A Second Home | STC BJJ Grading 2025

As we wrap up 2025, Southside Training Centre once again showed why it’s more than a place to train. It’s a home built on effort, support, and genuine community. This year brought an incredible mix of brand-new students discovering the mats for the first time, and long-time regulars who continue to sharpen each other through consistency, competition, and shared purpose. Across every speech and every story, the theme was the same: teammates becoming friends, friends becoming family, and Southside becoming the one place everyone knows they belong.

Our kids’ grading was a standout moment, students stepping out of their comfort zones, finding their voices, and facing challenges head-on. Watching them grow not just in skill but in confidence reminded all of us why these moments matter. The adults mirrored that journey in their own way. Many found clarity and strength at times they needed it most, proving that martial arts is as much about personal growth as it is about technique.

And for the students who almost received their next belt, this grading was just as important. Coaches spoke openly about how close they are, how the foundations are already set, and how just a little extra push will take them over the line. It’s not a setback; it’s a sign of potential waiting to break through. Their moment is coming, and when it does, it will be earned in full.

This year’s grading wasn’t just a ceremony. It was a celebration of progress, resilience, and the shared journey that makes Southside what it is. Here’s to the belts earned, the lessons learned, and the big leaps waiting for 2026.

Awards 2025

Most Improved – Over 8s
Tristan Ryan

STC Spirit – Over 8s
Hendrix Ryan

Competitor – Over 8s
Kareem Daher

Student Of The Year – Over 8s
Elijah Kaloni

Most Improved – Under 8s
Alex Nguyen

Student Of The Year – Under 8s
Azalia Lopez

STC Spirit – Under 8s
Eugene Choi

Competitor – Under 8s
Solomone Kaloni

Student Of The Year – Adults
Federico & David Lopez

Competitor Of The Year – Adults
Mohamed Aly

Coach Of The Year – Adults
Long Nguyen & Faris Chevalier

STC Spirit – Adults
Tammy Cooper

Southside Training Centre 2024: A Year of Growth & Celebration

2024 was an incredible year for Southside Training Centre—a year of growth, determination, and achievements. It’s been inspiring to witness the progress of every student who stepped onto the mats, from our youngest grapplers to our dedicated adult warriors. Our annual gradings and awards day highlighted the amazing work ethic and spirit that define our community.

Gradings: Earning Every Step Forward
Gradings are more than a new belt—they’re a testament to hard work, discipline, and resilience. At Southside Training Centre, we take this milestone seriously. Earning a belt means that a collective of experienced black belts sees your potential and the progress you’ve made. To those who graded this year, wear your belt with pride and continue to grow into it. For those whose time hasn’t yet come, remember: your journey is your own. Keep stepping onto the mats; your growth is unfolding every day.

Awards: Recognizing Our Stars
We also celebrated the outstanding achievements of students across all age groups. These awards highlight the dedication, improvement, and spirit of the individuals who make our community exceptional.

Kids Awards – Over 8s

  • Zion – Boxer of the Year
  • Hendrix – Student of the Year
  • Keilana – STC Spirit
  • Oliver – Most Improved
  • Lilly – Grappler of the Year

Kids Awards – Under 8s

  • Elijah – Most Improved
  • Thea – Student of the Year
  • Essa T. – STC Spirit

Adults Awards

  • Nick Y. – Student of the Year
  • Peter A. – Most Attended
  • Sohale I. – Coach of the Year
  • Mo A. & Virginia Y. – STC Spirit

A Special Thank You
At Southside Training Centre, our coaches inspire confidence in every student, helping them build a foundation of discipline and self-belief. Whether these kids and adults dream of becoming future martial artists, scientists, or leaders in other fields, their time on the mats equips them to chase their goals fearlessly.

To the parents, thank you for trusting us with your children’s journeys. To our students, thank you for showing up and putting in the work. Together, we’re creating strong, resilient individuals who will achieve greatness in every path they choose.

Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to Pasha Stolyar, whose leadership has guided our team to new heights. Your encouragement, wisdom, and challenges have inspired us all to dream big and achieve more.

Here’s to closing 2024 as an award-winning team of superstars and hard workers. Let’s make 2025 even better—one round at a time!

#STCStrong