Young Martial Artist On His Way to Success

By
Rachel Veitch

When Aaron Cullman, 15, first started training in the martial arts at Wright's Extreme Martial Arts 2 years ago, he did not expect to fall in love with the sport. Now, he's a Green belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and a blue belt in Kempo Karate, a tremendous and rare achievement for someone so young. He is also the first Junior Blue Belt in Pancrase, a unique system that has never seen someone so young earn their blue belt.

Cullman started with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a traditional ground fighting style which originated in Japan and moved to Brazil in the early 1900s. “I wanted to wrestle more and the season was too short, so I was looking forward to trying Jiu Jitsu” Cullman says. “I wanted to work out, I wanted to grow up a bit, and I wanted to get better.” As soon as Cullman tried the class however, he knew he was hooked. “I knew I would get into it as soon as I tried the class. I was excited, I started taking every class I could, and doing tournaments.” Cullman says that Jiu Jitsu was much more than he expected. “I had googled 'Jiu Jitsu' before I tried the class, and it looked like it would help me a little bit. I came in and tried the class, and afterward went home and read more about it. I really didn't think that what I was looking at had anything to do with the actual class that I had taken. It's like, you can't go on the mat, read a book, and come off a black belt. Reading up on it doesn't do it justice.”

One can tell that Cullman is passionate about the martial arts as soon as one meets him. His father MSG John Cullman, a marine of 19 years, is extremely proud of his son, and believes martial arts has changed him for the better. “He's always been a straight 'A' student, but martial arts made him more out going. His teachers seem to give him more respect now. He's formed a better relationship with them, and with everyone else. Everyone in the family is very proud of Aaron.” Cullman agrees; “I think I'm more confident in everything I do, I have more initiative and motivation to get stuff done, and I'm definitely more fit.” Cullman and his father both agree that Wright's Extreme Martial arts has opened many doors for him. “[Wright's Martial Arts] has all different kinds of martial arts, it's all inclusive and helps you achieve your goals” Cullman says. “I've gotten to travel around a lot because of the gym for tournaments. We've traveled all over the state and the country. And I've met so many people and made so many connections since I started coming here. I can't go anywhere in town without running into someone I know from the gym.” Sensei James Wright, the owner and chief instructor for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the school, thinks more young people should get involved in martial arts. “Our system builds confidence, discipline, and personal development to succeed in life, not just in martial arts. Stop playing video games. Do something that when applied can help you succeed in all aspects of life.” Sensei Wright says of Cullman; “Aaron is one of the new breed, not the MMA T-shirt company but the martial arts new breed. He is a model student, he works hard at every part of martial arts training, from karate to jiu jitsu. Plus he works hard in his personal life to be successful in school, at home, and in his relationships. I wish we had 100 more students like him.”

Cullman is an excellent example of what young people can be if they apply themselves. When asked about his amazing achievement of earning his blue belt, Cullman had this to say; “I don't know what my long term goals are yet. Getting my black belt is part of them, but just one part.” Cullman continues; “I was happy as a white belt, and now I'm happy as a blue belt. I'm content with staying where I am, but I like getting better.” One can tell Cullman is an ambitious young man whose life it just starting, and he's already succeeded in so much. There's no doubt that Cullman will continue to achieve and reach the goals he sets for himself, with the help of Martial arts of course.