Team Texas: Casidy Welch

Name: Casidy Welch

Rank: Blue Belt

Hometown:  Moved a lot as a child, currently live in League City, Tx  (Houston, Tx)

Where you train: Gracie Barra Texas in Webster, Tx under Professor Draculino

How long have you been training? 3 years

Favorite Gi?Adidas

What’s in your gym bag?
Gi, belt, rashguard, spats, sports bras, baby wipes, face wipes, deodorant, mouthwash,
Mouth guard, brush, ponytail holders, fingernail clippers and files, eye drops, breath mints, tape, chapstick and hand towel. I’m sure there’s more! Haha

Favorite submission? Triangles

Favorite thing about the Jiu Jitsu community in Texas?
I love that our Texas competitors extremely supportive and competitive.

What’s one thing you would change about the Texas Jiu Jitsu community?
I would encourage more females that train to actually compete.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
I have two amazing kids (teenagers), who are really awesome humans. They are my greatest accomplishments.

What has been your biggest struggle in Jiu Jitsu?
My hair!!! I can’t keep it up and out of the way….and healthy!

If you could give any advice to your white belt self, what would it be?
Train in the Gi, I spent my entire white belt career training Nogi only and if I could go back I would have put the Gi on from the start. Also don’t take ANY breaks. Stay on the mats year round.

What motivates you to train on days when you just don’t feel like it?
I don’t rely on motivation. Motivation is fleeting. It will come and go. I just have Discipline. I have been a high level competitive and Pro athlete most of my life, so I just have discipline.  If it’s training day. It’s training day. It doesn’t matter how I feel, I’m training. I’ve never regretted training, and always feel better afterward. Always.

If you could take a private lesson with any Jiu Jitsu practitioner who would it be? Why?
John Danaher. He has a beautiful mind and an amazing ability to break down and decipher Jiujitsu.

Who is your favorite competitor to watch?
So hard to pick only one since it takes two competitors to create a really exciting match. Then we get into Gi vs Nogi….styles….I’m a nerd, I sit at home on the weekends watching Jiujitsu and Judo and Wrestling and MMA  I’m going to go with Gilbert Durinho Burns. He’s exciting well rounded and He has been a mentor and one of my favorites since I started. My first seminar was with him in Dallas actually.

Who is your favorite TX competitor to watch? (outside of your current affiliation)
So hard to pick just one as we have such amazing Jiujitsu here. I’m a big fan of the Tackett boys and Mona Bailey. They are young and it’s just amazing the skill they have at their age!

What’s your perfect Jiu Jitsu playlist?
I listen to pretty high energy heavy stuff, or violin orchestra instrumental stuff. Kinda two ends of the spectrum.

What do you remember about your first day of Jiu Jitsu?
I honestly don’t really remember my first day.

What do you remember about your first tournament?
I had been training for about 3-4 weeks and went to a Dallas Naga Tournament, Double gold Gi & Nogi, I believe. I went back to bodybuilding shortly after that for several years.

What is your post-competition meal/restaurant?
I don’t cut weight, so I don’t really crave crazy stuff post-competition. I like steak and potatoes.

When you’re not training Jiu Jitsu, where can we most likely find you?
Working, Relaxing, or lifting weights

2020 is quickly approaching, What changes did you make this year and what are your goals for the new year?
I really found my rhythm in training and a schedule that works great for me. I hope to travel a bit to compete this year but plan to return to Masters Worlds in Vegas as well.


Anything else exciting coming up?
Yes, I’m competing at Third Coast Grappling Championships December 7th, 2019 and then I’m headed to NoGi Worlds in California the following weekend!

Team Texas: Mona Bailey

Name: Mona Maree Bailey

Rank: Green Belt

Hometown: Houston,TX

Where you train: Carlson Gracie Houston, is my main Academy.

How long have you been training? 6 Years

Favorite Gi? Black Shoyoroll

What’s in your gym bag? 2 Gis, 2 Belts, 2 RashGuards, 2 spats/tudos, Hoodie, MonkeyTape, Water Bottles, Headphones, and Lots of Candy. My bag has been referred to as the "Vending machine" a time or two..

Favorite submission? Triangle

Favorite thing about the Jiu Jitsu community in Texas? First Class Bjj, So many great Athletes, and awesome Open mats.

What’s one thing you would change about the Texas Jiu Jitsu community?
I would like just a little less politics.

What is your greatest accomplishment? Going undefeated in IBJJF, as a youth competitor.

What has been your biggest struggle in Jiu Jitsu?
Finding more Teen Girls on the Competition scene.

If you could give any advice to your white belt self, what would it be?
Keep it Friendly 😊 Don't let the small things bother you.

What motivates you to train on days when you just don’t feel like it?
Honestly,  I love to train...so there are not many days I'm not motivated..

If you could take a private lesson with any Jiu Jitsu practitioner who would it be? Why?
Right now as of today...Nathiely De Jesus and Claudia Do Val. Why, because they are awesome and represent well for Female Grapplers... I have many more on my list, that I  have been fortunate to have had privates with.

