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


Name: Luzimery Garcia 

Rank: Purple Belt- Ranked #3 at Flograppling and #7 IBJJF

Hometown: Luanda, Angola 

Where you train:  Paradigm Training Center, GF Team- Houston 

How long have you been training? 6 years so far 

Favorite Gi? Soltinho Kimonos Angola black and purple 

What’s in your gym bag?  
In my gym bag, I carry my Gi, sneakers, and Airpods.

Favorite submission?
Americana and arm-bars 

Favorite thing about the Jiu Jitsu community in Texas?
I am not too knowledgeable about the Jiu-Jitsu community in Texas, but I have great teammates here.   

What’s one thing you would change about the Texas Jiu Jitsu community?
From the mild experience I have of the Jiu-Jitsu community in Texas, I would say that supporting and giving advice to each other more in seminars would be helpful and appreciated.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
One of my biggest achievements was being a Purple Belt World Champion this year.

What has been your biggest struggle in Jiu Jitsu?  
So far, I have not had any struggles in Jiu-Jitsu, therefore I am grateful and trust God's timing.

If you could give any advice to your white belt self, what would it be?
Practice more drills, don’t give up and learn from yourself!

What motivates you to train on days when you just don’t feel like it?
I remind myself that giving at least 1 % is better than giving nothing at all.

If you could take a private lesson with any Jiu Jitsu practitioner who would it be?
Mahamed Aly. I consider him to be the best of all time, I really admire his technique and he has been someone who I’ve looked up too since the early stages of my career and life. 

Who is your favorite competitor to watch?
 My coaches Marcus Bello and Wancler Oliveira, and of course, Mahamed Aly. 

Who is your favorite TX competitor to watch?
Nathiely de Jesus, Joao Gabriel, and Rafael Formiga 

What’s your perfect Jiu Jitsu playlist?
I like to shuffle my songs, but I don’t have a specific one per se. 

What do you remember about your first day of Jiu Jitsu?
Around 6 years ago a friend gave me a pink Gi and the feeling was amazing.

What do you remember about your first tournament?
I remember how hard I had trained for it and defeating my opponent made me so excited
and proud of myself, I couldn’t wait for my next match.

What is your post-competition meal/restaurant?
Mod pizza- I learned about it from my coach Marcus Bello. 

When you’re not training Jiu Jitsu, where can we most likely find you?
At the gym doing hit with Brelion and Cameron or home. 

Anything exciting coming up?
The challenges I’ll have in Houston and everything I am anxiously waiting to learn and grow as a fighter and personally.

The BJJ Struggle is Real: Pregnancy Edition


When someone tells me "you shouldn't be training at all if you're pregnant"

Trying to do the warm-ups like............... 

White belts when you tell them to flow roll with you.....

When I convince a male training partner to roll with me......

When I pass an upper belts guard because they're being super nice to me.....

When someone asks why I'm doing another round after I said I was done....

When I'm tired, but someone asks why I'm not rolling.....

When I'm hormonal and Mike is carefully trying to explain why he can't roll every round with me....

When someone tells me horror stories about not being able to train after the baby....

When a mac and cheese craving hits during a round.......

When I mention competing at Master Worlds next year and someone says I can't.....

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.


First of all, if you have done nothing to harm him you are not responsible for the way he feels about you. Have you ever heard the saying “what people think about me is none of my business?” I get it; it is definitely uncomfortable, especially when one of the best parts of Jiu Jitsu is the team bond and family atmosphere. I’m certain there are people I train with/have trained with who don’t like me probably through no fault of my own, but as long as I treat them with respect and kindness- I'm staying true to my nature. And if they don’t like me? That is on them. Seriously. Their loss. People go through all sorts of things in their outside life- death, job loss, break ups, depression, etc. that can affect the way they feel about themselves and others. Maybe he is envious of your easy nature. If you are well liked there, focus on the people who like you. Support the people who support you. Black belts, of course, are looked to as leaders and mentors but in the end, they are people too, flawed, imperfect and also guilty of allowing emotion/pettiness, etc. to get the best of them. No one is obligated to like you, but they must respect you. For a black belt who literally deals with “customers” or practitioners all day long, he should be much better at his poker face and at the very least able to treat you with decency. His flaw is just that- his!

If you have gotten to a point where you are so uncomfortable you do not want to train, perhaps pull him aside and ask him “have I done something to offend you?” I am a big believer in the direct approach. If you are not comfortable with that, bring it up to your black belt. Maybe he has some perspective you are not considering or would be comfortable mediating the situation. Most people just want to train in a drama-free environment and the sooner you have that, the better you will feel. Most importantly, do not obsess over it. His damage is not your job to fix. You have stated that you love your gym, your main black belt and all of your training partners. Put your energy into those people. And whatever you do, do not quit. You are going to be a black belt someday and you will know how to treat your students- with kindness and respect.

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.
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