Womens Kickboxing
My name is Kim Cozzi. I came to Victory almost 8 years ago in an effort to find an exercise program that wouldn’t bore me. I was never very athletic and I wanted to work out to lose some baby weight. Walking through those doors was the beginning of a personal transformation for me, physically and mentally. I fell in love with the training. I always felt welcomed and encouraged by the staff and challenged by the curriculum. I worked at it for several years (and several more babies) and began to feel that it was more than an enjoyable hobby. I have Multiple Sclerosis. I was diagnosed about 6 months of training. My eldest son took my training time while I recovered after my first episode which left me in the hospital blinded in both eyes. Through the grace of God (and some good medical intervention) I recovered my vision and continued to train. Having MS is difficult and often leaves me very fatigued. I believe with all my heart that the training and support I receive at Victory maximizes my health. I was never just a client at Victory. I was family. My problems and struggles were shared by my fellow classmates and instructors. Those relationships sustained me as much as the training. I now have 3 of my 6 children enrolled. My eldest son just achieved his second degree black belt this summer. The benefits to his physical well-being and emotional development are clear to me and my husband. At some point I realized that I had progressed in rank far enough to consider training for my black belt. I never thought of myself in that way. I trained because I had come to love it and need it. We have a saying at the gym, that your training time is “the best hour of the day”. It’s true, and sometimes it’s the best 2 or 3 hours of the day. I trained for my belt with my instructor, Anthony Buoniconti. We worked our guts out for about 6 months to prepare. Training for and achieving the belt was the hardest and most rewarding work I’ve ever done next to raising my children. During the test, I broke my toe in the first round of sparring. I never thought of postponing the test – thinking about retraining was more overwhelming than continuing with the injury. We went for 14 rounds total of stand-up and grappling. The pain was crazy at times but I got through it with my teammates’ support. I’m pretty sure that when I die, I’ll spend at least a little time remembering that day and it’ll still be sweet. I started helping out in classes as an instructor’s assistant during my black belt training. I loved it immediately. It was awesome to get on the path of a new student and walk with them as they began their own martial arts journey. It feels like a privileged every time to get on the floor and encourage my students and help them find ways to push past what they think are obstacles in their training or give support in issues of their private lives. Since achieving my belt last summer I have trained another student to test for his belt. That was really rewarding and exciting. I feel that I keep learning more than I am able to teach. I’ve just begun training another student for her belt next year. I’m thrilled and honored to walk with her on this part of her journey. I know now that it will also enhance my own skills in ways I can’t foresee yet. There are days that my illness makes it hard to get out of bed. I never allow it to stop me from getting in to train. There are times that I literally sit in my car before entering and cry because I don’t know how I will find the strength to get through that session. In the end, I always get in there and get through it and am left feeling grateful for the chance to keep fighting. One day I may be physically limited in a way that will make it impossible to train and I don’t ever want to miss an opportunity to train when I’m still able. It really is that valuable to me. Obviously I tell others about it and recommend it. Why wouldn’t you tell people about one of the best things you ever found? I look forward to training at Victory as long as God allows. Being a student at Victory has taught me how to be a survivor and thrive despite the many challenges life throws at me. Having that physical outlet and the emotional support is a dynamite combination. I realize I have rattled on about this, so I’ll stop. There are a lot of examples I could share but I always tell people to come and try it and see the value for themselves. People come to lose weight or learn a skill they saw on a MMA fight but come away shocked about how the training affects them so personally and so deeply. I had a student tell me once that the gym literally saved his life. He wasn’t talking about surviving a street fight. I know exactly what he meant because it saved and enhanced my life too. Thanks for your patience in reading this. Less
by kim cozzi on 02/22/2010