Who is your favorite competitor to watch?
Ooh...so many..but if I had to pick one, Nathiely De Jesus


Who is your favorite TX competitor to watch?
Mariana Scott Azevedo (outside of your current affiliation)

What’s your perfect Jiu Jitsu playlist? Country,  or 90's Rap.

What do you remember about your first day of Jiu Jitsu? Training with my brother.

What do you remember about your first tournament?
I tapped my opponent with Grapevines..that's all I really had.


What is your post-competition meal/restaurant? Steak, Fries, Macaroni and cheese

When you’re not training Jiu Jitsu, where can we most likely find you? In Bed.

2020 is quickly approaching,  What changes did you make this year and what are your goals for the new year? Training more top game this year.. new goals, I would like to take Gold at the 2020 IBJJF PanAms. Competing Overseas next Year.



Anything else exciting coming up? I'm excited to enter the Juvenile ranks and finally receive my Blue Belt.

Team Texas: Jordan Burton, III

Name:  Jordan Burton, III "JB3"

Rank:   Black Belt

Hometown: (North) Beaumont, Texas.

Association: Soul Fighters Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Where you train: www.highlandparkjiujitsu.com & @greaterthanperformancerehab (IG)

How long have you been training?  13 years

Favorite Gi?  Gameness Pearl Gi.

What’s in your gym bag?  Deodorant, Bottled Water & Propel Packs, Massage Ball, Big Towel, Gi and Belt or Nogi Gear, a Snack

Favorite submission?  Collar strangles from.the back/side and the Botinha.

Favorite thing about the Jiu Jitsu community in Texas?  I like most our depth at Black across the entire state. We have some of the best professors in the world here.  For seminars and great training, you don't have to leave Texas!

What’s one thing you would change about the Texas Jiu Jitsu community?  I love us. So instead of change, this is what I'd add - particularly for the DFW scene.  I would for 12-24 of like-minded, competitive, DFW Black Belts get together a competition training session every now and then at an agreed location.  We got to see it at "DFW versus The World!"

What is your greatest accomplishment?  The greatest thing that has happened to me is my maturation through BJJ.  I found BJJ when I was 21 years old and I have grown with and through this martial art.  My core principles remain the same, but I have become a better person because of consistent training and competing.

What has been your biggest struggle in Jiu Jitsu?  Struggle: it can be defined as a concerted effort under distress.  My greatest struggle is quieting my mind before competition. Each year, I get better with having the ideal mindset for having a self-satisfying or outstanding performance.

If you could give any advice to your white belt self, what would it be?  Hmmm ... I was a good white belt. I didn't have a problem tapping. I enjoyed the camaraderie, workout, and the 2 tournaments I did.  BJJ was new and exciting! I would give advice to my "blue belt self". That advice would be to remain humble and continue to strengthen my fundamentals.  This and learn how to use the gi.

What motivates you to train on days when you just don’t feel like it?  When I do not feel it, the motivation is low generally due to the volume of training I do blended with normal stress of life and inadequate recovery.  This is where routine and my discipline takes charge. Also, my training partners need me. After completing a training session under these conditions, I feel satisfied.

If you could take a private lesson with any Jiu Jitsu practitioner who would it be? Why?  It would be with my coach Bruno "Tanque" Mendes. Bruno is an exemplary teacher who can teach techniques and games outside of his own game.  Training in his classes daily he has helped me refine some of my best positions and techniques. For a private lesson though, the topic would be half and deep half guard.

Who are your favorite competitors to watch?  Tanquinho, Marcus Antelante, Nicholas Meregali, Alexander Ribeiro.  There are many more because I am a fan of Jiu-Jitsu - a real nerd.

Who is your favorite TX competitor to watch? (outside of your current affiliation)  I really like to watch and study Lucas Valente (Gracie Barra). His guard is defensively responsible and submission-oriented.  At this year's Mundials we got to see some of his top game as well which showed he is complete on the ground. He's a good combination of traditional and modern Jiu-Jitsu with attitude.

What’s your perfect Jiu Jitsu playlist?  For training , I like most Alternative Rock/Metal from 1990s until present.  Music is energy. Before training I want a song that matches the vibe. I could be happy/playful, tranquil, melancholic, aggressive.  For competing, I like enough music to raise my vibrations then turn it off and be present.

What do you remember about your first day of Jiu Jitsu?  I texted with a friend on Myspace who was already training.  She told me to have some fun. I drove to a school in Port Neches, Texas and remember my 1st technique was opening the closed guard, making half guard  and passing tightly.

What do you remember about your first tournament?  It was the 2008 Machado Winter Wars. Rafael Lovato, Jr. had a super fight that I did not see - sadly.  Justin Rader was a brown belt and killed it. Both of those guys had won The Mundials in 2007 (Black and Purple respectively).  I had five matches that day and went 3 wins & 2 losses resulting I'm a silver medal.

What is your post-competition meal/restaurant?  After weeks of dieting well and making lightfeather, I like to go to In-N-Out.  I moved to Dallas on July 03, 2019; In-N-Out is growing on me. The Biscuit Bar in Plano is legit too!

