Member Spotlight: Sensei Benny Shares Self Defense Tips

Sensei Benny shares self defense tips

In this Member Spotlight, we interview Sensei Benny Gonzalez and talk with her about her fitness journey. As a 4th degree black belt, Benny has a wealth of knowledge and shares some important self defense tips for men, women and children to keep in mind.

Meet Sensei Benny Gonzalez

Benny started karate 34 years ago after she was mugged in an elevator and felt helpless by the ordeal. She is currently a Sensei, which is 4th degree black belt, studying Josan Lu Karate under Shuseki Shihan Sana in Garwood, NJ.

In addition to teaching karate whenever possible, she also teaches self defense regularly.

I think it is important for everyone, especially women and children, to be more assertive in certain situations. My motto is “it is better to know it and not need it, then need it and not know it.”

Benny has been a member at Salus for a few years now and also attends with her husband and son as well. We think she’s pretty amazing!

I would love to add that Salus is the perfect complement to my karate. Since I started at Salus, my upper body and kicks are stronger. I also have more energy which is something I thought at my age would not happen. I am thankful for the opportunity to give something back to this wonderful community and would like to thank my inspirational teachers.

Self Defense Tips

  1. Be aware! Look over your surroundings.
  2. Keep distance between you and others.
  3. If in danger, BE LOUD! An assailant wants a quiet victim.
  4. Survey your surroundings and have an escape plan.
  5. Take a self-defense class more than once. Move the moves a habit.
  6. BONUS: Avoid distractions such as looking at your phone while walking or listening to music with headset on both ears.

Member Spotlight: Chelsea Talks Music and Athletics

member spotlight Chelsea

In this Salus member spotlight, we talk to Chelsea about what got her started at Salus, how her routine has changed while working out at home and how music and athletics go hand-in-hand.

Meet Chelsea

Time for a Change

In the past, Chelsea found herself feeling bored at different commercial gyms. She would go for a little bit, but  didn’t really know what to do, so it didn’t become a part of her routine. “The only thing I saw from the gym was just my payments every month.”

Earlier last September 2019, she decided to make a change for herself. “I felt like I was just I didn’t have a lot of energy to get through the day teaching and my after school obligations. I just felt lethargic.” So she decided to step outside of her comfort zone.

“I always thought [CrossFit] was a little bit intimidating but, I wanted to learn something new.”

When it comes to her lifestyle, Chelsea now makes working out more of a priority.  Weightlifting became a draw for her and she loved the feeling of learning something new every class.

She says that it’s the community that has allowed her to push herself to show up, even on days that are difficult. “My energy levels are definitely way more than they have been before. After a workout, I feel great!”

Music and Athletics

Chelsea has been playing the cello since she was nine years old and I find it interesting how she has made the connection between music and athletics. She shares that the discipline and consistency with just showing up to practice (even if it’s just a minimal skill), go hand-in-hand.

Her advice?

“It can be scary to start something new (at any age), but just have a positive mindset and take one day at a time.  Just as I tell my students:

Practice does not make perfect, it makes permanent.