My name is Kim Cozzi. I came to Victory almost 8 years ago in an effort to find an exercise program that wouldn’t bore me. I was never very athletic and I wanted to work out to lose some baby weight. Walking through those doors was the beginning of a personal transformation for me, physically and mentally. I fell in love with the training. I always felt welcomed and encouraged by the staff and challenged by the curriculum. I worked at it for several years (and several more babies) and began to feel that it was more than an enjoyable hobby. I have Multiple Sclerosis. I was diagnosed about 6 months of training. My eldest son took my training time while I recovered after my first episode which left me in the hospital blinded in both eyes. Through the grace of God (and some good medical intervention) I recovered my vision and continued to train. Having MS is difficult and often leaves me very fatigued. I believe with all my heart that the training and support I receive at Victory maximizes my health. I was never just a client at Victory. I was family. My problems and struggles were shared by my fellow classmates and instructors. Those relationships sustained me as much as the training. I now have 3 of my 6 children enrolled. My eldest son just achieved his second degree black belt this summer. The benefits to his physical well-being and emotional development are clear to me and my husband. At some point I realized that I had progressed in rank far enough to consider training for my black belt. I never thought of myself in that way. I trained because I had come to love it and need it. We have a saying at the gym, that your training time is “the best hour of the day”. It’s true, and sometimes it’s the best 2 or 3 hours of the day. I trained for my belt with my instructor, Anthony Buoniconti. We worked our guts out for about 6 months to prepare. Training for and achieving the belt was the hardest and most rewarding work I’ve ever done next to raising my children. During the test, I broke my toe in the first round of sparring. I never thought of postponing the test – thinking about retraining was more overwhelming than continuing with the injury. We went for 14 rounds total of stand-up and grappling. The pain was crazy at times but I got through it with my teammates’ support. I’m pretty sure that when I die, I’ll spend at least a little time remembering that day and it’ll still be sweet. I started helping out in classes as an instructor’s assistant during my black belt training. I loved it immediately. It was awesome to get on the path of a new student and walk with them as they began their own martial arts journey. It feels like a privileged every time to get on the floor and encourage my students and help them find ways to push past what they think are obstacles in their training or give support in issues of their private lives. Since achieving my belt last summer I have trained another student to test for his belt. That was really rewarding and exciting. I feel that I keep learning more than I am able to teach. I’ve just begun training another student for her belt next year. I’m thrilled and honored to walk with her on this part of her journey. I know now that it will also enhance my own skills in ways I can’t foresee yet. There are days that my illness makes it hard to get out of bed. I never allow it to stop me from getting in to train. There are times that I literally sit in my car before entering and cry because I don’t know how I will find the strength to get through that session. In the end, I always get in there and get through it and am left feeling grateful for the chance to keep fighting. One day I may be physically limited in a way that will make it impossible to train and I don’t ever want to miss an opportunity to train when I’m still able. It really is that valuable to me. Obviously I tell others about it and recommend it. Why wouldn’t you tell people about one of the best things you ever found? I look forward to training at Victory as long as God allows. Being a student at Victory has taught me how to be a survivor and thrive despite the many challenges life throws at me. Having that physical outlet and the emotional support is a dynamite combination. I realize I have rattled on about this, so I’ll stop. There are a lot of examples I could share but I always tell people to come and try it and see the value for themselves. People come to lose weight or learn a skill they saw on a MMA fight but come away shocked about how the training affects them so personally and so deeply. I had a student tell me once that the gym literally saved his life. He wasn’t talking about surviving a street fight. I know exactly what he meant because it saved and enhanced my life too. Thanks for your patience in reading this. Less
by kim cozzi on 02/22/2010
My best day at Victory is everyday, I am always progressing and learning more. It’s one of the highlights of my week leading up to a training session. I choose Victory because of the instructors and my fellow students. I recommend Victory because if you’re looking to train hard or just lose a few pounds, Victory kicks you into gear and motivates you. Victory Martial Arts builds you not only on the outside, but on the inside as well.
by connor on 02/14/2010
Hi my name is Chris and I chose Victory Martial Arts because they really seem more dedicated to their students than any other place. I feel appreciated and I love the feedback they give to better yourself. My best day at Victory was when I received my “Most Improved Student” award, not only did it help my confidence it really let me know that they keep a close eye on your training to help you get one step closer to your goals. I recommend Victory because it helps you get in great shape, you feel on top of the world after every lesson and provides you with a whole different look on life. The instructors break down alot of material so that way you understand better with different aspects. I haven’t felt this good about myself in a long time and people at home notice a big change in me personality and physically so THANK YOU VICTORY!!!
by Chris on 02/17/2010
My best day at victory was making the comp team. I got messed up in drugs and partying and lost everything. I also lost my passion for life. God restored my life but I was still missing something but I didn’t know what it was. When I got to victory I had been clean for several years. But I was really out of shape and had high blood pressure. After 2 months of training I was off my blood pressure medicine and felt amazing! I found my passion at victory! I should be dead, so for some people it’s no big deal, but for me every stripe I get on my belt or making the comp team truly means something to me. I didn’t realize how much I missed training and the competition. I haven’t trained in awhile do to work, but my fiancé wants me to get back soon cuz she said I’m much happier when I get home from practice. I definitely recommend anyone to go there! From Mr. Ricardo to all the coaches, they are all true leaders and a class act!! Everyone is very encouraging and humble. It’s great for people who have never done it or for those that want to compete. I hope to see you all soon!!!
by Jeremy Gregorec on 02/16/2010
I recommend Victory Martial Arts because it is a constructive fun way to learn MMA and get in shape. Every time I go there I get a ton of encouragement and know I am getting better. It is a form of physical exercise that I look forward to every Monday and Wednesday.
by Colin Gallagher on 02/16/2010
I choose Victory because of its kind and helpful staff. Unlike other schools Victory instructors are real teachers and not bully’s (Cobra kai). It’s like a family and you feel like you belong. I recommend Victory to anyone that wants to learn MMA or to get into shape… With no contact needed it’s a safe way to learn.
by Jack on 02/15/2010
Victory Martial Arts Academy provides practical mixed martial arts instruction. The staff is knowledgeable, professional, & friendly. Most importantly, students and staff maintain a very high level of mutual respect so that all students from the most skilled to the beginners, male & female, in great shape & in not so great shape, young & old, feel welcome. The academy definitely has a family atmosphere.
by HABIV on 02/15/2010
My best day at VMAA was when I was offered an opportunity to learn to be an instructor. It really opened up new doors in my life that are greatly appreciated. I choose Victory, because the academy is run by people that I have a tremendous amount of confidence in. I recommend Victory, because it keeps me in tremendous shape, I acquire a great deal of knowledge, and I have made many close friends as a result of my decision to train there.
by Rhett Wheeler on 02/14/2010
My best day at Victory Martial Arts was when I received my white belt. That may not sound like a big accomplishment to some, but for me, I accomplished something. I committed to the academy and achieved the first of many steps. I chose Victory Martial Arts because of the disciplined instruction, the fine instructors and how comfortable the instructor and the other classmates made me feel. I recommend Victory Martial Arts for the same reasons. As women, the workout has been fantastic! I never had gotten in this good of shape. Moreover, I have a lot of fun working with the men, I have a better understanding of what I would be up against in a situation where I may need to defend myself. As a team we visited the Orland Park location and trained with their team. I felt just as comfortable there as I do in my home base of Oswego. Thank you victory for such a wonderful opportunity to train, push myself to new limits, and have a good time doing it!
by Rhonda on 02/13/2010
I have been training at victory Martial Arts for over 15 years! I have received so many different benefits from my training like confidence, stress relief, meeting new people and getting in great shape! Being a WOMAN I was a little intimated at first going into a real martial arts class. But the instructors at Victory were so friendly and willing to help that my fear quickly dissipated. I took Kickboxing first and then eventually even took Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Now, I am a 3rd degree Black belt going for my fourth and I married the OWNER! Less
by Dina Riccardo on 02/13/2010
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