Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorge Jimenez.
Jorge, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Began training Jiu-Jitsu in 1993 after watching a showcase video. Three years after, began teaching officially at the Pedro Sauer Jiu-Jitsu academy in Salt Lake City, Utah. Went through the ranks and received my black belt in August of 2004. That same year transferred to Atlanta through my work at Delta Air Lines and began teaching Jiu-Jitsu in Fayetteville GA and established Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Balance Academy.
In the summer of 2016, with the encouragement of my instructor Pedro Sauer, adopted the curriculum and teaching methods of Gracie University of Jiu-Jitsu. We currently teach Gracie Combatives®️ for beginner adults, Gracie Bullyproof for kids, Women Empowered®️ for women and are certified to teach SafeWrap for Law Enforcement and medical communities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a rewarding road! Started very small, teaching at a Karate school. Soon after, with a few students on tow, rented my own space. There have been many obstacles but they’ve always led to something better and here we are.
COVID affected us greatly because there is close human contact in our martial art. We took this time as an opportunity to become better teachers and through some creative steps we were able to come out on top.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We teach our students how to defend themselves against bigger and stronger opponents. We teach our young students how to stand for themselves against bullies verbally and physically. We teach law enforcement how to be safe in violent physical encounters.
Most Jiu-Jitsu academies focus on how to fight other Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in competition. We are more interested in the real-world application of martial arts for self-defense. And we do all this in a family-friendly and clean environment.
Our programs include online training materials that make learning much easier and fun! Our 10-day free trial is a great way to try it out without a financial risk and no experience is necessary!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Grew up in a tough place, but with good parents.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://GracieBalance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracieptc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graciebalance
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorge-jimenez-ab4b836/
Image Credits
Helio Gracie, Pedro Sauer, Rorion Gracie, Ryron Gracie, Rener Gracie
