Current Rank
Black belt, three stripes

What year did you start training?
1996

How did you get started?
I was invited by my younger brother, Edson Diniz and Professor Rogerio Poggio. Jiu jitsu was very popular in Rio at the time.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your training, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was my size, because I was one of the smallest people in the group. That motivated me to keep learning jiu jitsu because I knew that if I wanted to beat the bigger guys, I’d have to have better technique.

What’s your favorite thing about training or teaching, and why?
I love helping students improve, especially new students. It’s gratifying to introduce them to the community. It’s really satisfying to see everyone sweating and smiling after class, That’s when I know I’ve done a good job.

What are your personal goals on and off the mat?
I want to support the Easton team and vision. I want to keep improving my jiu jitsu, maintain my physical and mental health and keep having fun. I want to pass on my knowledge to current and future students. I believe jiu jitsu is for everyone and should be an essential part of your life just like food and water.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am a great salsa dancer. In fact, my first date with my wife Amy was at a salsa club. She fell in love with me on the dance floor!

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Current Rank
Black – Easton Denver’s first female black belt

What year did you start training?
2009 jiu jitsu; 2008 Muay Thai

How did you get started?
Both of my parents practiced martial arts and I grew up learning techniques sporadically.. I started with Muay Thai but I eventually tried jiu jitsu again and got hooked.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your training, and how did you overcome it?
A month after winning master worlds at purple belt, I tore my ACL in soccer and was out for a year. I also learned to face my fear of competing and since won many tournaments. I’ve been able to overcome these challenges because of the support of our community and the lessons learned on the mat.

What’s your favorite thing about training or teaching, and why?
I love helping people accomplish their goals.I love training because it forces you to be honest about yourself. I love martial arts because they bring people together from all walks of life.

What are your personal goals on and off the mat?
To be the best I can be at whatever I’m pursuing. To be kind and honest. To support those around me.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I was so overwhelmed by my first jiu jitsu class that it took me a year to try again. At the time I didn’t like being touched, so you can imagine the shock of practicing front chokes from mount. I am so grateful that I was encouraged to try again. My whole life is different because of it. I’ve gained more discipline, patience, resilience, a husband, friends, travel, and a great community – all from jiu jitsu.

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