Blog Archives

GOLD in the Southwest

10/26/2014

It's always great to see your teammates/friends perform well in a tournament. But, it especially rewarding to see them use things you showed them or helped them perfect! Today, two ladies that I have spent lots of mat time with, one for the past 2 years and the other for the past few months, did awesome today at the 6th Southwest Classic!

Kaitlyn Nicolasa took Silver in the open weight today in her 1st tournament as a Blue Belt! Kaitlyn is the most easy going girl to roll with in class but, when she steps out on the tournament scene....BEAST MODE!! Kaitlyn started training in a class that I taught (intro to BJJ) a couple of years back when she was only 16. She puts in a lot of mat time and is VERY dedicated. It's been fun to watch Kaitlyn's BJJ game grow along with our friendship!

Mechelle Perkins took Gold in her 1st tournament ever! Mechelle started training about 6 months ago, she is great at picking up techniques and as a former competitive gymnast, has a strong will to win! Mechelle has not only become a great training partner, she has become an amazing friend. I am so excited to be a part of her BJJ journey, that has only just begun, and very blessed to have her and her family in our lives!

Sorry girls....but, I do have to say that the most exciting part of the weekend was watching my son take Gold in the Purple Belt lightweight division. Tyson had a tough bracket but, came home with the Bling! One of my other highlights today was seeing one of Tysons students, a little 8 year old girl, cheering on "Coach Tyson". It makes me so proud to see what a great job he is doing, not only as a competitor but as a teacher. Love you Tyson! Your going to do BIG things!

Congrats to my little ladies who competed this weekend too! Haillee (who also got promoted to Yellow belt) Darby and Amelia! Amelia's Mom Robbie, also took Gold today in her 1st tournament! You girls are so awesome and I'm so happy to have you as my students, sponsored athletes and my friends!! <3

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JAG's Newest Athlete

10/23/2014

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Introducing Tarrah Baker, Just a Girls newest sponsored athlete!
Tarrah is an extremely passionate jiu jitsu female practitioner, a wife of 14 yrs and a mother to two young men 18 and 13 and is a owner / operator with her husband at their own BJJ Academy as well as having certifications in a career in the medical field. Tarrah travels around the state of Michigan in many different communities to train with other practitioners. She started the Girlzilian Femjitsu group, which is an all female group she started a few years back to help support, and grow the jiu jitsu community in the tristate area that has 315 active members. She is the third highest ranked female in Michigan, a purple belt with three stripes under Master Joe Moreira.
Tarrah has made Michigan history on several occasions by bringing in the highest level BJJ Champion practitioners for ALL FEMALE JIU JITSU SEMINARS. She has trained in some form of martial arts since 2006, achieving a black belt in traditional martial arts in Tang Soo Do in 2011. She has also practiced the art of a hybrid style of Muay Thai , Krav Maga and Pankration and was the lead sparing partner to a female fighter and 5th Degree Master for all her cage fights .Tarrah started training Jiu Jitsu in the mixed martial art aspect in late 2008. It was not until 2009 that she began to take Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and achieve rank. She now competes at the local level around Michigan and is really leaving her mark!
Tarrah travels to train with the best that she can get her hands on, she has gone to Women's Grappling Camp several times, has taken private lessons from any female black belt that she could including Emily Kwok, Hannette Staack, Mackenzie Dern, and has worked one-on-one with many more names like Kris Shaw, Lana Stefanac, Val Worthington, Misty Shearer, and Lucianna Bassoli.
Tarrah is always willing to help all of her sisters in arms to get competition ready by putting in many hours on the mat on weekends and after hours, putting together closed door sessions to help them. We, at "Just a Girl" are excited to be able to give back to this amazing woman who does so much for others!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Girlzilian-Femjitsu/209122059249515?fref=photo

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Surprise! Jiu Jitsu

10/20/2014

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Hey Arizona friends!!

As you may know, My Hubby and I are in the process of opening our own BJJ Academy in Surprise Arizona.
During the build out, we are doing a little drilling and rolling at home. If your in this area contact me and come get in some FREE close to home BJJ lessons and rolls. If your new to BJJ and are considering giving it a try, this is a great opportunity to learn some basics before our school opens.

Soon to be: De Boa Jiu Jitsu Academy

For more information on De Boa
www.DeBoaBJJ.com

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Savoring The Good Times

10/15/2014

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For the past 3 1/2 years I have trained jiu jitsu at Siege MMA/Lotus Club.
I have experienced some great times, made some lifelong friends and grew my BJJ game.
Although there are many people I will miss training with, I am very excited for this new chapter!
In the next few months, Andrew and I will be opening the doors to our new BJJ Academy, De Boa in Surprise, AZ and opening the doors to a new season of our lives. De Boa will continue an affiliation with Lotus Club under Giva Santana so, although we won't be training with our usual teammates we stay united under Lotus Club. www.DeBoaBJJ.com
De Boa means "chillin" in Portuguese and that's just what we plan to do. We have had a very busy, hectic year and we are looking forward to running a school that provides BJJ training in a relaxed environment that let's you escape from the stress of daily life while learning the art of jiu jitsu.
It's time to move forward but, I do have some wonderful memories of the past 3 1/2 years that will remain in my heart!
Thank you to all of you that have encouraged, helped and stood by my side for the White to Purple Belt stage of my journey!
Remembering the good times I had at Siege makes me sad but, as most of you know this last year has not been the same there for me. I am leaving with ONLY the good times in my belt and leaving the bad in the past.
Here's just a small glimpse at some the great and meaningful moments I experienced with my Lotus Club teammates.

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Halloween Memories

10/6/2014

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