When you’re not training, where can we most likely find you?  At home, especially on the weekend after the long week of teaching and training.  I try to take 1 day off (generally Sunday), but Jarrod Trotter teaches a wrestling class I like to attend.  Also, I like to relax at a movie theater, a night club, or a lounge with good company. 

2020 is quickly approaching, What changes did you make this year and what are your goals for the new year?  The biggest change for me was moving to Dallas, Texas and joining Soul Fighters BJJ Association. I have been friends with people on this team since 2013.  They welcomed me here and Bruno Mendes has positioned me to be successful with this team with a couple roles. Also, most importantly, there is room for growth as a teacher, athlete, and owner of a school in the future.

I am still an active in competition, so next year I want to win a major IBJJF tournament (4-star or 7-star), compete in F2W Pro outside of Texas.  I am 4-0 at F2W Pro, so after a couple or more Fights a shot at a Masters F2W Pro Title would be an awesome challenge. Next year I will put myself out their for workshops at schools.  I love sharing and learning Jiu-Jitsu.


Anything else exciting coming up?  I'll be competing November 16 at the 2019 Fulton Brew-Jitsu in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  My opponent is Kelly Johnson, a Minnesota native and accomplished Black belt in the Masters divisions.  Interestingly enough, he DM'd me the application and requested a super fight with me! That is old school respect.

Team Texas: Priscilla Eckhardt

Name: Pri Eckhardt

Rank: Purple Belt

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Where you train: Pablo Silva BJJ Team

How long have you been training? 
It’s been 5 years since I started, but I took off about 6-7 months this year when I found out I was pregnant with twins!

Favorite Gi?
My Albino & Preto is my favorite gi! It fits like a glove and the roughness of the weave makes it tough for others to grab.

What’s in your gym bag?
I love being prepared for anything so, I always have extra chongos and scrunchies, tampons, an extra pair of Nike Pro shorts, tape, socks, and deodorant!

Favorite submission?
My favorite submission since I started training has always been a triangle,I just see them everywhere!

Favorite thing about the Jiu Jitsu community in Texas?
My favorite thing about the Jiu Jitsu community here in Texas is how fast our city’s athletes are catching up to athletes around the country and around the world. Every time someone from our team goes out of town to compete my teammates always say, “It’s not PSBJJ vs. The World, it’s TEXAS vs. The World”.🤠 I love the fact that I have friends from almost every single team in Houston.

What’s one thing you would change about the Texas Jiu Jitsu community?
I wish the Texas Jiu Jitsu community was a little more tight-knit, I’m not one for cliques or drama, I could care less. I make friends with everyone and anyone!


You’ve recently had twins! Congratulations! How has life/training changed since then?
Thank you so much! So, Addison is currently still in the NICU, but since  Ayla got home not much has changed except for the amount of sleep I get!😂 Some days, if me and Ben are tired we take turns training and taking care of her to get some naps in but, for most classes she comes with us and chills mat-side! I am blessed though, because of what we do it makes it really easy for both of us to be able to stay home with the girls and fit in training/gym time wherever we can!

Did you train throughout your pregnancy?  If so, what was the hardest part of training?
I did at first until I was 20 weeks because that’s when I found out I was having twins. I was automatically labeled a high-risk pregnancy and was told I couldn’t necessarily train much or work out as much anymore. up until that point though the toughest thing was dealing with how bad my cardio had gotten from not rolling as much or as hard as I was used to and not working out as much either.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Honestly, my daughters. I recently had twin daughters prematurely at 28 weeks pregnant. They were tiny at 2lbs 6 ounces and 2lbs 12 ounces. I can’t even begin to explain how it’s changed me. Having kids was always something I wanted but, did I ever expect it to happen so soon? No. And did I ever expect it to happen like it did? Definitely not. I always imagined it up in my head to be picture-perfect, unfortunately for me, things never happen that way. I am so proud of myself physically for what my body has gone through and endured. However, most of all I’m super proud of myself for what I’ve toughed out mentally. After I had my girls and found out they both had a set of complications different from each other, I was broken. When I found out they’d have to both be in the NICU for months, it tore me apart. These little creatures, that I created and that resided in my belly for 6 months, were hurting. They were in pain. And they wouldn’t be able to come home with me just yet. Fast forward to almost two months later, and they’re now 6 pounds each and getting healthier and better by the day.

What has been your biggest struggle in Jiu Jitsu?
My biggest struggle in Jiu Jitsu has been my anxiety. I don’t talk about it often because I don’t want to give it that power or let it control me. I don’t want it to become this bigger issue when I’ve found my own ways to manage it.

If you could give any advice to your white belt self, what would it be?
If I could give my white belt self advice it would be to find a gym that more suited my needs in Jiu Jitsu faster. I would’ve like to be told that there are more gyms out there than just the one I came from. I wish I would’ve known faster that there were gyms specializing in all kinds of different things. I’m so happy I ended up where I’m at now but I wish it would have happened faster. My goals in Jiu Jitsu are very competition-oriented, and that’s not every coach, gym, or teammates goal so I’m glad I’m at a competition based gym!

What motivates you to train on days when you just don’t feel like it?
I always have a tournament coming up so that definitely helps me get off the couch when I don’t feel like it. I simply think of all the things my opponent must be doing right now to beat me. It doesn’t take a lot to get me motivated, I naturally strive for more all the time and know that to make it happen it takes hard work.

