Athlete of the Month: Felicitas instructs next generation of blackbelts
March 1, 2022
Every month, we recognize two student-athletes, one from a boys team and another from a girls team for their performance on the field. This month, we recognize Jenica Felicitas, a first-degree blackbelt and instructor at Evolution Martial Arts and Cross-Fit studio.
Felicitas, a junior, has been doing martial arts for the past six years. In December 2021, she became an instructor at her studio.
Q: What do you enjoy about martial arts and what are your favorite aspects?
A: I think I enjoy the fact that you don’t have to be a specific type of person to do martial arts. It could just be anyone like, literally, anyone can do it as long as you have the drive to do it and the motivation. If you lack both of those, then you aren’t going to be able to move forward and practice makes you get better. I don’t believe in practice makes perfect, though.
Q: What challenges have you faced until this point and how have you overcome them?
A: I genuinely hated working with others along with communicating with others to the point where I kind of suffered alone and I was missing a few things. I couldn’t get a few techniques down. I forgot a few things. It kind of forced me to communicate with others and get along with others. I guess you could say that’s what I overcame.
Q: What are some of your inspirations/motivations?
A: My instructors, especially my instructor Mr. Brandon. I did an interview on him back in ninth grade. I would say he’s my inspiration. Since day one, he pushed me to move forward, try harder and helped me realize what I’m capable of achieving. To add on, my inspiration is also my favorite band BTS.
Q: What are your responsibilities as an instructor?
A: I’m responsible for the student’s knowledge and their techniques along with whether or not they’ll be able to pass and move on to the next belt.
