WELCOME

Prof Lorena 

🌿 · 🍃 · 🌱 Background in Jiu Jitsu: Professor Lori has been training jiu jitsu for over ten years and has recently completed her first year at black belt (October 2024.) She is one of the most accomplished grapplers in the RGV with over ten years of competing at the highest level of jiu jitsu competitions! She has won multiple titles with the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation) including the No Gi Pan Ams 2x Champion, Masters International Champion (black belt,) Pan American Silver Medalist (black belt,) American Nationals 2x Champion, No Gi Euros Adult bronze medalist (black belt,) and has taken the Gold at many IBJJF opens at all belt levels including black belt masters division (2024.) In 2021, Lori held the IBJJF's end of the year ranking at #1 ranked No Gi purple belt in the world in all weight classes and the 3rd ranked Gi purple belt of all weight classes. She is currently the #17 ranked black belt in the adults No Gi Division of IBJJF (a huge achievement for a 30+ age competitor) and the 3rd ranked in the Master 2 Gi Division (2024.) 

Lori started training jiu jitsu by way of Muay Thai and Boxing. She first began her martial arts journey in her early 20's where she practiced boxing, which then led to Muay Thai. She enjoyed her seven years of striking training but jiu jitsu quickly took over her interest after trying her first class in 2014. 

She has trained all over the world and has taught seminars abroad in Spain and Germany! 

 

🌿 · 🍃 · 🌱 Coaching Experience: Lori started coaching in her later years of blue belt under Professor Christian Gonzalez at Champion Academy. She truly enjoyed the experience of teaching young children and was later recruited to be the head kids program director and instructor at Koulikov Grappling Academy where she led the program for about three years. Her three years of teaching children the art of jiu jitsu spawned her love for teaching and she then picked up a once a week adults fundamentals class which focused on the rudimentary elements to know as a beginner in the sport.  

Lori has taught many kids throughout the RGV at different academies and loves to take on private lessons to boost competitors progress!

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🌿 · 🍃 · 🌱 Philosophy:  

1. Continuous Learning: Prof Lori emphasizes the importance of growth, both on and off the mats. Encouraging students to embrace challenges and see failures as opportunities for improvement.

2. Respect and Humility: With the launch of Viva Jiu Jitsu, Lori looks to foster a culture of respect among students, coaches, and training partners. To instill humility, reminding practitioners that there is always more to learn, regardless of their skill level.

3. Community and Support: Lori has always been an outgoing person and building a supportive environment where students feel valued and connected is of the utmost importance. She seeks to encourage teamwork and camaraderie, as this enhances the learning experience and builds lasting friendships.

4. Mind-Body Connection: Lori comes from an extensive background of sports. She has learned from the many disciplines of sports (ballet, swimming, track, and yoga) the importance of mental strength alongside physical training. She aims to teach her students to be aware of their emotions and thoughts during practice and competition, promoting a balanced approach to their training.

5. Goal Setting: Lori LOVES helping students set realistic, achievable goals in their Jiu-Jitsu journey. Whether it's mastering techniques, competing, or personal development, guiding them in their goal setting fosters motivation.

 

🌿 · 🍃 · 🌱 Educational Background: Prof Lori has a BA in Mass Communication Studies (UTPA,) and a Master of Arts in Public Administration (UTRGV.) Before jiu jitsu became her main focus in life, she worked as a marketing manager for 10+ years for various companies across the RGV, as a reporter for the UTPA Newspaper and for the IBJJF as a freelance writer. She served as a professional tutor with Weslaco ISD and McAllen ISD for many years and truly values the power of education.

 

-🌿 · 🍃 · 🌱 Goals for Students:  Overall development in the sport and as individuals!

1. Skill Development: To help students master fundamental techniques and progressively advance to more complex skills, ensuring they have a solid foundation in Jiu-Jitsu.

2. Confidence Building: To foster self-confidence in students by encouraging them to set and achieve personal goals, both in and out of the gym. This includes overcoming challenges and competing.

3. Physical Fitness: To promote overall physical health and fitness through Jiu-Jitsu training, helping students improve their strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination.

4. Mental Resilience: To teach students how to handle adversity on and off the mats, instilling a mindset of perseverance, patience, and discipline.

5. Community Engagement: To cultivate a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students, fostering respect for training partners and the martial arts community as a whole.

6. Personal Growth: To support students in their journey of personal development through Jiu-Jitsu, helping them learn about self-discipline, goal-setting, and emotional regulation.

7. Competence in Competition: For those interested in competing, Lori seeks to prepare students to perform well in tournaments, focusing on strategy, mental preparation, and sportsmanship.

8. Lifelong Learning: To instill a love for learning and continuous improvement, encouraging students to seek further education in Jiu-Jitsu and related disciplines