Quote: “Change happens when the pain of staying the same is worse than the pain of change.”
Bio: Lisa Mingione began practicing martial arts in 2014. She holds a 2nd Degree Brown Belt in American Filipino Kun Tao under Grand Master Drew Serrano and trains at East Coast Training Systems in Middlebury, CT.
In 2016 Lisa became a member of the USBA/WBA, but her first competition was the USBA/WBA Hall of Fame Tournament in November 2014, her favorite competition to date. Lisa has earned multiple first-place and second-place finishes, some competition records and a female Grand Champion award at the Massachusetts Breaking Competition, all of which she treasures. But most treasured is the reward she experiences in emotional and physical strength and mindset. Lisa’s goal at every competition is to meet or beat her best, and never views it as competing against another, but rather it is her against herself. It is this mindset that has kept her motivated and determined. She is grateful for every opportunity to compete, even more so to be in the presence of such amazing supportive people that are not only the best breakers in the world, but also great friends.
Lisa’s path to martial arts started at age 39 after attending a Jane Doe No More, Escape Alive self-defense class in January 2014. It was at this class she met Grand Master Serrano, Daniele Serrano, Tracy Digiovancarlo who taught her to strike, kick and fight in a self-defense scenario. At the end, she felt empowered, even more importantly, she felt pride. Before leaving the class she asked Mrs. Digiovancarlo “where can I do more of this? I really liked hitting that guy!” That moment changed the trajectory of her life and in April that year, she earned her first-ever martial arts belt. In 2016 Lisa became a helper in the very class that began her journey and now is an instructor for both the Escape Alive I and Escape Alive II classes. She feels a great sense of pride not only to give back what gave her so much, but to teach women and girls such valuable and needed skills. Her favorite thing about instructing is witnessing the transformation by the attendees; from apprehensive and quiet to smiling and empowered.
Starting martial arts and breaking at age 39 and never having been involved in sports brought its own set of challenges on top of the challenge in itself. The impact Grand Master Serrano and the ECTS instructors have had on Lisa is endless and indescribable. She experienced struggles, injuries, and lots of self-doubt, but not once did Grand Master Serrano stop believing in her, even when she stopped believing in herself and Lisa will always give her all because of that.
Lisa resides in Bristol, CT. She has been involved with animal rescue and animal welfare for over 14 years and has been a proud volunteer with Bikers Against Animal Cruelty, Inc. for over 12 years.
