Last night I had the privilege of getting my long time friend of 13 years on the mats with me. I have known Neng since I was 13 years old. He’s an author, Harvard Graduate, Wisconsinite, artist, and most recently a travel vlogger with Neng Now. Neng travels around the world, documenting everything he does,…
5 Ways to Save Money While Competing
One of the most common questions I get is how I afford to travel to compete so often. I usually laugh it off, and say something like, “I guess I’m just lucky.” The truth is I typically view my travel not as a vacation, but more of a job. I don’t spend more than is…
My Journey to a New Gym
At the beginning of October, I made the terrifying and exhilarating decision to once again move across the country, having done so 5 years ago from Wisconsin to Texas. Instead of a hot, dry climate, I was moving to a city known for its rain, Seattle. Less than a month later, I made…
2017 IBJJF Worlds – A Breakdown of the Female Black Belt Divisions
The 2017 IBJJF World Championship will take place from June 1st to June 4th in the iconic pyramid in Long Beach, California. The female black belt divisions will begin competing on Saturday on June 4th with division finals on Sunday June 5th. All matches will be streamed live through FloGrappling. The Divisions are set, and listed below are the black belts…
5 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way in Jiu Jitsu
My journey through jiu jitsu has been a bumpy ride and a roller coaster of both successes and setbacks. There are days where I felt as if I’ve gone backwards instead of progressed. It is, without a doubt, one of the hardest paths I have chosen. But I have along the way learned a few…
BJJ as a Metaphor for Life; Never Give Up and Never Quit
A few months ago I posted my jiu jitsu story and how it irrevocably changed and improved my life. I recieved an amazing outpouring of support that I truly never expected. I was then recently sent this incredibly awe-inspiring and motivating story from a girl I met through jiu jitsu who was inspired to write…
My Therapy of Choice: Jiu Jitsu
Almost everyone will tell you that jiu jitsu has saved their life, or at the very least that it has changed their life. This is a fact I can and never would want to deny. Jiu Jitsu came into my life at the exact time I needed it most, but more than that jiu jitsu…