06/24/2024
Big congratulations to the most awesome and talented Kristina Barlaan, receiving her 3rd degree black belt. People in the Jiu-Jitsu world here in the North West Florida area have no idea how lucky they to have someone as talented, experienced, and knowledgeable as Kristina here in the local area! Kristina Barlaan experience, knowledge, coaching experience level and technique/game is unmatched here in the local area! If you want to get some time on the mats with this awesome individual and instructor, check out:
Pace Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Milton Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling
Crestview Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Crestview Wrestling Academy
Officially received my 3rd degree on my black belt from Professor 🥹 I can’t even begin to explain just how grateful I am to all the people in my life who have been with me on this journey. To be a representation of all the effort that has been put into me from professors and coaches past and present, training partners, opponents, students, sponsors, and closest friends and family is truly humbling. My goals and expectations for myself have shaped and reshaped many times as a black belt. Things that I once thought were of utmost importance made way for new priorities. I’m not who I thought I would be. I believe I am someone far better than I could have ever imagined. It’s amazing how empowered we can be when we stop asking for permission to be our best selves and instead, embrace that we will always be constantly changing and evolving and that growth needs no authorization from anyone or anything. When I was a white belt, I loved Jiu-Jitsu because it made me feel strong and confident. I was able to feed my ego in a healthy way, but why was I REALLY sticking to it, year after year, belt after belt? I didn’t really know it then, but as a black belt, my “WHY” became abundantly clear: I want to be the person that young me needed. I want to be the person that young me could ask for help. I want to be the person that young me could look to for hope. With pride, I can say that I believe I am succeeding and it is my ambition to inspire others to do the same. My challenge to you? Remember your “why” and then, delve deeper. Whether in Jiu-Jitsu or in life, I believe if you can identify this singular force, you will always find your way to where, or who, you want to be ❤️
