Lyndhurst Jiu-Jitsu-Henry Akins seminar


Lyndhurst Jiu-Jitsu-Henry Akins seminar

Lyndhurst Jiu-Jitsu school Savarese BJJ Academy hosted another Rickson Gracie blackbelt Henry Akins seminar open to the public last night. The Park Ave school had over 50 people in attendance for Akins, one of the best American blackbelts. Professor Chris Savarese, the school’s owner and head instructor had this to say “Another mind blowing seminar by Henry Akins last night. I am so glad that my students and I got the opportunity to learn from him. Thank you to all the visitors from other schools who sent messages thanking me for closing my school for the night and opening for the BJJ community to learn from Henry. Your instructors taught you well if you were smart enough to make the sacrifices to come and props to all the blackbelts and school owners who keep the attitude of a whitebelt and realized the opportunity to learn from one of America’s best. We are all better today. oss.” If you are interested in joining Savarese’s school, one of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in bergen county, NJ, call 201 933-5134 or email [email protected] for a free intro class.

Henry Akins

Henry Akins is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Rickson Gracie, who is widely considered the best living Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and the best of the Gracie Family. Often regarded as one of the best black belts produced by the legendary Gracie, Akins’ views on the “fundamentals†of jiu-jitsu and his style of coaching are revered by many in the grappling community.   Rickson awarded the black belt to Henry Akins in 2004, becoming Rickson’s 3rd American black belt. Akins would later become the head instructor at the Rickson Gracie academy, after his instructor moved back to Rio de Janeiro, a position Akins had to abandon in 2008, reportedly due to a severe injury. He would later reappear in the grappling scene as the head coach of Dynamix Martial Arts, a prime MMA academy in Los Angeles, California. Here is a brief video about Henry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPipjAFRzRs

My 3 days of training with Henry Akins


My 3 days of training with Henry Akins

I just spent the last 3 days training with Rickson Gracie blackbelt Henry Akins. To say that my mind was blown would be an understatement and I would have trouble trying to say what an amazing experience it was. First, and this is not a slight to anyone I have ever trained with before, he may be the best Jiu-Jitsu instructor I have ever seen.

When I was coming up through the ranks, all my instructors from Royler and Renzo Gracie to David Adiv would speak in great reverence of Rickson Gracie. Renzo even described him once as “perfect.” We all heard the stories of Rickson tapping World Champions in training, about the time he lined up 30 blackbelts on a wall and beat them all with the same finish, and the great Fabio Gurgel comment about what he learned when he trained with Rickson – “I learned how to tap with eyes, how to tap with my ears.”

We have heard that his jiu-jitsu was different. After 3 days with Henry, I now get it. Not that I ever doubted anything I heard before, but there are details in his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that just make it more efficient than anyone else I have ever trained with.

Advanced, efficient basics. Never straying from the basics. I once heard the great BJJ black belt Jean Jacques Machado say “that you don’t do jiu-jitsu, you feel jiu- jitsu and the more you learn, the less you use. But in order to use less, you have to learn more.” I now get that as well.

Henry, through 2 seminars at my school and through training with him during the day, broke down the such basic positions as the rear naked choke, breaking posture in the closed guard, the guillotine choke, how to shift your weight in side control, the upa escape, the scissor sweep (wow was that game changing), the americana/keylock (showed a grip I have never seen before in 20 years of BJJ) and made each one better. I am completely blown away.

The best compliment that I can give Henry is that if I wasn’t a school owner and was a younger guy, I would move to LA to train with him full time. That is how impressed with his teaching I was. He also gave me some great guard drills for MMA that I will incorporate immediately.

When I take my students to CA this year for the World Championships, there is no doubt I will be visiting his place to train. I haven’t been this excited about BJJ in years. Thank you Henry for an eye-opening experience.

Henry Akins seminars

Henry Akins did 2 seminars at my school this week with over 100 people attending and every single person said it was mind blowing.

Last night, over 10 blackbelts were in attendance and people were literally laughing out loud in amazement at some the the things he was showing.

If you have a chance to train with Henry at any time, I couldn’t possibly recommend him enough. I know for a fact that I and every one of my students, friends and friend’s students are better today then we were before we trained with Henry.

oss.

