08/22/2026
🐉 Little Dragon. Big heart. Forever part of our dojo family. ❤️
When Alex first came to train with Sensei Gerry, he was just shy of 4 years old.
It was right after the Palisades fires, when Sensei Gerry had temporarily moved classes to Santa Monica. Alex became his very first student there, and over the next year and a half, we got to watch this vibrant little guy grow by leaps and bounds.
Now 5, Alex has become such a dedicated Little Dragon. His focus, confidence and technique have come so far, and even at his young age, he already carries the heart of Yoshukai: perseverance, respect and giving your best every time you step on the mat.
Sadly, Alex and his family are moving farther away, and we are really going to miss that energy in class. But this is definitely not goodbye. Alex, you will always have a home at Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center. Keep training, keep growing and keep that warrior spirit with you wherever you go. Your martial arts journey is only beginning. 🥋❤️
Oh Alex saved one more message for the end of the reel… 🎂! Happy early birthday to Sensei Gerry tomorrow! 🎉🥋
Show our Little Dragon Alex some love below, and help him wish Sensei Gerry a very Happy Birthday! ❤️