Ciara Lynn VanNess
 

Ciara is a lifelong athlete who has a passion for coaching and helping others reach their highest potential. In the beginning, her sport of choice was running. In high school, she was a competitive runner who reached up to the national level alongside her team.  Once the excitement for running wore off, she knew she needed to find a new outlet to feed her competitive side. This is when she finally began her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey.  It allowed her opportunity to not only learn self-defense but also to fill her training with purpose. She has won many local tournaments as well as numerous IBJJF Opens, UAEJJF LA Grand Slam, and Nogi Pan Ams 2020. She has even graced the podium at a world level. Jiu jitsu keeps her hungry. She is currently a purple belt under Professor Matt Jubera and Sensei Xande Ribeiro representing Six Blades BJJ. She has every intention of eventually earning a black belt one day. ​

Jiu jitsu has given her a renewed self-confidence. It has taught her invaluable lessons and inspired her to help others who have self-doubts about their own physical and mental strength. Most importantly, it has taught her the importance of self-discipline and how to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. What she has learned over the course of her journey is that you must take ownership over your life and to not be afraid to do things that seem difficult. Ciara will teach how to face your fears head on and show you how powerful you truly are. When she isn’t rolling on the mats, you can find her doing yoga, snowboarding, and climbing mountains. Ciara believes everyone has the potential to reach any fitness goal. She finds it is important to find an activity that suits you and realize that the only person you are competing against is yourself. Her goal is to help others become the best version of themselves.  

Photography courtesy of Mike Thurk and Daniel Briseno.

 
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