Three females from Brazil 021 and three medals at the 2013 IBJJF NY Open. Photo: Erin Herle
GMA members Andre Terencio and Hannette Staack are active representatives of the Jiu-Jitsu community. Andre is a well-respected referee for the IBJJF who can be seen working on the mats at prestigious tournaments as well as the various opens around the country all year long. Hannette Staack is considered one of the best female black belts of all time, gaining her first world champion title in 2002, and continuing on to win six more. Still an active competitor today, she also teaches at her Chicago based Brazil 021 academy to lead women on the mats for both self-defense and competition should they choose to pursue her same path.
In the video below, Brazil 021 instructors demonstrate the type of women’s self-defense training they provide at their headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. Shown in the video are three females who recently went along with Andre to the 2013 IBJJF New York Open and came out victorious with three medals.
Blue belts Kristin Martin and Kristen Mikkelson both took home gold in their divisions, light feather and light. Purple belt Sharon Gosun received a silver medal in her light feather division as well.
See how Hannette Staack and the Brazil 021 team is building their numbers of women on the mat and keeping them in the sport through proper guidance and leadership. From self defense to competition, it’s important to know it all.