Professor Chris Savarese

Savarese BJJ Academy

My 3 days of training with Henry Akins

My 3 days of training with Henry Akins

My 3 days of training with Henry Akins

My 3 days of training with Henry Akins

My 3 days of training with Henry Akins

My 3 days of training with Henry Akins

My 3 days of training with Henry Akins

My 3 days of training with Henry Akins

 

 

Henry Akins Lyndhurst Martial Arts Jiu-Jitsu Seminar


Henry Akins Lyndhurst Martial Arts Jiu-Jitsu Seminar

Henry Akins NJ Jiu-Jitsu seminar at Lyndhurst Martial Arts Academy Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tuesday night was a HUGE success with over 50 people in attendance trying to get better at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Akins is a 3rd degree blackbelt under Rickson Gracie, who is widely considered the best living Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Akins has long been considered one of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) instructors in the USA. Professor Chris Savarese, a 2nd degree blackbelt and owner and head instructor of Savarese BJJ Academy had this to say “Thank you to Henry Akins for teaching his closed guard concepts in an absolutely mind blowing, phenomenal seminar last night at Savarese BJJ Academy. All advanced basics were the focus. He explained the usages of hands and legs and worked defenses sweeps and subs all off the same 2-3 posture breakdowns. I can personally say that I am a better teacher and practitioner today than I was yesterday. He talked about feeling and not just seeing BJJ techniques including this phrase that I will use in my future teachings “Everything is based on feel, not seeing. If you wait to see, you will always be late” It was an incredible experience and I highly recommend anyone who has never been to a Henry Akins seminar to do so. OSS”. Akins will be doing another seminar Thursday night at Savarese BJJ Academy. If you are interested in attending, contact Professor Savarese at 201 933-5134 or email [email protected]. All Academies are welcomed.

Henry Akins

Henry Akins is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Rickson Gracie and a former instructor at Rickson’s academy in California. He is often regarded as one of the best black belts produced by the legendary Gracie.  Akins’ views on the “fundamentals†of BJJ and his style of coaching are revered by many in the grappling, MMA and BJJ community. Henry Akins is also well known for having a more traditional stance on martial arts, not being a fan of the sport aspect of jiu jitsu, comparing it to Tae Kwon Do, as in to explain a diluted sporting format of the original martial art.In 2004, after a training session at Rickson Gracie’s residence, Rickson awarded the black belt to Henry Akins, who that way became Rickson’s 3rd American black belt. Akins would later be hired as the head instructor at the Rickson Gracie academy, after his instructor moved back to Rio de Janeiro, a position Akins had to abandon in 2008, reportedly due to a severe injury. He would later reappear in the grappling scene as the head coach of Dynamix Martal Arts, a prime MMA academy in Los Angeles, California.

Henry Akins NJ  Jiu-Jitsu seminar at Lyndhurst Martial Arts Academy

Henry Akins NJ Jiu-Jitsu seminar at Lyndhurst Martial Arts Academy

Henry Akins NJ  Jiu-Jitsu seminar at Lyndhurst Martial Arts Academy

Henry Akins NJ Jiu-Jitsu seminar at Lyndhurst Martial Arts Academy 

Henry Akins NJ  Jiu-Jitsu seminar at Lyndhurst Martial Arts Academy

Henry Akins NJ Jiu-Jitsu seminar at Lyndhurst Martial Arts Academy

 

2016 Pan Ams Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt Results


2016 Pan Ams Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt Results

Here are the 2016 Pan Ams Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt Results from this weekend’s event in Irvine, California.
BLACKBELT

Adult / Male / Rooster

First – Michael Musumeci Jr. – Atos Jiu-Jitsu

Second – Lucas dos Santos Pinheiro – CheckMat

Third – Koji Shibamoto – Tri-Force Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Third – João Pedro Oliveira Rodrigues – CheckMat

BLACK / Adult / Male / Light Feather

First – João Ricardo Bordignon Miyao – PSLPB Cicero Costha

Second – Gabriel Afonso dos Santos Moraes – Alliance

Third – Vitor Peres Paschoal – Brasa CTA

Third – Hiago George Santos Silva – PSLPB Cicero Costha

BLACK / Adult / Male / Feather

First – Paulo Henrique Bordignon Miyao – PSLPB Cicero Costha

Second – Osvaldo Augusto Honorio Moizinho – Ares BJJ

Third – Bruno Frazatto Xavier C. Barbosa – Atos Jiu-Jitsu

Third – Marcio Andre C. Barbosa Junior – Nova União

BLACK / Adult / Male / Light

First – Edwin Najmi – Gracie Barra

Second – Francisco Antonio Iturralde Lara – Alliance

Third – Rodrigo Lamounier de Freitas – Rodrigo Freitas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Third – Gabriel Rollo da Silva Pontes – CheckMat

