Sensei Connie recently earned her Black Belt or ‘Faixa Preta’ in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu! The coveted rank was awarded by Master Demian Maia during a seminar at ZenQuest on Saturday, April 20. Sensei or ’Professor’ Connie is the first female outside of Brazil to receive the Black Belt from the notorious grappler.
Since starting her jiu-jitsu training in March of 1998, Sensei Connie has gone through a pregnancy and baby, three knee surgeries, a head-on collision, and a serious illness that lasted over two months. This on top of all of the usual challenges facing students in BJJ, and a less-than-optimal instructor for over 12 years. Despite these challenges Sensei Connie continued to train, teach and improve until reaching her goal.
As Master Demian presented Connie with the belt he stated “I’ve seen a lot of progress in her over the last few years, and she has now earned the Black Belt.” He also added “When I give the Black Belt, I give it not just because of technical ability, but because of personal development. In Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, or any martial art, you have the tool to improve yourself as a person. Some people use this, and some people don’t. Connie has been in martial arts all of her life, and she is someone who has used this tool to become a better person.”
Sensei Connie has no intention of stopping at this point. She will continue to enjoy teaching and learning in this amazing art.
Congratulations to ’Professor’ Connie on her promotion and continued success!
Since starting her jiu-jitsu training in March of 1998, Sensei Connie has gone through a pregnancy and baby, three knee surgeries, a head-on collision, and a serious illness that lasted over two months. This on top of all of the usual challenges facing students in BJJ, and a less-than-optimal instructor for over 12 years. Despite these challenges Sensei Connie continued to train, teach and improve until reaching her goal.
As Master Demian presented Connie with the belt he stated “I’ve seen a lot of progress in her over the last few years, and she has now earned the Black Belt.” He also added “When I give the Black Belt, I give it not just because of technical ability, but because of personal development. In Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, or any martial art, you have the tool to improve yourself as a person. Some people use this, and some people don’t. Connie has been in martial arts all of her life, and she is someone who has used this tool to become a better person.”
Sensei Connie has no intention of stopping at this point. She will continue to enjoy teaching and learning in this amazing art.
Congratulations to ’Professor’ Connie on her promotion and continued success!
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