Siblings Jana, Hamza, and Yara El-Gengaihy have found the practice of martial arts to be a positive force in their lives.
“My kids have always been focused and self driven. But doing martial arts definitely gave them the tools to help grow and polish these qualities,” says their mom Rasha Fahmy. “They learned how to set goals for themselves and work on steps into achieving these goals. It gave them a lot of confidence and self respect.”
Epic Kids recently caught up with the trio to learn more about the benefits of their Taekwondo training.
Name: Jana El-Gengaihy
Age: 15
School: BASIS Scottsdale
Grade: 9th
What do you like about martial arts?
I like that it teaches me discipline, both physically and mentally. Through martial arts I learn valuable leadership skills that help me progress in life, while also learning how to defend myself.
What’s your favorite martial arts move?
Side kick. It can easily generate a lot of power.
Who do you look up to?
I look up to my parents, who are both incredibly hard-working and intelligent. I look up to my Taekwondo instructors, because they demonstrate important control in their techniques and have their own unique ways of teaching.
What’s your martial arts goal?
My main martial arts goal is to be able to defend myself and get myself out of trouble if I were to be put in a dangerous situation. I also would like to achieve my third degree black belt.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Currently, I am mainly interested in writing and physics, so I could very well aim for a career in either of those areas. I also have a passion for art (drawing, painting, etc.).
Name: Hamza El-Gengaihy
Age: 13
School: BASIS Scottsdale
Grade: 8th
What do you like about martial arts?
I like the fact that it teaches me how to protect myself from a multitude of dangers. I also like that it teaches me how to discipline myself, so that I don’t use the stuff I learn for something negative.
What’s your favorite martial arts move?
The butterfly kick.
Who do you look up to?
My parents because they both work so hard to make my life (and my siblings’ lives) the best it can possibly be, while making sure I end up being a good person.
What’s your martial arts goal?
My martial arts goal is to earn a forms district champ title this tournament season.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a doctor, or a person who can help people in any way I can.
Name: Yara El-Gengaihy
Age: 10
School: BASIS Scottsdale
Grade: 5th
What do you like about martial arts?
I love that I learn how to protect people but I also have so much fun! Martial arts also teaches me self discipline.
What’s your favorite martial arts move?
Jump reverse hook kick
Who do you look up to?
I look up to many people, but mostly my parents and instructors. My instructors help me learn self control, self discipline, honor, honesty, courtesy, and much more! My parents help lead me on the right path for my life and if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be in martial arts.
What’s your martial arts goal?
To get my first degree black belt, I’m SO close!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be someone that can help people and animals! Whether I’m a vet, doctor, engineer, or anything!
