Inner Circle Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Seminar

Okay I know…I know this isn’t a wedding blog or an engagement session. But I am really excited and proud of these images and the community I am a part of so I thought I would give you all some behind the scenes into what I do in my free time.

As some of you may know I am a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) was first developed around 1920 by Brazilian brothers Carlos, Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., George, and Hélio Gracie. BJJ is a martial art and combat sport based on ground fighting and submissions. It is a huge stress reliever, a great workout, and I consider the people I train with to be my second family. This is also how I met my soon to be husband so this gym has a special place in my heart.

I began training four years ago and it wasn’t love at first sight. Martial arts take patience, discipline, and learning to walk around with a bruised ego. It is a beyond humbling experience.

Our gym had a seminar two weeks ago where we were taught by Professor Ailson Henrique Brites (“Jucao”). He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert and World Champion 6th degree black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. Together with Professor Walter Johnson – a 2x IBJJF Champion 2nd degree black belt – and Professor Chad Smith – a 2nd degree black belt – we were surrounded by greatness. I had the honor and privilege of not only training under these three great leaders, but also to photograph the day. That day one of our own was crowed with his black belt and another given a stripe on his black belt.

It was a wonderful day surrounded by my family and I was thrilled to be a part of it.