We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Pozon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
What makes me happy is knowing that I’m able to positively impact my community (especially the youth) through the martial arts. Through my Instagram account—__alex.xp—I am very open about how I am a Head Instructor at a martial arts studio in the Phoenix-Arcadia area called “Premier Martial Arts.” Teaching is what keeps me going not only as a martial artist, but also as a person in general; I am motivated by my students to always be improving with my martial arts training and to always lead by example throughout my actions in and out of the studio. As a martial arts instructor, I am able to instill within my students the strength & confidence to be able to defend themselves and also beneficial life skills that will help them become good, decent people.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Career wise, I am a Martial Arts Instructor. I am the Head Instructor at Premier Martial Arts Arcadia in Phoenix, AZ. I’ve been the head instructor since March 2021, though my teaching career extends beyond PMA Arcadia. I taught at a different martial arts school for 10 years (2010–2020), the same one I started training at in 2005. Though I loved making an impact with the students and families there, I didn’t agree with the mindset of the owner (it was very apparent that his priority was making money and not caring about the students/their families or his employees). I was able to stay involved with this school for so long because of the connection I made with my students and families there, but eventually I came to a breaking point. For my mental well being, I decided to walk away from the first and only martial arts school I’ve ever trained and taught at.

Even with starting at PMA Arcadia had its challenges. I started my head instructor position while also in a toxic relationship. The person I was with constantly brought me down, but being able to be the role model to my students played a big part in keeping me going.

So even though I was in a very mentally taxing moment of my life, a constant that helped me overcome those challenges was being able to teach my students and connect with their families. I couldn’t even imagine what my life would be like if I wasn’t able to teach martial arts, haha.

Some lessons I’ve learned along the way was to never ignore the red flags, whether it be with an employer, with relationships (romantic or plutonic), etc. There are always different levels to these kinds of concerns (red flags), but I’ve learned to be more mindful of them when they arise.

Overall, I hope I come off as a genuine and decent person who enjoys martial arts and wants to make a positive impact big or small.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I’d tell them to take a class at Premier Martial Arts. HA! Besides that, I’d take them to Downtown Gilbert. I’ve lived in the Gilbert area for most of my life, so I’ve seen the downtown area grow a lot throughout the years! So it’s pretty cool to be able explore and to reminisce that it wasn’t much in the late 2000’s.

Also, working in the Phoenix-Arcadia area has its perks as far as being able to discover new and cool places. A couple of cool spots I like to visit from time to time are Sip Coffee & Beer on Indian School Rd. & 36th St. and Café Mollie on 16th St. & Bethany Home Rd.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Several people in my life deserve some credit and recognition, but here’s some backstory: 2019 through 2021 was the roughest time of my life. I was in an abusive/toxic relationship, unable to find the confidence to end that relationship until near the end of 2021. Throughout this time in my life, I felt like I couldn’t be my complete self. I’ve been involved in martial arts since 2005, so a big part of my identity is being a martial artist. The person that I was with constantly reminded me that I was a fraud within the martial arts world.

In the beginning of 2021, I discovered a job opening at Premier Martial Arts Arcadia. From this point, I was able to meet the incredible owners of PMA Arcadia, Stephanie and Josh Burnside and I rediscovered my love for teaching martial arts and how fulfilling it is. In addition, I was able to begin the process of building the mental strength to finally leave the person I was with and to move forward from the hardest portion of my life. I didn’t want to live a life with a person that brought me constant feelings of anxiety and negativity.

So in short, I would like to give a shoutout to Stephanie and Josh who gave me the opportunity to teach martial arts again and also for being very appreciative of what I do. I would also like to credit my family and friends for always being supportive and especially throughout the most difficult time in my life. And lastly to my amazing current boyfriend: thank you for being such a kind and positive individual and for always cheering me on! You motivate me to become an even better person.

Instagram: @__alex.xp

Facebook: facebook.com/premiermartialartsphoenix

Other: My Instructor Instagram Page: @senseipozon Premier Martial Arts Arcadia’s Instagram Page: @premiermartialartsarcadia

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