If you could take a private lesson with any Jiu Jitsu practitioner who would it be? Why?
If I could take a private from anyone it would either be Nathi de Jesus or Rafa Mendes! They are both amazing competitors and I love watching them.

Who is your favorite competitor to watch?
I’ve always loved watching the Miyao brothers, and I always wanted to have a guard like theirs since I’m more of a top player.

Who is your favorite TX competitor to watch? (outside of your current affiliation)
Currently, I really enjoy watching Patricia Machado, she has a very explosive passing game and a very technical guard.

What’s your perfect Jiu Jitsu playlist?
Mine changes all the time but my current top favorites that I HAVE to listen to before Jiu Jitsu are:
1. Eazy Duz It - Eazy E
2. Quicksand - SZA
3. Ocean Drive - Duke Dumont
4. Isis - Joyner Lucas
5. Ambitionz Az A Ridah - Tupac
It’s definitely all over the place but these are my current favorites.

What do you remember about your first day of Jiu Jitsu?
I remember wearing a gi that was a little too awkward on me, a belt that was too long, and rolling with Lucy Martinez! I remember recognizing a few things from when I had done Judo when I was 8 or 9 years old.

What do you remember about your first tournament?
I competed just 3 weeks after I started Jiu Jitsu and my very first white belt tournament I fought a girl and was stuck in her closed guard the WHOLE match. Then, I had to fight a boy in no gi and I, surprisingly, won the match.

What is your post-competition meal/restaurant?
Saltgrass simply because of my favorite dessert! Brownie skillet with extra caramel 🤠 OR, Thai Gourmet which is one of my top favorite restaurants of all time. My family has been taking me there since I was 3 or 4 years old.

When you’re not training Jiu Jitsu, where can we most likely find you?
Currently, either at the hospital visiting the NICU, at home taking care of one of our twins, at clinicals, or at the gym! Busy schedule!

Anything exciting coming up?
I’m competing at the San Antonio Open on December 8th. I also just started my nursing classes this month. I’m so excited about this because I’ve always wanted to go into the medical field! Most importantly, however, my second twin should be coming home soon. Things keep popping up but she’ll be strong enough to come home in November for sure.❤️


2020 is quickly approaching, What changes did you make this year and what are your goals for the new year? A major change I’ve made recently is the way I eat. I loooove my snacks and tasty foods but am definitely trying to be more disciplined! Also my goals for the new year include becoming a World Champion and a Pan Am Champion, being the best mommy I can be, and get accepted into the RN program!

Team Texas: Luzimery Garcia

The BJJ Struggle is Real: Pregnancy Edition

Ask Maggie Moo: "What if the Black Belt Doesn't Like Me?"

It's been a while since I've responded to one of these, but this week's question comes from J.C about dealing with a difficult situation in the gym.

Question: I train at a gym with about 5 black belts. The main black belt is wonderful and treats us all well. One of the black belts really doesn’t like me and it bothers me. I feel like I am really well-liked at my gym and I am so kind to everyone. I know it’s stupid because we've never had a falling out, or exchanged mean words and I’ve always attended his classes and thought they were great. He isn’t flat out rude or unkind but he just sort of treats me like I don’t exist. If I ask a question during class he laughs it off, rolls his eyes and moves on to the next person. I haven’t done anything to him, so I’m confused and obviously a little sensitive. It makes me not want to attend his classes and it’s very uncomfortable in social situations. He is cold, short and distant with me but warm and friendly to other students. To the point of literally being the only one who doesn’t clap or say congratulations when my main black belt mentions my tournament successes. Yet, he will be the first to congratulate every other student. I  go out of my way to say hello and to make sure I’m always very respectful. What should I do? Sometimes it’s so uncomfortable I want to quit just to avoid the drama. Do I leave it alone and just deal with the awkwardness? Do I bring it up to the main black belt? - J.C.

Team Texas: Stephanie Trevino

Name: Stephanie Natasha Trevino

Rank: 4 stripe blue belt

Where you train:
 Every where. My home school is Midtown MMA, I cross train a lot because of my schedule, Team Tooke’s, Revolution (my daughter trains there and they feel like my second family)

How long have you been training?
5 years. I used to take time off when I was bodybuilding

Favorite Gi?
My hyperfly, honestly the reason is it is my lightest gi and when you are trying to make weight, it comes in handy.

What’s in your gym bag?
Everything.  I train multiple times in a day so I have a gi, several changes of clothes, face wipes, deodorant, all my notebooks and razors in case I need to shave my legs on the go. Ha.

Favorite submission?
Chokes, chokes all day…. Cross collar or paper cutter

Favorite thing about the Jiu Jitsu community in Texas?
How amazing everyone is. So welcoming and just like one big family.

What’s one thing you would change about the Texas Jiu Jitsu community?
Easy. Have all the fierce women not be scared to be fierce. See there is a group of tough and aggressive competitive women who like to train and try to kill each other. We love it. That is not always welcomed and many times we are seen as too aggressive, too strong or you name it. With the women’s group we run, we are trying to change that. 

