Shirley Gronowski
About Shirley
"I work in the Accounting Department for Clarivate. Clarivate is located across the parking lot from JMAC, which is super convenient on the days I work in the office. I can go to noon class to break up the day, then head back to work with more energy after spending an hour on the mat with some of my favorite people.
In my free time, I enjoy working out, baking, cooking, hiking, and backpacking."
Athletic and Martial Arts Experience
"I have been active my whole life. I played badminton and basketball growing up. In my mid-20s, I took up running and did that for years. I completed six half-marathons and ran 2—3 times a week regularly until I started having runner's knee. Then I decided to switch to hiking. Hiking allows me to still enjoy the outdoors with less impact on my knees. Nature really has a way to recharge the soul, and I have met some amazing people through hiking.
I have been interested in martial arts since I was very young. Growing up in a Chinese family, I watched a lot of kung-fu series on videotapes since my parents enjoyed watching them. However, my mom did not let me take martial arts when I was in school. She probably worried that I would get hurt.
So, I did not start learning martial arts until I was in my 40s. Wait! I lied... When I was in elementary school, my aunt took me to Tai Chi on Sundays when I had sleepovers at her house. At that age, I didn't think Tai Chi was a martial art. I was more interested in martial arts for self-defense, and I didn't think I could rely on Tai Chi to defend myself."
Path to JMAC
"Hiking is what brought me to JMAC. In February 2023, I was training for my first Crucible, a 20+ mile endurance hike, and met Carrie and Juston Schotte, who founded the Crucible Hike. Jujutsu came up in conversation, and I asked where one could take a jujutsu class. Carrie mentioned JMAC in Ann Arbor. I was intrigued because I live in the area, so I asked where JMAC was located. She said it was near the 777 building. What?! I work in the building behind 777.
After that hike, I started stalking the JMAC website. I even walked across my office parking lot to see where JMAC was. It wasn't until October 2023 that I finally had the courage to pick up the phone and call JMAC. The rest is history."
Favorite Aspects of JMAC
"JMAC is such a great community. We show up, train together, and keep each other safe.
Our instructors are the best of the best. They are passionate about martial arts and exceptionally good at breaking down techniques into 'bite-size' pieces, which makes them easier to understand and implement.
Everyone at JMAC, instructors and students alike, is very supportive and kind, both on and off the mat. Many of us are friends outside the dojo. We do things like Turkey Trots, orienteering, hot pot, and make gyoza together."
Challenges in Martial Arts Training
"My biggest challenge is kuzushi. When I focus on foot motions, I sometimes forget the hand placements needed to achieve kuzushi. I hope that with time and repetition, muscle memory will remember all the details to make the techniques work.
'Move your hips!' 'Step, step! Don't leave your other foot behind.' 'Keep your work in front of you!' 'Maintain good posture!'
(So many things to remember.)"
Positive Changes and Growth Since Starting Training
"I am calmer in times of crisis. One example was when my friend thought she lost her parking ticket and we couldn't get our car out of the parking structure. Everyone was panicking, but I was able to stay calm and find the ticket in her purse by focusing on the task.
I am also more confident and less skittish when walking in the woods by myself. I used to get startled easily when hiking solo. The noise of squirrels and chipmunks moving through the woods would make me jumpy. Now, I can enjoy the woods more without feeling nervous that someone might attack me."
Words of Encouragement for New Students
"If you are thinking about starting martial arts, my suggestion is, 'Do it!' I definitely recommend JMAC. It is a safe place to learn and train. See you on the mat!"