BLACK / Adult / Male / Middle

First – Yago Vinicius de Souza – Ns Brotherhood

Second – Vitor Henrique Silva Oliveira – GF Team

Third – Otavio Ferreira de Sousa – Gracie Barra

Third – Jonathan Torres – Atos Jiu-Jitsu

BLACK / Adult / Male / Medium Heavy

First – Leandro Lo Pereira do Nascimento – Ns Brotherhood

Second – Rômulo Claudio Barral – Gracie Barra

Third – Renato Guimaraes Cardoso – Alliance

Third – Murilo Silva Ferreira de Santana – Barbosa Jiu Jitsu

BLACK / Adult / Male / Heavy

First – Cássio Francis da Silva – Gracie Barra

Second – Leonardo Pires Nogueira – Alliance

– Guilherme Augusto Soares Santos – Alliance International

Third – Diego da Silveira Herzog – Diego Herzog

BJJ BLACK / Adult / Male / Super Heavy

First – Luiz Fernando de Azevedo Panza – CheckMat

Second – Alexandro Ceconi de Souza – Ceconi Team

Third – Vitor Fabio Martins Toledo – Atos Jiu-Jitsu

Third – Yuri Costa Simões M. da Silva – Brasa CTA

BLACK / Adult / Male / Ultra Heavy

First – Andre Luiz Leite Galvão – Atos Jiu-Jitsu

Second – Joseph Moku Kahawai Jr. – Atos Jiu-Jitsu

Third – Dany Guy Steve Gerard – Atos JJ USA

Third – Igor Gregório Schneider – Ns Brotherhood BLACK /

Adult / Male / Open Class

First – Bernardo Augusto Rocha de Faria – Alliance

Second – Leandro Lo Pereira do Nascimento – Ns Brotherhood

Third – Andre Luiz Leite Galvão – Atos Jiu-Jitsu

Third – Timothy-Michael Spriggs – Team Lloyd Irvin BLACK /

Adult / Female / Light Feather

First – Gezary Matuda Kubis Bandeira – American Top Team

Second – Kristina Sofia Puruganan Barlaan – Brasa CTA

Third – Ariadne de Oliveira – Mestre Wilson Jiu-Jitsu

Third – Patrícia Maria N. Fontes dos Santos – CheckMat

BLACK / Adult / Female / Feather

First – Mackenzie Lynne Dern – Gracie Humaita

Second – Karen Deisy Antunes Girotto Borges – CheckMat

Third – Vianca J Jager – East Coast United BJJ

BLACK / Adult / Female / Light

First – Beatriz de Oliveira Mesquita – Gracie Humaita

Second – Tammi Alana Musumeci – Atos Jiu-Jitsu

Third – Laurah Elizabeth Hallock – GF Team

Third – Jena Rae Bishop – Gracie Humaita

BLACK / Adult / Female / Middle

First – Luiza Monteiro Moura da Costa – Ns Brotherhood

Second – Michelle Zonato Nicolini – CheckMat

Third – Amanda Loewen – SBG International (SBGI)

Third – Rosamond Elin Snow – Easton BJJ

BLACK / Adult / Female / Medium Heavy

First – Andresa Correa – Alliance

Second – Leah Roseanne Taylor – SBG International (SBGI)

Third – Megan Ann Nevill – Alliance

Third – Leanna M Dittrich – Fight Sports

BLACK / Adult / Female / Heavy

First – Talita Andrea Nogueira – Ryan Gracie Team

Second – Fernanda Mazzelli Almeida Maio – Striker JJ

Third – Charlene Marie Coats – Coalition 95

BLACK / Adult / Female / Super Heavy

First – Dominyka Obelenyte – Alliance

Second – Samela Shoham Lopes Leite – Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu

