SBGi’s Kids Martial Arts Coach’s profile: Amanda Loewen

Get to know the Head Coach of the SBGi’s Kids Martial Arts program: Coach Amanda!

What did you do before you started BJJ/SBGi for fun or as an activity (sport, hobby)? Do you still do it?
Before I started doing jiu jitsu I rode my bike; and I still ride my bike.

How long have you been training?
I’ve been training for 3 ½ years. I started in August 20th of 2009.

What other disciplines do you study, if any?
Besides doing jiu jitsu I on occasion will practice boxing/MMA. (I don’t do enough of it)

How has studying this discipline helped you?
Practicing all around has helped me win two MMA fights (2-0)

What about SBGi is different than other places you may have trained?
I haven’t trained anywhere else, but I do know that SBG’s coaches and the way that we train is undeniably the best. I wouldn’t want it other way.

What’s your day job?
Coaching is my day job, training is my night job.

Name something you’ve never done that you want to do?
Three things: 1) Win Pan Ams 2013. 2) Win Mundials 2013. 3) Obtain the 135lb bantamweight belt for the FCFF: Full Contact Fighting Federation 2013.

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?
Doing jiu jitsu has helped me problem solve outside of the gym. I think about it when I wake up, while I’m doing the dishes, when I go to bed. Luckily, I have not had the opportunity to use martial arts to defend myself. I would feel really sorry for the person if they ever decide to attack me.

How has learning and training at SBGi affected you in your daily life?
It’s a constant positive force.

Coach Amanda rockin’ a Mickey T-shirt back in the day…

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
I don’t really like ice cream.

What’s your favorite food and why?
I’m a sucker for pizza, the vegan kind, because its radical.

What kind of experience do you have working with kids besides kids class at SBG (could be babysitting, volunteering, mentoring, nieces, nephews)?
I helped take care of/raise my two brothers and sister. I had an absent father and my mom needed the help. Being the oldest it taught me to be responsible even when I didn’t want to be. I babysat a ton before I got ‘real jobs’. I was a nanny for a couple years when I first moved to Portland as well.

What’s your favorite part of teaching/working with kids?
They are completely honest (well at least most of the time) They tend to say whatever is on their mind, I admire that, most adults want to sugar coat everything. When they apply themselves to what myself and the other coaches are teaching, its inspiring and amazing as to what they can accomplish.

Did you study any martial arts as a kid?
Nope.

What qualities do you admire most in children?
Sincerity. Comedy.

What is your favorite martial arts movie?
I don’t really have a favorite martial arts movie. I really like Charles Bronson Death Wish 3.

What is your guilty indulgence pop song that you’d be embarrassed to admit you like?
As a kid I listened to a lot of Taking back Sunday. Its bad pop punk but I still dig it.