Recent Promotions
We recently had the honor of celebrating the achievements of several students. Allow me to begin, as I share a proud mom moment. Professor Jason was stationed at Camp Pendleton and was seeking an activity for our young toddler. I said it, toddler! I had two children under the age of four, one in high school, and another a United States Marine, stationed in Okinawa. I might have been pregnant with the youngest, but I cannot recall. My husband stops in GB San Clemente, and convinces me bjj for our 3.5-year-old is a great idea. Reluctantly, I watched as she participated in a free trial, and here we are! Scarlett received her adult Blue Belt this month. She turns 16 in July and is completing her driver’s training and GB ICP course.
Okay, back to the promotion! We were blown away by the support from our local GB members, former training partners, and friends who donned their GB wear and celebrated these promotions. When the weeks are difficult, and we wonder if this was a good idea, we witness nights like May Promotions, and we know why we do this! I have the privilege of being behind the camera, and love hearing the kids whisper in excitement as they learn who is being promoted.
Watching these kids grow is rewarding, but hearing them celebrate one another is priceless. We are doubly blessed with amazing adult members. We really are. For anyone reading this post, who has thought about beginning their bjj journey, or is interested in proven curriculum based training, in a family friendly atmosphere, give me a call!
We celebrate all our promotions this month:
Kol (G/B), presented his belt by his dad, Professor Kristian, Kol has a wit about him, and truly has fun on the mats. He has a true admiration for his dad, which is a joy to witness. Kol has a bright future ahead!
Wesley (Y/B), always serious, always humble, and often quiet. Wesley has a wonderful personality and is a fierce competitor.
Phoebe (O/W), our youngest and choke-master who trains with our teens and adults. Phoebe is know to smile just before she executes a submission.
Jillian (O/B), our talented, middle daughter who loves working with our young members. Jillian took months to step on the mats for a full class, and patiently encourages our most apprehensive fighters!
Scarlett (Blue), who also loves working with our youth, soon to be ICP certified, and a legal driver. We are proud of her accomplishments, and look forward to watching her grow our programs!
Todd (Blue), our secret weapon, who often trains in the morning with his daughter, and returns in the evening to battle his training partners. Todd is always smiling, and has been a huge supporter of our journey to open this school. We cannot thank him enough!
Coach Josh, (Purple) who trains alongside his sons, David and Johnathan and is always supporting and lifting up his training partners and our students. Josh is also one of our original supporters, and we are honored that he is a part of our success!
And lastly, AJ (Purple), who leaves us soon. We have enjoyed AJ and Moses. Moses, is the Rubic’s Cube master, always smiling, and is an all around great student. AJ has been a great addition to our school, and will be deeply missed by all. I am beginning to sound repetitive, but AJ is invested in supporting his son, as they both grow in skill. Like Phoebe, AJ wears a smile, which distracts his training partners. We will follow their progress as the embark on a new journey!
We thank every family for choosing Gracie Barra Fredericksburg, and hope to expand our coaching selection and hours in Fall of 2025!