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I got to sit down and talk with Pepper, who spends her time not only training in jiu-jitsu, but also helping teach the next generation of little grapplers. And I think there is something really special about watching kids discover jiu-jitsu — especially young girls who are learning that they can be strong, capable, confident, and completely comfortable taking up space on the mats.

We’re going to talk about Pepper’s own journey in BJJ, what brought her to teaching kids, what she sees in the girls she works with, and why getting more young girls involved in jiu-jitsu could have a huge impact on the future of our sport.

Because let's be honest — the girls on the mats today are the women we're going to be rolling with tomorrow.

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Deja Fabro balances a unique life as both an educator, and a stand-up comedian, using humor to connect with her students and fellow jiujitsu practitioners. In this episode, she shares how laughter can be a powerful tool in both her work and her jiu jitsu practice.

Dual Life for Deja Fabro

Deja works with college students who have developmental disabilities, coaching them to succeed academically. When the sun sets, she transforms into a comedian, finding joy in making people laugh. She believes laughter is essential to coping with life’s challenges: In the episode Deja shares about how she started jiujitsu about the same time she started standup and the parallels between the two. Deja was real, funny, candid, and tough. Which one do you find more intimidating- open mats or open mics?

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This week I had the opportunity to sit down with a new friend Kriszanne. A chance meet up at a women's workshop led to us sitting down and talking about her return to the mats. She has gone through a lot- injuries, the pandemic, and relationships that led to time away from jiujitsu. I knew her story was a powerful one and it still surprised me! The part that really hooked me was the come back. Many walk away.

The journey back to training was a thoughtful process for Kriszanne. "I was in a more mature mindset... I'm accepting that Jiu Jitsu and the mats are gonna wait for me," she explains, emphasizing a newfound understanding of the sport's role in her life. Her passion for Jiu Jitsu remained intact, leading her back to the mats where she now thrives.

In Kriszanne's words, Jiu Jitsu is not just a sport; it’s part of who she is. Her story reminds us that the journey is often as important as the destination.