My Journey into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu began when I would go watch my husband, Mike Harmeling, train. He started in August of 2011. Every evening I would spend 2-3 hours watching him train. I would watch and learn the different techniques like takedowns, open and closed guard, sweeps, passes and the best part, submissions. My knowledge began to develop that I eventually became his sideline coach. In participating in Brazilian Jiu Jistu, tournaments are held to test an athlete’s skill. Some of these tournaments are held locally, some you must travel to but if you are brave enough, they go to Mundials.
Mike's coach, Evan asked Mike if he would like to compete in the biggest tournament in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Worlds or Mundials as it is known is …show more content…
When we came back to Galveston, Mike received his blue belt. I was asked to train, remind that I had promised. Never one to go back on my word, I became a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu June 2012. I received my blue belt in November of 2015. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become a part of my life, not just for exercise but for improvement of overall wellbeing.
None of my friends could believe I was participating in a sport like BJJ. Growing up I didn’t play sports due to my asthma. I was not athletically inclined. I joined a team just to be able to say I was part of a team. I didn't care if we won or lose. With Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, even if you lose the experience and knowledge helps improve your technique.
After training for 5 years and becoming a blue belt, I can honestly say Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has shown me that I can be an athlete. I not only train, but for strength and conditioning, I do CrossFit. In August, I will be competing in Master Worlds in Las Vegas. Master Worlds is just like Mundials with the exception that all athletes are over the age of 30. I am fortunate to be able to compete in both Adult and Master divisions. I encourage everyone to take at least one class of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, they might just fall in love like I
Mike's coach, Evan asked Mike if he would like to compete in the biggest tournament in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Worlds or Mundials as it is known is …show more content…
When we came back to Galveston, Mike received his blue belt. I was asked to train, remind that I had promised. Never one to go back on my word, I became a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu June 2012. I received my blue belt in November of 2015. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become a part of my life, not just for exercise but for improvement of overall wellbeing.
None of my friends could believe I was participating in a sport like BJJ. Growing up I didn’t play sports due to my asthma. I was not athletically inclined. I joined a team just to be able to say I was part of a team. I didn't care if we won or lose. With Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, even if you lose the experience and knowledge helps improve your technique.
After training for 5 years and becoming a blue belt, I can honestly say Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has shown me that I can be an athlete. I not only train, but for strength and conditioning, I do CrossFit. In August, I will be competing in Master Worlds in Las Vegas. Master Worlds is just like Mundials with the exception that all athletes are over the age of 30. I am fortunate to be able to compete in both Adult and Master divisions. I encourage everyone to take at least one class of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, they might just fall in love like I