Instructor Interview

Q: The most unexpected lesson Jiu-Jitsu has taught you?

A: You have to have faith in yourself. You won’t always learn at the same pace as everyone else, and sometimes it feels like you’re stuck in a never-ending guard pass. But if you have faith, keep showing up, and trust the process, you’ll see that the progress sneaks up on you—just like a well-timed sweep. It’s not about how fast you get there; it’s about staying on the mat long enough to see how far you’ve come.

Q: How long have you been training at Iron Academy?

A: I first stepped onto the mats at Iron Academy 12 years ago, but with a crazy work schedule, I had to hit pause for a bit. About 10.5 years ago, I was able to dive back in consistently, and I haven’t looked back since! When I started, the sport was still heavily male-dominated, which pushed me to develop into the strong, technical grappler I am today. Those early days definitely shaped my game!

Q: What is your biggest Jiu-Jitsu accomplishment so far?

A: Earning my Brown Belt on December 17th, 2022! I didn’t come from a sports background or anything competitive in high school, so achieving my Brown Belt at 36 years old was incredibly special to me. Seeing how proud Professor Shane and Professor Chad were made it even more magical. That moment solidified my love for the sport and reminded me that it’s never too late to chase your goals!

Next Goal: Iron Academy’s First Female Black Belt!