SBGi’s Kids Martial Arts Coach’s Profile: Craig Leto
Kids martial arts coach’s Profile: Craig Leto
In this series we are profiling the kids martial arts class coaches. This week we will learn a little bit about coach Craig Leto.
What did you do before you started BJJ/SBGi for fun or as an activity (sport, hobby)? Do you still do it?
– Before I found BJJ I was into Kickboxing and Biking. I still bike but I don’t spend much time doing striking stuff.
How long have you been training?
-3 years
What other disciplines do you study, if any?
-MMA
How has studying this discipline helped you?
-It really makes you appreciate how timing and proper technique can overcome strength and size.
What about SBGi is different than other places you may have trained?
-The coaching style; SBGi is the only gym I’ve trained at where you feel really involved in the learning process. There is more of a collaborative feel to how we train.
What’s your day job?
-Computer technician
Name something you’ve never done that you want to do?
-I would like to climb Mt. Hood.
What are some practical/daily applications to learning martial arts that you’ve learned besides self defense? Have you ever had to use it for self defense?
-Balance and coordination. I haven’t had to use BJJ in a serious self-defense situation but training in any “alive” combat sport will give you the confidence needed to stay focused and safe if the time comes.
How has learning and training at SBGi affected you in your daily life?
-I have traveled to great places to train, met interesting people and have some good friends because of SBGi.
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
-Coffee!
What’s your favorite food and why?
-Thai food. The spice; It must flow.
If you could describe yourself in a haiku what would it say (use of three lines of up to 17 syllables;[1] most commonly, 5, 7, 5)?
– I want to ride my bicycle
Do I have all my gear?
Pajama Party
What kind of experience do you have working with kids besides kids class at SBG (could be babysitting, volunteering, mentoring, nieces, nephews)?
– I was a camp counselor in high school and did my share of babysitting younger cousins.
What’s your favorite part of teaching/working with kids?
– The sense of intrigue they have is amazing to me. Somewhere along the line of becoming an adult most people just start accepting things and stop asking “Why?”
Did you study any martial arts as a kid?
– I did Soo Bahk Do A.K.A Tang Soo Do for about 5 years.
Coach Craig’s relaxing in Portland.
What qualities do you admire most in children?
-Their endless supply of energy and cheeky shenanigans always makes me smile.
What is your favorite martial arts movie?
-Return of the Dragon
What is your guilty indulgence pop song that you’d be embarrassed to admit you like?
–Call me maybe. ( As performed by Jimmy Fallon and The Roots.)