Hello! My name is Charlie Swain, and I'd like to share my transformative journey through Jiu-Jitsu with you. As a wife, mother of five, grandmother to four, and someone who works a corporate job, I've faced my share of life's challenges, including health issues. However, my life took a significant turn for the better when I started learning Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 50, under the guidance of Professor Reginaldo Almeida. Now, at 55, I am healthier—both mentally and physically—than I've ever been. I've even been able to discontinue medications for high blood pressure because of my improved health. The changes are visible too: I've lost enough weight to go from a size 18 to a size 7! But the journey started in an unconventional way. My husband and our fifth child both practice Jiu-Jitsu, and they'd often sneak up behind me to practice chokes while I was doing the dishes! Initially, I joined to defend myself against these playful attacks. Little did I know that I'd discover so much more. Not only have I learned to defend myself, but I've also found a space where I can push my own limits without embarrassment—despite never having participated in sports throughout my life. It's a place that feels like home, enriched by the incredible friends I've made along the way. Everyone starts their Jiu-Jitsu journey for different reasons—some serious, some whimsical. Regardless, we all cheer for and support each other throughout these unique experiences. When I share my story, I tell people that Jiu-Jitsu has given me not just confidence, athletic ability, and a healthier life, but also an extended family of friends who will be with me forever. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

- Charlie Swain -

My name is Sarah Trunkey I’m a 41 year old mom to two kids. I’ve been doing jiujitsu at Renzo Gracie since March 2023. I’ve gained so much confidence in myself! Learning a new skill at 40 is empowering! Just yesterday I held my own rolling with a woman half my age! Jiujitsu has changed how I feel about my body and mind! The coaching from both professors and the coaches has been amazing. I love how each one has a different approach to teaching and I learn something every time I come to class. I especially love the women’s classes and have found life long friends here. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

- Sarah Trunkey -

My name is Carly Owens! I am a 36 year old mother of very energetic 4 year old twins! I started Jiu-Jitsu at Renzo Gracie-Columbia, Tn in April of 2023. After watching the rest of my family train, seeing the positive changes in my husband, and some very encouraging pushing from some of the other females that trained at the Gym. I'm so happy that I did! Since starting Jiu-Jitsu I have not only seen the physical changes that come from training BJJ, but also the mental changes. When I started BJJ at Renzo Gracie, I was unable to wear the full Gi because of my size. I now not only fit in the Gi I am 3 sizes down, and can wear women's sizing, instead of unisex sizing. I have lost 20lbs., and have gained so much confidence in myself and look forward to training every chance I get! Training BJJ always makes a rough day better! When started my BJJ journey, I was an overweight mom of 2 young kids with osteoarthritis who had never played a sport my entire life. I can now play and keep up with my kids better than I could before, I can squat down and stand back up without using the floor or a chair to assist in the standing back up process. I can hold my own when training with both men and women at the Gym. Outside of all of the positive physical and mental changes I get from BJJ at Renzo Gracie, the biggest and best part is the team or I should say family that acquired when joining Renzo Gracie- Columbia, TN. All of the Professors and Coaches are always so encouraging, as well as all of the other teammates. As a Woman and Mom, who practices Jiu-Jitsu multiple times a week. I can not say enough about the Beautiful group of women that I train with weekly! Renzo Gracie's Women's Team is amazing! I absolutely love these girls! The encouraging, enthusiastic, helpful, friendly, always has your back no matter what personalities of these women is like no other. I am so proud to be part of this team, and so blessed to call them my friends on and off the Mat! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

- Carly Owens -

I'm Sarah. I'm 39 and a mother of two who started jiujitsu in September 2020. My journey actually started when our oldest daughter joined in 2019. We wanted her to try a sport that was also a life skill. As I watched her grow in her ability, I loved how she was not only learning a sport, but how to comfortably and confidently she could protect herself should she ever be in a situation where she would need to do so. My husband joined in 2019 as well and I enjoyed seeing them bond over jiujitsu together. As soon as our youngest daughter was old enough, she was on the mats as well. I soon felt convicted to do for me what I was doing for them. I kept telling our girls the value of knowing how to protect yourself, doing hard things even when it's uncomfortable, and prioritizing your health. So why wasn't I on the mats with them? Since joining, it has been wonderful to share a family sport and watch their confidence grow. The professors and coaches truly care about their students and helping us all achieve our personal goals, which vary greatly for each individual. My teammates are incredibly supportive, make it fun to come to class, and challenge me to go beyond what I ever thought was possible for me to do. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

- Sarah Noah -