Student Spotlight | Ava Groves

Let’s start out with some quick facts about you…

Age: 31

Belt: white

Profession: Tesla Remarking Adviser

How many years in BJJ: 1 year 3 months

Other martial arts: karate to yellow belt

Where do you live: Fontana Ca

Where are you originally from: San Bernardino is where I was born. I grew up in Hesperia (high desert)

Other fun or curious information you'd like to share: I was adopted at 5 years old. I love makeup. I used to and still do have a huge crush on Jean Claude Van Damme. I started watching martial arts movies before I knew who all the Disney princesses were thanks to my dad who has been practicing Kempo Karate since I was little.

Tell us what inspired you to train? I was training karate and wasn’t having a good time. So many katas. Lol. I kind of heard about jiu jitsu through family who trained up north and UFC. I saw a post on IG one night of girls grappling and decided to look for a school so I could try it.

What are the things you enjoy about BJJ? LITERALLY EVERYTHING. From the mat burns on my feet, to the constant body soreness. The gi. Sparring. I love learning the techniques and making connections with my teammates. Seeing how far I can test my knowledge and my body. I love it all.
Can you give us some examples of experiences you had that makes it worth training? It’s a crazy experience for someone to choke you to the point that you can’t breathe and then you simply tap them on the arm and they release you immediately. You’re not mad. They don’t gloat. You just fist bump and go at it again.

What has so far been the most surprising experience for you when Training? How much thinking is involved. I get caught in so many spots where I literally have to think my way out. And if my training partner is also stuck it’s fun to see you both work to get out of the position.

What inspired you to start competing? I went to a submissions on the shore nogi competition because Professor Kim recommended I see what competitions are like. I saw a girl by the name of Gabi Macomb submit a girl much bigger than her standing on her feet. I knew for sure I was going to be a competitor from that night on.

What are the things you enjoy about competing? The amount of mental strength I use to push back all my fears and anxiety. I mentally bring myself out of a dark hole right before every match. That’s helped in my life situations now. Now that I’ve competed a few times, its gotten easier and now I’m starting to have fun. I’m starting to get excited to see my hard work pay off and that I am actually using the techniques we learn in class during a match. I become more patient with every competition. It’s so fun to hear Professor JP yelling at me. Lol

If you were to pass on training advice to your fellow training partners, what would it be? To be mindful of your partner. During technique don’t be so resistant but also don’t be a dead fish. Jiu Jitsu isn’t personal. It’s not me against you during training. I’m training for myself to go out and compete against everyone but you. I need you just like you need me. Also drillers make killers. I love martial arts as a whole. I believe in it for a better quality of life. How you react to situations. To people. To your emotions and those of others. Jiu jitsu in particular is continuing to give me life skills. I will never stop training or wanting to learn about its history