BJJ Girl of the Month

I have been thinking for a while now that I wanted to really showcase the heart and soul of human-beings out on the mat, grinding out their lives while they march toward their Jiu-Jitsu goals. Training is hard work, and while we can’t get enough of it, the physical demands that it puts on our bodies, both male and female, can sometimes add to our stress if it means dealing with an injury, physical limitation, life event or unexpected circumstance.

Everybody’s path is different. Like a thumbprint, our journey is our own. This is why I would like to start profiling and recognizing as many individuals as I can, just for putting their everything into their our journey. Winning, losing, time and strength do not matter, as persistence will remain when all else is forgotten.

For this first entry of BJJ Girl of the Month, I would like to recognize Amy Alonso, from Carlson Gracie Menifee. While writing about people’s training experiences and accomplishments has always been something I’ve wanted to do, I was finally motivated to finally do it after seeing what Amy’s goals and dedication meant to her.

BBJGotM#1 – Amy Alonso

Amy Alonso is a mother, wife, nurse, former United States Marine, and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. She trains under Carlson Gracie Junior and her husband, Orlando Alonso, at their family owned Carlson Gracie school location in Menifee, California. While Amy puts in long hours saving lives at the Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California (including her long commute from Menifee), she also maintains her training at every moment she can.

Recently Gave Birth: Now Back to Training

I am a mother, and I know the trials and tribulations of giving birth all too well, since I have gone through the process myself! Never though, did I ever think I would find another woman that would be crazy like me to think, “I really need to get back to training for a full-body contact combat sport”! Well, Amy did.

With only two months since having her baby, Amy was competition ready to lay it out on the mat at the IBJJF Long Beach Pro tournament. Physically, emotionally and mentally strained, a mom is still a vengeful weapon wielded by mother nature to protect her young, and not to be underestimated. She went down in a blaze of glory, like a Spartan warrior knowing the insurmountable odds, she faced her game and walked away a stronger and better artist in the gallery of Jiu-Jitsu.

Amy now heads back to train with her family and team, looking forward to the next competition where she will have all of her strength and stamina back. Knowing the feat she put herself up to and the courage she had to get back to training so quickly and with such dedication, I am honored to roll with Amy on the mat, and also quite intimidated ;).

BJJ Girl of the Month

I want to recognize everybody that I can! If you have a suggestion, or know someone that is truly passionate about their journey, please let me know and I’d would love to try to recognize them on my blog. Email me at emmav@bjjgirl.net Thanks!