Third – Alexis Brooke Du Fresne – CheckMat

Third – Hillary VanOrnum – Impact Jiu Jitsu

BLACK / Adult / Female / Open Class

First – Andresa Correa – Alliance

Second – Dominyka Obelenyte – Alliance

Third – Mackenzie Lynne Dern – Gracie Humaita

Academies Results

Adult Male

1 – Alliance – 85

2 – Atos Jiu-Jitsu – 53

3 – GF Team – 51

4 – Gracie Barra – 48

5 – CheckMat – 37

6 – PSLPB Cicero Costha – 35

7 – Ns Brotherhood – 27

8 – Brasa CTA – 27

9 – Barbosa JJ – 18

10 – Alliance International – 15

Adult Female

1 – Alliance – 66

2 – Gracie Humaita – 43

3 – Gracie Barra – 29

4 – Ryan Gracie Team – 27

5 – GF Team – 24

6 – Ns Brotherhood – 18

7 – Soul Fighters BJJ – 17

8 – PSLPB Cicero Costha – 12

9 – Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu – 12

10 – Brazil 021 International – 11

Masters

1 – Gracie Barra – 224

2 – Brasa CTA – 182

3 – Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu – 151

4 – CheckMat – 138

5 – Alliance – 133

6 – Carlson Gracie Team – 99

7 – Gracie Humaita – 97

8 – Zenith BJJ – 75

9 – Brazilian Top Team – 56

10 – BJJ Revolution Team – 48

Juvenile

1 – Atos Jiu-Jitsu – 98

2 – Alliance – 59

3 – Anchorage Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – 18

4 – David Jacobs Jiu-Jitsu Team – 18

5 – Colorado BJJ – 18

6 – GF Team – 18

7 – Over Limit BJJ – 17

8 – Soul Fighters BJJ – 15

9 – Team Lloyd Irvin – 15

10 – Brasa CTA – 12

2016 Pan Am Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt Results

2016 Pan Am Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt Results

Henry Akins NJ seminar at Savarese BJJ in Lyndhurst


Henry Akins NJ seminar at Savarese BJJ in Lyndhurst

Just had 2 more spots open up for the Henry Akins seminar at Savarese BJJ in Lyndhurst NJ next Thursday, March 24th. Price is $100. About 6 spots, maybe 5 (waiting to hear back from someone) left. I expect a bunch of people to contact me the day before and the day of, I expect we will be sold out by then. message me on FB or email me at [email protected] if you want a spot. About 10 blackbelts have signed up for this seminar, that should tell you everything you need to know about Henry is viewed in the BJJ community. Everyone can always improve. All teams are welcome. If you live in the NJ/NY area, don’t miss out, opportunities for us East Coast peeps to train with Henry don’t happen every day.

Lyndhurst Jiu-Jitsu Teenage student becomes certified instructor


Lyndhurst Jiu-Jitsu Teenage student becomes certified instructor

Ariana Zeppetelli, Lyndhurst Jiu-Jitsu Teenage student becomes certified instructor at only 16! The St. Mary High School student was one of the youngest out of the 54 people to take the course at Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in Lyndhurst. Savarese BJJ is one of the best BJJ school in Bergen County, NJ and is considered by many in the BJJ community to be one of the best BJJ’s schools in NJ. Zeppetelli became the 1st person in the entire course to graduate. Professor Chris Savarese, who taught the course said of Zeppetelli “Nothing Ariana does surprises me. She is wise beyond her years, mature beyond her years, comes from an excellent, hard working family and she embodies those values. The fact that at 16 yrs old, she graduated before a room full of adults including some blackbelts, shows how dedicated she is to being great at Jiu-Jitsu and teaching it to others. I couldn’t possibly be more proud of her and to be her instructor.” She will begin by assisting during kids and Women’s only classes.

About Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a devastating fighting and grappling art developed by the Gracie Family of Brazil. While it contains many stand-up throws, takedowns and self-defense techniques that can finish a fight, it is most famous for its extremely effective ground fighting techniques. This art emphasizes ground fighting techniques and submission holds involving joint-locks and chokeholds also found in numerous other arts with or without ground fighting emphasis. The premise of BJJ is that most of the advantage of a larger, stronger opponent comes from superior reach and more powerful strikes, both of which are somewhat negated when grappling on the ground. BJJ is practiced wearing a gi, and it employs a belt system of white, blue, purple, brown, and black.

Savarese BJJ Academy

Founded in 2006 by owner and head instructor Professor Chris Savarese, the Savarese Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy was opened with one purpose in mind: to better peoples lives on and off the mat through the teaching of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The Savarese BJJ Academy provides the support, knowledge and experience that allow our members to experience real Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in a safe and friendly environment, to the best of their abilities, at their own pace and commitment level.

