OMGBFF Krista introduced me to jiu-jitsu in July, 2007.
Aaaaand then it took over my life.
I am a kimonogirl. I train no-gi jiu-jitsu with Elliott Bayev in Toronto, ON and Felicia Oh in Valencia, CA, surrounded by the best training partners ever. I am a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Felicia.
When I started jiu-jitsu, I was a very unhappy and out of shape woman. I was over 200 lbs, with minimal apparent athletic talent. After less than a year on the mats, I am fighting in advanced/expert/pro 60kg (132 lb) divisions and have a string of medals and championship belts to show for my efforts. I am a pro competitor and NAGA's #1-ranked female no-gi fighter. I have met some of the greatest grapplers and greatest human beings on the planet, people who have given to me unconditionally. Jiu-jitsu has changed my life. Trust me: if I can do it, you can, too.
You are capable of so much more than you think. Find what excites you. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people. And believe in yourself.
It's pretty easy to spot me at a tournament - I am the one with the big smile and the purple gi pants. Come say hi!