Members spotlight – Krystal Sanchez

Every Month the CBA shines a spotlight on one of our incredible members of the Chloe Bruce Academy! A dedicated member who exemplifies dedication, passion, and perseverance within their martial arts journey. From inspiring stories to remarkable achievements, our Member Spotlight is all about celebrating the diverse talents and journeys within our Team CB!
This months spotlight is none other than the incredible Krystol Sanchez!

1. Hi Krystol, could you please introduce yourself? tell us where you are from, and a little about your martial arts background; When did you begin practicing and what made you start? 

My name is Krystol Sanchez.  I am from the DMV area in the US and currently reside in Woodbridge, Virginia, about 20 miles south of Washington DC.  I started practicing Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do, specifically, in 1999/2000. I, luckily, found myself working for someone who believed in me and gave me opportunities to grow as a person.  One of these opportunities was the gift of Martial Arts.  I didn’t know what I was walking in to but soon fell in love with it! 

2.  What style are you predominantly trained in and what belt? 

I am predominately trained in Tae Kwon Do.  Styles include Jhoon Rhee, ITF, and Sport Karate/Point Fighting.  I hold 3 black belts in Tae Kwon Do, two second degree black belts, and one third degree black belt, all from different schools.  I have trained extensively in Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well, holding a purple belt in BJJ. 

3. Care to share a memory you have of training as a child? 

I did not train as a child.  I didn’t start until I was an adult at the age of 20 or 21. 

4. What is one piece of advice you received from your previous master(s) that will always stick with you? 

That’s a tough one.  I have trained with so many amazing Masters and Grandmasters.  I started teaching at brown belt at my first school and I think one of the things I remember most is “having a blast with basics”.  It was in our instructor manual, and it is something that never gets old to me.  I love practicing and teaching strong basics! 

5. What would you say are your greatest strengths in your practice? 

Hands down, teaching!  I love to disguise repetition and create an exciting training environment.  I don’t know how much I practice for myself anymore.  I practice to stay fresh for my students and empower them with my knowledge and love for the sport.  If I had to choose my greatest strengths, I have strong stances, intense forms, one heck of a side kick, and I love to fight! 

6. How would you say Martial Arts has impacted your life? 

Martial arts has given me family, stability, and positivity when I needed it most.  It has taught me to never give up and has kept me pushing to be the best version of myself as a martial artist, competitor, instructor, school owner, and a person.  It has kept me reaching for new goals and how to push through challenges.  I have learned patience, humility, kindness, and giving on so many different levels.  I have been able to share my passion with others and find what I believe to be my true calling in life. 

7. Do you have any specific goals or things you hope to accomplish in this coming year? 

I have been working to get my 4^th dan in Tae Kwon Do.  My personal training goals include: 

Strengthening for my knees, stay injury free, increase mobility and range of motion, breakdown and learn one belt level form per month, create a new bo staff form.  

8. What are the main things you love about the Chloe Bruce Academy? 

I love working with Chloe in the live sessions!  Chloe is genuine, knowledgeable, professional, and makes me feel like a rock star!  She goes out of her way to make sure we get the recordings so we can go back and practice what we learned.  She goes above and beyond in every session! 

9. How does the CBA add to your current training? 

I can conveniently use the videos any time.  I work on kick strengthening, flexibility, and bo staff. 

10. Some advice you would give to someone just starting out in Martial arts? 

I generally give advice to people who are going to train in person at a training facility and what I say to them is this: 

It’s not about choosing the right style of martial art; it’s about choosing the right place.  Experienced and passionate instructors that teach quality martial arts in a positive training environment is what you should be looking for. 

Take it slow, get it right, technique over everything else.  You can add power, speed, and flexibility to the proper technique.  Progress over perfection! 

Thankyou so much Krystol, you are such an inspiration! If you would like to check out Krystol’s dojo or social media accounts please click below.

Website: www.actiontkd.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMAFTKD/