Great Locations for Kids:Our Staff
Hi, my name is Paul Bratslavsky. I was born in Moscow, Russia and I have been training in the martial arts for over 15 years. Most of my background has been in stand up arts such as Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, Gracie Jiu Jitsu. I enjoyed martial arts training so much that eventually I followed my dream and became an instructor. I have been very successful teaching children Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
My interest in becoming a teacher came from my own experiences, while I was growing up. As a teenager, I lacked good role models in my life, especially during the hard times when my parents were going through a difficult divorce. Eventually I moved to the United States with my mother, and I had to leave my father behind in Russia. Life was difficult, and at times I almost felt like giving up. In my early teens I found making friends a challenge, especially because I could not speak the language. In school, my rebellious behavior often got me sent to the principal’s office. I hardly saw my mother and stepfather; they both worked two jobs and did not have time to take care of me. I would be fast asleep before they got home late at night.
One day someone recommended that my mother enroll me in the local martial arts school, saying that it would be a great after-school activity and a way for me to make friends and get some exercise. I was really excited about it, because at that point my only role models had been from the television. TV was my best friend. I used to watch old karate movies starring Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee late at night while my parents were still working.
At first, my mother was reluctant to take me to classes, because the last thing she wanted was for me to learn how to fight. She had seen enough fighting in Russia and did not want her son to be a part of that. She agreed to look into it. What started as a trip to our local martial arts school ended up becoming a journey to a new beginning, and it changed my life forever. My martial arts school became my extended family. I made new friends, learned self control and discipline, and improved my overall behavior. Now, I had a goal, and role models to look up to.
I have had many great teachers in my life and not all of them taught me martial arts. The teacher I remember most is my ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teacher. Mrs. Cohen was a warm and pleasant woman whose smile could brighten anybody’s day. She had many students, but I brought out her best (or at least her bottle of aspirin). I think that she invented the word perseverance because of all the patience she showed with me. I remember when I ran away from home to live at my friend’s house in Hartford. Mrs. Cohen picked me up everyday to take me to school. I am still amazed at her strength, and grateful for the encouragement she gave me. If it were not for her I would have never mustered up enough strength to pass my courses and keep up with my martial arts. She never gave up, and she did make a difference. I know because she helped me to change, and to realize the tremendous impact that teachers, role models and parents can have. I realized much later in my life –right after I became a parent myself- what amazing parents I have, and how much I ought to thank them for all that they have sacrificed for me. I decided right then and there that I would like to be a role model for children. Even if I can only make a very small difference in somebody’s life, all my hard work has been worth it.
Thank You,
Paul Bratslavsky, Head Coach
Children and Adult Tae Kwon DO
Chiildren and Adult Jiu-Jitsu Self Defense
Kickboxing
Oasis for Wellness Fitness Certified Coach