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Some of the highlights and finishes from my four matches at @grapplingindustries this past weekend representing @method_jiu_jitsu . Thankful for the preparation and the continued support from Coach @christopher_might .

First competition at blue this weekend. Four matches with four submission wins.  My last competition was almost exactly one year ago and I have dealt with so many annoying injuries since then that have really affected me in the training room. I signed up to compete with the hope that I would be better by then and to incentivize me to really dial in on my recovery and my focus whilst training. Luckily, my efforts have paid off because I could not have felt healthier and more prepared going into this weekend. Even though this was a first at a new belt, I felt relatively relaxed because I really believe in the work that we do at @method_jiu_jitsu . Coach @christopher_might puts so much thought into our training and fully invests in his students. It is not just about the depth of the training, but also tailored feedback to transform us as grapplers and grow a solid team. I felt like I owed it to coach to put myself out there and showcase some of what we do on the mats. Thankfully, I had good outcomes today, but even if not, I still think it is important to take up the challenge and have some additional insight for continued growth.  It was great getting to spend the day competing, but also cheering on my teammates. I really like how all of us come together during competitions to support and encourage one another. Glad to have been part of the adult team along with @barbosaevan and @taylor_miller.94 . Great training partners and amazing competitors. The work continues.

Daytime lady squad learning from the best. The leg entanglement rounds were tough but got a few pointers to improve control. We are going to get Coach @christopher_might to wear his ranked rashie for the next photo op. @jenedenguitar @melissar0binson

The last few weeks of training have felt very transformative for me. There must be something about the recent situational rounds I've been exposed to at @method_jiu_jitsu that have made something click as of late. I find that I am a lot more aware of different transition options and see a lot more attack opportunities that I try to explore, even if it means giving up a favored position of mine. Forcing certain reactions and capitalizing on that to make a transition or expose other openings makes the rounds pretty exciting. Cycling through a few offensive options before finally settling on one has been my recent focus, as well as being more offensive in general.  I asked Coach @christopher_might for some general tips a while back on what I should strive for at my current level and I feel like I am finally starting to expand my game and become more dynamic in my rounds as he suggested. I feel really lucky to have a coach that is always there to answer questions, direct my focus during rounds, provide honest feedback, and truly invest in his students. Whenever people try a class and decide it is not for them, I always feel bad because they have no idea what they are missing. I get antsy missing just one class and not getting to learn a new submission, most recently a vicious strangle that is now my favorite, or whatever coach had in store for us that day. It also surprises me that some people quit after they get their blue belt, thinking that they achieved an acceptable level of skill. I know that I'm in it for the long haul because there has not been a day where I did not need to refine something or wondered how I can approach something differently. I'm sure that my friends at @adoptacopbjj appreciate the continued grind as well.

An exhausting Sunday session at @method_jiu_jitsu which ended with me fighting for my life with @nicole.j.mathew . Complete ass beating every time, but not many get the opportunity to train with somebody like her so I try to take it all in and learn what makes her grappling so effective. I always try to implement some of her technique in my other rounds and it's been quite helpful, especially in my wrestling and pinning rounds. I may not be able to do a single thing to her, but I sure get a lot of valuable information from those engagements.

Came out of my hockey hibernation today and hit the ice for the first time this year. Opened up with a tip in goal and then another rebound. Even though I haven't played since last year I felt amazing, both mentally and physically. The quads were a wee bit weaker but the cardio was still there. I really believe that jiu jitsu has a huge carry over to other sports. My decision making is much more sound and quick. I "panic" less under pressure when I handle the puck and I act with much more urgency. My situational awareness has greatly increased. You'd think I'd be rusty but the opposite happened. I got better with zero ice time this year. Crazy how that happens. It is not just hockey where I notice these positive changes. Thank you Coach @christopher_might for providing the most excellent training. Every session adds value and has made me better all around, not just as a grappler. That's why I have such a hard time staying off the mats.

Been a while since I recorded my rounds. The last time was probably when I was still a white belt. Watching back some of the clips is actually very helpful to see how to make adjustments, but also how my training partners catch me in some submissions or how they establish control. They also reinforce that perhaps I do not react as quickly as I should sometimes and fail to address the small things that end up putting me in a bad position. Seeing old training clips and comparing it to now can really shed some light on progress and how differently you move based on what you've been exposed to. Had some great rounds tonight at @method_jiu_jitsu open mat and got some solid scraps in with one of my favorite training partners. Had to go for wide angle since I almost never stay in frame during my rounds.

