In the Stuart Cooper Film “We Are Artists” Rafael Lavato Jr. says it best. “Martial arts can really bring everyone together, especially jiu jitsu. You see it in academies all across the world. So many times I’m on my mat and I look back and I’m sitting against the wall and I just look at the mat and I look around and I see all of these people together, sharing their techniques and sharing their energies and having fun with each other and then you realize, look this is a highschool kid, this is a business man, this is a family man; people that are just all across the spectrum, people that would never cross paths with each other any other way. It’s really amazing. I think you see that so much more with jiu jitsu than other martial arts because of the connection that you make with people.”
Brazilian jiu jitsu attracts such a diverse group of people I am always interested to hear my teammates’ stories. My interview with Kelly Pittman is part of a series of student profiles I will be presenting for Halifax Titans Women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I think Kelly is one of those silent but deadly types. She quietly joined our BJJ class, has attended regularly and is making great progress. She’s always a challenge to roll with and I look forward to watching her game evolve. It’s been my pleasure to train with her and I’m pleased to share her story with you.
Kelly: My friends and family don’t know much about BJJ but they think it’s good that I’m learning self-defense while having fun and getting exercise.
