New name, new era for jiu-jitsu school

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This article was published 28/01/2020 (2122 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brazil 021 Winnipeg School of Jiu-Jitsu is hosting a grand opening on Sat., Feb. 1 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at 5924 Roblin Blvd. in Charleswood.

Christina Barry has been running a jiu-jitsu school out of this karate venue for nearly two years. Starting on Feb. 1, she’s changing her school’s name and affiliation to fall under two famous female jiu-jitsu athletes.

“It’s really exciting for women in jiu-jitsu because I’m the only female black belt in Manitoba and it’s going to be under the direction of a woman who’s in the jiu-jitsu hall of fame,” she said.

Brazil 021 founder Hannette Staack is a fourth-degree black belt and nine times world champion based in Chicago. Her partner is Misty Shearer of Edmonton, who is a second-degree black belt and six-time world masters champion.

Several years ago, Barry worked with a team made up entirely of men, and she found that it wasn’t the right match for her.

“I needed guidance and I knew this would be the right fit because it’s run by females who have so much experience,” she said.

“With this team change, we follow their fundamental curriculum, which is an established curriculum that they developed. It’s a big change in the jiu-jitsu program that we were running.”

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a self-defence-based martial art, Barry explained.

“It’s really useful for a smaller person like a woman or a child to defend themselves against a larger attacker or bully in situations of unexpected aggression. So when you don’t see it coming, you’re able to think on your feet and react in a way that’s not aggressive. It’s also known as the gentle art,” said Barry, who works full-time as a scientist during the day and participates in professional boxing on the side.

“That’s the self-defence component, but there is a also sport component, which is why I love it. You can compete, and we also do belt gradings and promotions every six months.”

For added convenience, Barry offers classes that the whole family can participate in at the same time.

“It’s great for any age and any athletic background. My school has lots of families — moms, dads and their kids. They learn it all together and then they go home and practice it all together,” she said.

“You can bring the whole family all at once. I have multiple instructors on the mat at the same time so that I can separate the kids from the adults. Other times, the parents can go with the kids. They all learn together, so it’s very unique in that way.”

Barry invites everyone to drop by for the open house event, which will feature demonstrations and the opportunity to learn some jiu-jitsu techniques.

“We’ll also have food and prizes. It’s a celebration. It’s a big step that’s taken over a year to get to for myself and my team. I’ve had my whole team support me along this journey to get to where we are now,” she said.

“We’d love to get new people in the door to see jiu-jitsu because it’s life-changing. People come in from all different walks of life and it changes them in positive ways.”

For more information, visit www.brazil021wpg.com or call 431-997-5514.