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Going back to school for my PhD it has always been my lifelong dream. Also taking a chance and starting my business. 7 years later, I am thankful for it.

What has been your biggest struggle in Jiu Jitsu?
 I would say my size and my strength puts me at this weird in between phase where I don’t know if I need to hold back or go harder with some.

If you could give any advice to your white belt self, what would it be? Compete. As much as you can, get out there and do it.

What motivates you to train on days when you just don’t feel like it?
Motivation? Nah, all discipline. Discipline is a muscle like anything else, you have to force it and before you know it, it becomes part of you. So, if I have a day I don’t feel like it, I tell myself STFU and train.

If you could take a private lesson with any Jiu Jitsu practitioner who would it be? 
Josh Hinger Why? His methodology, the way he views competition and his mindset, they are exactly where I would want my mindset to be.

Who is your favorite competitor to watch? 
Lately Vagner, but I am not real savvy about watching too many competitors.

Who is your favorite TX competitor to watch? (outside of your current affiliation)
My favs are in my affiliation though! Honestly thought I would say my friend Vanessa Lopez, she is just so technical and crafty!

What’s your perfect Jiu Jitsu playlist? 
A little rap, a little house, just variety! I love it all.

What do you remember about your first day of Jiu Jitsu?
 My son had been training there for a while so I already felt welcomed, it was a great experience.

What do you remember about your first tournament?
 How terrified I was, I never knew nerves like that.

What is your post-competition meal/restaurant? 
Anything with alcohol, my favorite would be Mexican food.

When you’re not training Jiu Jitsu, where can we most likely find you?
Working out. Yoga. Or at home cuddled up with my sexy boyfriend and rubbing on his hairy chest. That makes me happy.

Anything exciting coming up?
Master Worlds! Then focus on the next step and plan on my competition schedule.

Team Texas: William Tackett

Name: William Tackett

Rank: Purple

Hometown: Austin, Texas

Where you train: Brazilian Fight Factory

How long have you been training? I started back in 2009.

Favorite Gi? Archetype 😍

What’s in your gym bag? A gi, rashguard, mouthguard, and a towel.

Favorite submission? Rear naked choke!

Favorite thing about the Jiu Jitsu community in Texas?
That I have seen the Jiu-Jitsu community grow from a smaller scale to now one of the biggest communities In the U.S.

What’s one thing you would change about the Texas Jiu Jitsu community?
More super shows in Austin, like Kasai, F2W, and other big shows

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Although I have won a few good titles, I am most proud of my run at the ADCC Westcoast trials where I took second place.

What has been your biggest struggle in Jiu Jitsu?
Finding like minded people who have the same goals and drive as me. I feel I have found that at Brazilian Fight Factory 😁

If you could give any advice to your white belt self, what would it be? 
Build your game. Dont just have a bunch of random techniques, make them in a sequence of eachother and build a system.

What motivates you to train on days when you just don’t feel like it?
My team! I used to have to tell myself that my opponents were training harder, but now I know that my team is training if I'm not, and they will pass me up if I slack off.

If you could take a private lesson with any Jiu Jitsu practitioner who would it be? 
The GOAT, Roger Gracie.

Who is your favorite competitor to watch? 
I love watching JT Torres!

Who is your favorite TX competitor to watch? (outside of your current affiliation) 
Although he's no longer in Texas, I gotta go with my brother Roberto Jimenez!

What’s your perfect Jiu Jitsu playlist?
I dont like to listen to music before competition, I feel it distracts me from my fight. So I like to just stick ear plugs in and play no music

What do you remember about your first day of Jiu Jitsu? 
We practiced shrimps and side controle escapes and then watched the adults spar.

What do you remember about your first tournament?
My and my brother were at a local Naga and we both won our divisions by submission! After we got our swords, we were hooked!

What is your post-competition meal/restaurant?
 I love Pizza and Sushi! I never complain with either 😂

When you’re not training Jiu Jitsu, where can we most likely find you?
 Either in my bed or in the kitchen 😂 On a serious note, I really dont do much outside the gym besides go to church and spend time with family.

Anything exciting coming up?
I still have alot planned for this year! NOGI Pans, NOGI Worlds, and some super fights!

Team Texas: Jean Dalua Cartagena

Name: Jean Dalua Cartagena

Academy: NBTC Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Rank: Black Belt- Second Degree

Years Training: 17 years

Favorite Gi: Nozomu brand

What's in your gym bag? Well in my gym bag I always have my gym clothes, tape, my gi, protein and supplements, cookies, some snickers- the new ones that are made with peanut butter

Favorite Submission: Triangles

What's your favorite thing about the Texas Jiu Jitsu community?
 I like that everyone that competes from Texas support each other’s no matter the team

What is your least favorite thing about the Texas Jiu Jitsu community?
 Well for me I like everything. Here there is a lot of good jiu-jitsu talent and I have made many new friends since I came from Puerto Rico.

What is your greatest accomplishment? 
My greatest accomplishment was having the opportunity to travel to the USA and make my dreams come true, show my Jiu Jitsu here in the USA and represent my island of Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

What has been your biggest struggle?
Leaving my family and friends behind to follow my dreams for the love of Jiu Jitsu.