Our doors are open to men, women and children of all ages, shapes and sizes. If you would like to join our team please contact us:

Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
40 Park Ave (back building)
Lyndhurst NJ 07071
201 933-5134 or [email protected]

Lyndhurst Jiu-Jitsu Teenage student becomes certified instructor

Lyndhurst Jiu-Jitsu Teenage student becomes certified instructor

Lyndhurst Jiu-Jitsu Teenage student becomes certified instructor

Lyndhurst Jiu-Jitsu Teenage student becomes certified instructor

 

Savarese BJJ Lyndhurst Women’s Only Self Defense Classes


Savarese BJJ Lyndhurst Women’s Only Self Defense Classes

Women’s Self Defense classes are offered at Savarese BJJ Academy located at 40 Park Ave. Lyndhurst, New Jersey.

Structured to achieve maximum comfort for females interested in pursuing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this class offers a relaxed, non-threatening environment ideal for the beginner or intermediate student to grow and learn quickly under the guidance of experienced and highly-accomplished female instructors.

Men are not allowed in the room where the classes will be taking place. We understand that most women feel intimidated stepping inside a martial arts school with more experienced students or with the majority of male students. That is why we decided to offer classes just for women taught by women. We have one of the largest female-only Jiu-Jitsu programs in the state and our women come from all walks of life: students, mothers, business women, military ladies, law enforcement, etc.

You don’t have to be young or fit to start! Our ages currently range from 13 to over 40. Whether you are interested in self defense, fitness, or competition, this class adjusts to meet everyone’s needs. We will lead you through all the first steps to get you in the best shape of your life.

The idea behind Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is that the weaker and smaller can fight the bigger and stronger. This art is the best self-defense martial arts for women…period. We believe most attcks end up on the ground and we teach you how to defend yourself from there. You will learn chokes and joint locks that can save your life!

If you just need a hobby, or some time for yourself or are tired of all the workouts that are not challenging you, give our classes a try. See how BJJ will help you improve your self confidence, energy, and general well being. Give it a try and experience a change in your life!

For a free trial class, call 201 933-5134.

Savarese BJJ Lyndhurst Women's Only Self Defense Classes

Savarese BJJ Lyndhurst Women’s Only Self Defense Classes

Savarese BJJ Lyndhurst Women's Only Self Defense Classes

Savarese BJJ Lyndhurst Women’s Only Self Defense Classes

Former Clifton High School Wrestlers earn jiu-jitsu promotion


Former Clifton High School Wrestlers earn jiu-jitsu promotion

Corey Peirone and Big Dan Czarnecki, 2 former Clifton High School Wrestlers, earned a jiu-jitsu promotion this saturday. Professor Chris Savarese, a 2nd degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt, promoted the pair after a saturday morning competition team training at his Lyndhurst Jiu-Jitsu Training Facility Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. The pair has been training hard for a little over a year and have been making progress. Congrats guys and keep up the great work!

Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Opened in 2006, The Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a highly respected Academy among the the best BJJ Practitioners in the USA. Noted for it’s self-defense program and top notch adult and kids programs, many travel from other states just to take classes or private lessons with Professor Savarese. In 2014, it was voted Martial arts school of the year. 2 weekend ago, the Savarese BJJ Competition Team swept the NJBJJF tournament winning team titles in the Adult and Kids divisions. Professor Savarese brings a no nonsense approach to teaching and a family atmosphere to the gym. Students are treated with respect, honor and loyalty. As a student you receive personal attention, you learn great techniques, and most importantly, you have fun doing it. Many of the top competitors in the US have asked Professor Savarese to corner them when competing in the Tri-State area. Professor Savarese is also quick to point out that only 10% of his Academy competes and students range from 5-64 years old. He takes great pride in teaching individuals who didn’t start martial arts until a later age and teens who haven’t really enjoyed any other sports before. If you are looking to try a martial art, email [email protected] or call 201 933-5134 for a free one on one trial class. No experience is nessecary, in fact, it is actually better because you don’t have any bad habits yet. Try a class today!