When I started training jiu jitsu, I did not realize I would end up meeting so many amazing people and get the opportunity to train with some of the best grapplers. I thought just getting to train with @nicole.j.mathew was a treat, let alone all the visitors who come to @method_jiu_jitsu . Had the chance to train with @kiaya.j who effortlessly but politely dismantled everything I did. I can only imagine what that round would have looked like in a competitive setting. Really cool getting to feel the different styles and applications - those anaconda chokes were lethal and the work from half guard was very impressive. On another note, had the honor of receiving another stripe from Coach @christopher_might . It's kind of scary seeing that belt filling up with tape since I definitely have more questionable moments than I would like, but I do appreciate the recognition from coach. He makes it really easy to continue showing up and putting in the work. The training quality and sense of community on these mats is unbeatable, which is also why my teammates have to rally together and force me to take a much needed break sometimes. I think an overall decrease in training volume might do some wonders for me and lead to more focused sessions. We'll see if I can actually convince myself to commit to that.

Been a minute since I last checked in. Still out here getting after it at @method_jiu_jitsu keeping a pretty steady pace. Daytimes have been great with some focused work getting to explore with @jenedenguitar . One of the best training partners I could ask for. I've been really trying to improve with back control, leg attacks, and trying to have a less top heavy game to get used to different styles. Made the tiniest bit of progress with back control recently and am hoping by the end of next year I'll have another major breakthrough. I've also really been favoring the gift wrap to set up different attacks. Some of the situationals Coach @christopher_might has us working in really influence how I transition during rounds. Working on transitions and exploring options versus heading straight for certain submissions has made my rounds a lot more dynamic. With Coach @wildlife.spl back in the room, I am hoping he brings some of his lady wrestlers with him. Definitely miss having more scrappier rounds. Hoping to build my confidence back up with taking shots and doing more wrestling in the coming weeks.

Got out of the habit of writing up my training progress once my time with @adoptacopbjj came to an end from being promoted to blue belt, but I figured certain occasions or little milestones are worth sharing. Was a bit surprised to get my first stripe tonight. Even though I'm in the room a lot putting in work, there are days when I question my own abilities and whether I'm representing that belt properly. Coach @christopher_might definitely sees a lot more in me than I do at times and always pushes me to be better which I really appreciate. Supportive and encouraging when needed, but also direct and honest about areas that need work. His guidance and recent advice has really helped to sharpen my focus during training. I've made small adjustments and have been pushing myself to use my least utilized tools and explore some neglected areas. It may lead to unfavorable outcomes, but I've genuinely enjoyed making small goals for myself during rounds and seeing what happens. Hit some interesting submissions recently that I almost entirely ruled out for myself due to my body type. Some adjustments and a bit of persistence can get you pretty far. I've also been focusing on the back and transitioning a lot more to set up different offensive options to keep my partners guessing. Trying to push myself to survive a bit longer with partners who effortlessly dominate me and not let up when things get difficult is the next challenge.

Closed out 2025 the same way it started, with a training class at @method_jiu_jitsu . As I reflect back on the year, I feel a deep sense of gratitude to the people around me who help shape and support me on a daily basis. I get to train with an amazing group of people and learn from incredibly passionate and knowledgeable coaches. Being a part of Method is definitely the highlight of my year. If you have ever trained in this room, you would understand why. If you have not, I strongly suggest you give this room a visit. You do not just become a better grappler on these mats, but a better person.  The greatest growth that took place for me this year was my mindset towards training and how I saw progress. Change is not immediate and often happens without you realizing it. Once I relaxed my expectations and just showed up to work, those mat hours really started to show. Coach @christopher_might is a literal wizard. He will transform anybody who comes in and trusts in his guidance. Really glad that I toughed out my first few months here. I cannot imagine training anywhere else. My "goals" for this year are pretty simple. Continue the work and be kinder to my body. That wear and tear does add up and something that has become pretty apparent to me. Otherwise, I am genuinely excited to see how my grappling develops and how my game changes in 2026.

Thankful for @method_jiu_jitsu and a room where on any day you will find more women then men on the mat. Thankful for my teammates. Thankful for my friends. Thankful to my family and my dog daddy @christopher_might ❤️ #methodjiujitsu #southplainfieldnj #womensjiujitsu