Bobbie is one of HAMA’s homegrown students. She started as a white belt under Professor Cody Donovan and is now a one stripe purple belt. She is truly an inspiration and asset to the academy. When she is not training, assisting in class, or running our social media she is off flying a G650 around the world.

What got you started in jiu jitsu?

I never knew what jiu jitsu was until I moved back to Denver in 2014. My brother-in-law is a retired UFC fighter and owns an MMA gym, High Altitude Martial Arts. I’m always looking for a great workout so I joined and started kickboxing and Muay Thai. I wasn’t interested in jiu jitsu initially, because the thought of a man’s sweat dripping on me during rolling sounded awful! But after about six months, he convinced me to try a class. I wasn’t in love with it at first because it was so new and so challenging. There’s so much to learn, I compare it to learning a new language. Slowly but surely I found myself training about 3-5 days a week, sometimes multiple times a day. I was addicted and I didn’t even know it!

How long have you been training jiu jitsu?

I started training in January 2015.

Do you train any other martial arts besides jiu jitsu?

I train at kickboxing and Muay Thai at HAMA’s School of Striking.

What is your highest achievement in jiu jitsu?

My highest achievement in jiu jitsu has been getting my purple belt. Never in a million years would I have ever thought I would make it this far. Time truly does fly when you’re having fun — and when you have a great teacher & training partners.

What do you like about jiu jitsu the most?

I like that it’s a challenge and it takes true dedication to get anywhere with jiu jitsu. If you’re looking for something easy that you can master in a few years, this isn’t for you. I like that it brings people together from all walks of life and you form a true comrade with these people because we all become one on the mat, it really is a special place.

What does it mean to you to be a fighter?

I’m a fighter because I want to show girls that women are baddasses too – that women can be as strong and tough as men. I’m a fighter because it’s important for me that women break barriers society has created for us. I do this in my everyday life at my career, I’m a Gulfstream captain, and I’m constantly encouraging girls to go for their dreams, no matter how big they are and no matter who’s on the sidelines saying you can’t. You can, and you will. You have to surround yourself with people who are your biggest cheerleaders.

Any foods or drinks that help you train better and give you energy?

I’m probably not the best example for this, but this is what works for my body. I usually don’t eat before I train. No matter what it is, I just don’t have the energy after I eat, and it makes me sluggish. I typically train first thing in the mornings so it helps. Afterwards I will eat a healthy balanced meal to recover with greens, proteins, healthy fats, and some carbs. If I do eat before I train I’ll try to stick with something simple like toast, fruit, chicken, or steamed vegetables.

Do you have an idol that you look up to when training?

Obviously I look up to my brother-in-law, who is my Professor. He has spent a lot of time developing my game and he knows my game better than I do. Sometimes I’ll actually channel into him when I’m rolling and tell myself I’m a 6’5 250lb Irish beast — it helps. 😀 I also look up to Eva Gracie, who spends a lot of her time dedicated to self defense for young women and I think that’s so important and admirable.

What’s your favorite submission in jiu jitsu?

I have been really successful with my kimora traps lately. They’re fun, they’re sneaky, and they set you up for many different options. You’ll get to know your body and what works for you over time. Focus on what works for you.

What advice would you give to girls/women that just started training jiu jitsu?

I would tell them to not give up. There will be hard days, and there will be less hard days. Jiu jitsu is not easy and it takes a lot of patience and dedication. But the very first time you succeed at a submission, or survive a live roll with a higher belt, or even just not get gassed during a live roll — will all be wins and should be celebrated as such. Be patient with yourself, believe in yourself, but most importantly, have fun! If you don’t plan on competing or becoming a fighter, jiu jitsu is still a great tool for self defense, something I believe all women should take seriously. Don’t be so eager to get your next stripe or your next belt, enjoy the journey, and take the time to learn. I always say I’d rather be a really good purple belt than a really bad brown belt. But I’d be lucky and honored if I ever get there. One day at a time, one roll at a time.