Women’s Class
- Blue Belt
My Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey began with Daniel Tavares when I was just 10 years old. I wanted to fight so my dad signed me up for Muay Thai, boxing, and BJJ at a local gym. I was naturally very technical and immediately fell in love with the sport because despite my size, I quickly learned how to use leverage to dominate my opponents. I always felt like I was playing chess and often found myself planning 3-4 steps ahead to outmaneuver other kids. Shortly after, I started competing in NAGA, The Good Fight, and several other well-known tournaments throughout NJ and PA.
Once I turned 15, as an orange belt with 2 stripes, I began focusing my time on high school sports and college, so I took a step back from BJJ. While in college I started to miss the rush of fighting and competing, but I refused to train under anyone else. After graduation, I returned to Daniel’s and reset my rank. I started with a white belt to prove to myself I could re-earn every promotion under Daniel even though I had taken so much time off. I competed as a white belt and was quickly promoted to a blue belt.
I continue to compete, but due to an injury, I’ve have taken a step back and I assist with coaching a women’s class at the academy. In my classes, I focus on teaching the power of leverage, sequences, and technique. I have been loyal to Professor Daniel Tavares since day one and I will never let another instructor put a stripe on my belt. I look forward to eventually being one of his first female black belts.