What motivates you train on days when you don't want to?  
My students motivate me every day I want to be a good leader for them and if they see me working hard they are gonna do it too.

If you could take a private lesson with anyone who would it be?
Ronaldo Jacare de Souza is one of my favorite fighters I grow up watching his fights

Who are your favorite competitors? 
I have many,  but definitely Jacare and Terere- old school jiujitsu

Who are your favorite Texas competitors to watch?  
I like to watch Cole Abate. He has really good Jiu Jitsu and is a very talented boy.

What's on your Jiu Jitsu playlist? 
 Reggaeton, Old School Hip Hop and Reggae music

What do you remember about your first tournament?  
I remember being a white belt who has only been training for 3 months and they didn't have anyone in my weight division so they put me with the blue belts and I won first place!

What advice would you give your white belt self?
Keep training, working hard and don’t be afraid to fail because good things are coming.

What is your go-to post-training meal or restaurant?
Isome protein shake after training and as for food I eat anything I would like to eat 😁

If you're not on the mats, where can we find you?
You can find me in the gym out in nature, on the river, hiking or at the beach when I have the opportunity to go there in Texas

Anything exciting coming up? 
Yes, Master Worlds! We are having a big camp in my gym in New Braunfels (NBTC) with a couple of World Champions coming to teach. It'\ is gonna be very good training from August 9th-11th.

The Jiu Jitsu Struggle is Real: July 4th Gif Edition

When you ask someone if they're going to open mat and they say no, but they'll run later....

When someone tries to use my own move against me......

Team Texas: Moses Cabrera

Name: Moses Cabrera

Rank: Yellow belt

Where You Train: Ohana  Academy in San Antonio TX

How Long Have You Been Training: 5yrs

Favorite Gi: Roll Bliss Custom Team Moses Gi

What's in Your Bag: Gi, and No Gi maybe also snacks

Favorite Submission: Arm Bar

Favorite thing about the TX Jiu Jitsu community? After going to war with each other we can hang out and play Fortnite.

What is one thing you would change about the TX Jiu Jitsu community? Going to Submission only matches instead of points because sometimes kids just hold or stall for a win.

What is your greatest accomplishment? I would say my greatest accomplishment is winning my 3rd Championship Title Belt for Submission Hunter Pro 45 In San Antonio at Cowboys Dance Hall. I was really emotional because my mom passed away on January 11th, 2019 from Cancer, so my family and friends were there to support me. I felt my mom was there. She would always tell me "show up and do your job."💜🦋🙏

What is your biggest struggle? I like pulling guard, so now I want to perfect my top game that will be my hardest struggle to change.

What advice would you give your white belt self? Don't let a win or a loss define you. I'm not the best at this cause I still cry or get upset when I lose, but try to know this will help you improve your Jiu Jitsu game in the future,  my dad he always asks me, "do you wanna be good or do you wanna be great in Jiu Jitsu?"  So my answer is "great!"

Who is your favorite competitor to watch? My favorite competitor to watch is all of my opponents,  like watching my friends and Cole Abate, Sergio Guajardo, Brother Salgado, Mona Bailey, Jr. Ortega, and Zane Mangan. I take private lessons with my big bro Cole Abate he is one of the best Teenagers in Jiu Jitsu ... even when I win he lets me know what I can do better so I can improve my game

What's on your playlist? Classic Rock music

What do you remember about your first day of Jiu Jitsu? I cried but at the end of the day, I told my dad I wanted to come back tomorrow to train.

What do you remember about your first tournament? My 1st tournament was Gracie Grappling Cup in San Antonio TX.

What's your go-to post-competition meal? Twin Peaks kids eat free from 11am till 4pm on Saturdays.

If you're not on the mat, where can we find you? Playing Fortnite in my room or hanging out with my friends.

Have anything exciting coming up? Just won gold in Ibjjf kids in Houston TX,  Fighting for my 4th Championship belt for Submission Hunter Pro soon, Just training with all my friends and teammates around Texas is exciting to me and last, just want to thank my Professor Jason Yerrington from Ohana Academy in San Antonio TX, where I have been  since I was 6☆

Team Texas: Mayra Cardenas

Name: Mayra Cardenas

Rank: Purple Belt

Where you train: Renzo Gracie Houston

How long have you been training? Since September 2014

Favorite Gi? Shoyoroll

What’s in your gym bag? Workout clothes- Monkey Tape and body spray

Favorite submission? Chokes and wrist locks

Favorite thing about the Jiu Jitsu community in Texas?
We support each other regardless of team affiliation. But when it’s time to compete, we fight for our team.

What’s one thing you would change about the Texas Jiu Jitsu community?
 BrewJitsu (benefitting the We Defy Foundation) showed me there’s nothing to change. It’s amazing.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Showing my kids that hard work does pay off.

What has been your biggest struggle in Jiu Jitsu?
My type A personality gets humbled a lot. But it’s made me realize I need to keep working to get better. No one is indestructible. We can all break, but we can all also succeed.

If you could give any advice to your white belt self, what would it be? 
Calm down! This is the sages environment to train in. Listen. Let them teach you.