 

 

 

Promotion ceremony at Lyndhurst Martial Arts school


Promotion ceremony at Lyndhurst Martial Arts school

A promotion ceremony at Lyndhurst Martial Arts school Savarese Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was a huge success last week. The Park Ave school is known for being one of the tops jiu-jitsu schools in Bergen County. Fresh off winning the team championship in both the kids and adult categories in the New Jersey Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (NJBJJF) tournament last weekend, school owner Professor Chris Savarese and Coach Sean Bermudez decided to have a team event so everyone could enjoy their promotions together. Many of the kids and parents attended the event and everyone is attendance had a great experience. Congrats to the following who were promoted:

White Belt Stripes
Angelina Pettignano
Angelina Velastegui
Sophia Velastegui
Anthony Colon Jr.
Kiley Cannan
Gavin Bolus
Tyler Bolus
Gavin DeRobertis
Nora Brooks
Joey Brooks
Samantha Rodriguez
Maya Rodriguez
White /Grey Belt
Maddison Ferara
Andre Cano
Avery Cano
Jr. Grey Belt
Diego Pena
Joseph Ferara
Brandon Adragna
Leo Tiankee
Lorenzo Tiankee
Jr. Grey Belt Stripes
Dylan Villareal
Paul Helwig
Jameel Guitierrez
Grey Belt
Isa Rios
Lucas Demarco
Aleksey O’Neil
Grey Belt Stripes
Reagan Roxas
Mateo Santiago
Michael Carreira
Senior Grey Belt
Antonio Santiago
Senior Grey Belt Stripes
Noah Salgado
Justin Lankes
Jr. Yellow Belt
Damian Moreira
Jr. Yellow Belt Stripe
Theresa Zeppetelli
kids sem 5 kids sem 4 kids sem 2 kids sem 1 kids sem 3

 

Jiu-Jitsu helped me overcome an eating disorder


Jiu-Jitsu helped me overcome an eating disorder

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week was 2 weeks ago and it inspired one of my students to share her story in the hopes that it can help someone struggling with this. Needless to say, I am humbled that she asked me to help her with this, proud of her as a strong woman and proud to be her instructor. So here it goes:

Everyone has a story: Jiu-Jitsu saved my life, Jiu-Jitsu helped me overcoming a problem in my life. Jiu-jitsu improved my life. Whatever it is, everyone has their story. As for me, Jiu-jitsu saved me from an eating disorder 4 years ago and in lieu of National Eating Disorders Awareness last month, this is my story.

In 2009 at the age of 16, I lost my father to a horrific battle with cancer. By age 18, 2 weeks after my 18th birthday, my mother remarried. During that 2 year span from losing father to my mother remarrying, I felt like the world around me was spiraling out of control. And while some people grieve by eating their feelings, I took an alternate turn and found control in my eating.

By my senior year in high school, I was down 25 lbs and living under a 1,000 calorie a day diet. I knew I had developed an eating disorder and I needed help fast. An eating disorder is not a lifestyle, there’s no glamour in starvation to be thin. Someone once said, “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels,” but skinny feels like nothing. An eating disorder is a living hell. I discovered their was a lot of pain that controlled eating could not fix.

In 2011, I started college. Being a freshman was like a breath of fresh air, no one knew me or my past. My freshman year I was introduced to Brazilian jiu-jitsu for the first time. They offered free classes at school and the guy who taught the classes was always inviting me to try a class. So I bit the bullet and did it. I’m not going to lie, I thought my first jiu-jitsu class was extremely awkward. I was a gymnast and a swimmer growing up with zero background in martial arts so this was completely new to me. But there was something about jiu-jitsu that I fell completely in love with and that was being able to use my body, just the way it is no matter how small, to control my opponent and defend myself.

For the first time, in a long time, I felt empowerment and it felt amazing. Over the years, jiu-jitsu has given me the confidence to learn to love my body for what it can do versus what it looks like. I love my legs, they are strong and powerful. I’ve learned that I have to feed my body so that I can have the energy to train. Throughout my jiu-jitsu journey I’ve found healing on the mats.

Overcoming an eating disorder is a long process that can be extremely hard to go through. Learning how to love yourself is like learning how to walk all over again. You’ll fall down 7 times, but you can stand up 8, and with each small step recovery is possible. I’m not defining my beauty based on the number on the scale or how I may look in my clothes. I’m defining my beauty on my strength, my confidence, and my self-worth. This life is worth living. I have dreams and goals to accomplish, to become a black belt one day, and an eating disorder is not going to control my life.