Leila C.

Martial Arts

New York City

• I have a cat named Nymphadora
• My favorite Sour Patch Kid is the red one
• I won 'Best Dressed' in high school

Hi! My name is Leila Collins and I’m a first degree black belt in taekwondo. I started at age eight with Infinity Martial Arts in Wisconsin, earning my black belt at 13. While at Infinity I was chosen for the Leadership Team, which taught promising students to become instructors, and I began my teaching career at 14. I competed locally and nationally for many years in traditional forms, sparring, and weapons, where I primarily used the bo staff. I also have training with escrimas, kamas, nunchucks, and the katana. Almost every job I’ve had has centered around childcare, and this past summer I was a summer camp counselor for my dojo. Although most kids come into their first class with the idea of being a ninja, and there are obviously lots of cool tricks to learn, my training and experience with martial arts has taught me most importantly how to be a good and hardworking person, and my teaching will reflect those values of respect, teamwork, and perseverance. I was a child in martial arts, and it's exciting to be on the other side and provide the positive experience that has shaped me into who I am today.