What motivates you to train on days when you just don’t feel like it?
Street survival is my job. Not just safety for me but for the people that count on me.

If you could take a private lesson with any Jiu Jitsu practitioner who would it be?
Professor Jared Weiner from BJJUNITED Why? His style and size is something that mirrors mine. I respect him immensely and his desire to better everyone but is loyal to his team.

Who is your favorite competitor to watch? ALL of them 

Who is your favorite TX competitor to watch? (outside of your current affiliation)
Melissa Lozano from Team Tooke and Olympia Watts from Gracie Barra Webster

What’s your perfect Jiu Jitsu playlist?
Reggaeton, hip hop and some old school Rap

What do you remember about your first day of Jiu Jitsu?
 I’m about to get my ass handed to me. Let’s do this!

What do you remember about your first tournament?
My kids were there and I didn’t want to disappoint them. Also, I felt I didn’t know any Jiu-Jitsu

What is your post-competition meal/restaurant? Anything with pizza and/or tacos!

When you’re not training Jiu Jitsu, where can we most likely find you? Spending time with my kids and my boyfriend. Shooting. Watching movies. Eating at Mikes seafood lol

Anything exciting coming up?
I’m excited every day I get to train and do the things I love. Looking to continue to compete and get outta that damn 3rd place spot

Team Texas: Roger Narvaez

Rank: 1st-degree black belt

School: Narvaez Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Corpus Christi, Tx

How long have you been training? 13 years

Favorite Gi?  Gameness Feather

What's in your gym bag? Mouthpiece, finger tape, MMA equipment

Favorite Submission: Rear Naked Choke

What do you like the most about the TX Jiu Jitsu community? 
The Brotherhood. Although there are some douchebags out there, for the most part, the community is close knit and very welcoming.

What is one thing you would change about the Jiu Jitsu community?
Get rid of all the egotistical people who are more concerned with calling their gym the best than doing what it takes and laying on the line themselves to be the best.

What is an accomplishment you're proud of?
For me being the first born and breed MMA fighter to come out of Corpus Christi and sign a UFC contract.

What has been your greatest struggle in Jiu Jitsu?
Believing that I belong, fighting the best in the world. Often times I build people up more than they are .I am finally past that point and will fight anyone believing that on any given day I could beat them.

What advice would you give your white belt self?
Focus on the technical aspect of the game. Not just how many people you can or can’t submit. Focus on the smaller intricacies of each and every position and technique.

What motivates you train on days where you don't want to?
I don’t really need motivation. I love Jiu Jitsu! I seriously can’t think of a day where I wasn’t excited about training Jiu Jitsu. One day I won’t be able to push myself the way I do now so until then I will cherish every single training session!

If you could take a private lesson with anyone who would it be?
Marcelo Garcia...as a large guy it amazes me the success that he had in his earlier years against the biggest and best monsters of the game. He is the definition of how Jiu Jitsu works!


Who is your favorite competitor to watch?
I enjoy watching Meragali, the tenacity and intensity at which he competes is unrivaled. I love it!

What's on your Jiu Jitsu playlist?
A little of everything...Tool, Rocky soundtrack, Kanye, with some J Cole...it’s kind of all over the place...lol.

What was your first day of Jiu Jitsu like?
I dislocated my shoulder while rolling with my coach. I came back the next day and did what I could, sat and watched technique and everyone else roll. I was hooked after day 1.

What do you remember about your first tournament?
It was in the RGV. I was a brand new blue belt. I closed out the gi and no gi divisions and had an absolutely amazing time!

What is your post-competition meal?
It depends....sometimes a good salad, soup, and sandwich from Jason’s deli. If it was an extremely hard practice and a cheat meal is due, then I'm scarfing a whole pizza from a locally owned pizza joint named B&J’s and drinking a few IPAs!

If you're not on the mat, where can we find you?
I’m a busy body. I’m always on the go, hanging with friends BBQing and traveling. I've been doing a lot more traveling lately.

Anything exciting coming up?
Defending my title against Inacio Neto. I’ve lost to him once before and am looking forward to the opportunity to redeem myself. Also, it looks like I’ll be stepping back in the cage sometime soon...like real soon!

Team Texas: Alana Kai

Name: Alana Kai

Rank: Purple

Where you train: The Holy Grail in Victoria, Tx

How long have you been training? 4-5 years

Favorite Gi? I do mostly nogi, but the gi I do have is the Wartribe Ice Weave gi. It’s super light and breathable. I barely feel like I’m wearing a gi.

What’s in your gym bag? I try to keep the essentials in there. So I always have travel size shampoo/conditioner, body wash, extra contacts and contact solution, travel size hair styling products, body lotion, and body spray, makeup remover wipes and face cleansing wipes, extra hair ties, a towel, my nogi gear, and extra clothes. 😅

Favorite submission? My favorite submission is the Kimura. I especially like using the kimura trap system to link other submissions and positions together.

Favorite thing about the Jiu Jitsu community in Texas? I love how close the community is and how supportive everyone can be when someone from the state is competing, especially if they travel outside of Texas.

