody not to like Shawne.  He’s on time, he listens, he smiles, and he always tries hard.  I remember when he was new, he’d have to step out of training sessions to catch his breath and recompose himself.  Shawne never got discouraged, and after a few weeks he was able to get through a whole class without a problem.  Flash forward a couple months and the guy just went 3-0 in his first Jiu Jitsu competition!  I don’t think any of us saw that coming when he first started training here a couple months ago.”  

There was no quit in Shawne and his perseverance was evident to everyone.  He’d take a break when needed, and then he’d get right back out there.  

Shawne is all smiles and positivity when reflecting on his time with SBG.  His only regret…

“I just feel bad I didn’t start as soon as I got out of highschool….But I just started working and gained 100lbs instead….But 30 isn’t too old to start. LoL.”

Shawne is a perfect example of it not being too late.  So many people think that they’re ‘too old’ or ‘too out of shape’.  Shawne is living proof that it’s never too late to get started!

Awesome Job Shawne!

author: Sean