What’s one thing you would change about the Texas Jiu Jitsu community? I wish that more people would support sub-only, cash prize invitationals here in Texas. We have to travel out of state all the time to get paid to compete. I would also like to see more women compete.

What is your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment is winning my title match on submission hunter pro. I’ve always wanted to be a title holder. It’s nice to finally have a belt to hang next to the three Jordan has! 😂

What has been your biggest struggle in Jiu Jitsu? If I’m being honest, my greatest struggle is leaving my emotions out of jiujitsu. I’m an emotional person, so often times I’ll cry or get angry or both after a session. It’s been way less frequent lately, but it’s something I have to make a conscious effort at dealing with. It usually has nothing to do with the person I’m training with. I just want to be the best so if I ever feel like I’m not, I get emotional. I get more frustrated at myself over anyone else. I’m my own worst critic.

If you could give any advice to your white belt self, what would it be? I would tell myself that this journey is full of peaks and valleys. You’ll have good days and you’ll have bad days. It’s ok to not be perfect at something right away. Just trust the process and keep working hard for the results you want.

What motivates you to train on days when you just don’t feel like it? Jesus and Jordan (my fiancé) are my main motivation. What really drives me though when I just don’t feel like doing anything is the fact that I don’t want anyone else out there working harder than me.

If you could take a private lesson with any Jiu Jitsu practitioner who would it be? Why? 
Marcelo Garcia. He’s a legend and his game has had a big influence on my Jiu Jitsu.

Who is your favorite competitor to watch? I honestly have to say I love watching my fiancé, Jordan Holy, compete. I know how much work he puts in, so seeing it come to life in his competitions is truly incredible. ❤️

Who is your favorite TX competitor to watch? (outside of your current affiliation)
Aaron Morris. He’s a black belt that owns Parthenon Jiujitsu in San Antonio. He stops at our gym sometimes to train and he’s a great roll. Every time I watch him compete he gets better. I love seeing his progression in the sport. He’s also competing out of state now, too. His next match is Midwest Finishers in Chicago on June 22nd.

What’s your perfect Jiu Jitsu playlist? Anything with Twenty One Pilots, Minus the Bear, Deftones, and J Cole.

What do you remember about your first day of Jiu Jitsu? I remember getting swept every five seconds. Lots of frustration from not being able to do anything and not knowing what to do. However, it’s the first time something didn’t come naturally to me so I wanted to come back to get better.

What do you remember about your first tournament? I remember being scared out of my mind. I remember stepping on to the mat and not even really noticing my opponent because I couldn’t see straight. I didn’t even realize what was happening. I was shaking so bad. My forearms started cramping from gripping so hard.

What is your post-competition meal/restaurant? Pappasito’s for sure. Chips and queso are life! Post weigh in go to is always Olive Garden. It’s a great place to carb up before matches.

When you’re not training Jiu Jitsu, where can we most likely find you? I’m honestly not too exciting 😂. If I’m not training I’m either lifting weights, watching anime or some other show with Jordan, eating, or sleeping.

Anything exciting coming up? I’m competing in the Subspectrum 125lb Women’s Invitational on June 29th in Des Moines, Iowa.

Team Texas: James Markle

Name: James  Markle

Rank: Black

Where you train: Markle Gold Team & Bernardo Pitel BJJ

How long have you been training? Submission grappling since 1990

Favorite Gi: Fuji Suparaito

What’s in your gym bag? Lots of tape and maybe some tacos 😊

Favorite submission? Loop choke

Favorite thing about the Jiu-Jitsu community in Texas? We have some of the most open and accepting gyms in the world filled with top level competitors.

What’s one thing you would change about the Texas Jiu Jitsu community? We still have a lot of gyms not participating in community events open mats, these are amazing and I wished we had them when I was a lower belt coming up, Texas is very lucky.

What is your biggest accomplishment? Becoming the first American black belt under Jorge Macaco Patino and not dying in the process.

What has been your biggest struggle in Jiu Jitsu? Jumping into the black belt division at 38 (now 43) and going against monsters that have been black belts longer than I have been doing BJJ.

 If you could give any advice to your white belt self, what would it be?  Stop giving excuses on why you can’t make it to train, we get it.  Just show up and get on the mat when you can.

 What motivates you train on days when you just don’t feel like it? BJJ is like my mood medicine, if I miss a day I feel “fine.” Others say I am a real pain in the a#@ specifically my wife.

If you could take a private lesson with any Jiu Jitsu practitioner who would it be? I am not big on privates and have been able to train with a ton of big name guys, I am more honored to have a newbie step on the mat and take up BJJ with me.

Who is your favorite Texas BJJ Practitioner to watch (outside of your current team/affiliation):
 I love watching the kids tear it up, Mona Bailey is one of my favorites!

What’s your perfect Jiu Jitsu playlist? Old school hip-hop played at high volumes!

What do you remember about your first day of Jiu Jitsu? It was so long ago but coming from a wrestling background, most likely damn this gi is hot!

What do you remember about your first tournament? I thought I killed a guy after hitting him with a huge Uchi Mata and knew that this would be something I would be doing for a long time.

Anything exciting coming up? Training camp and prep for World Masters in August!