Journey to Pans, Worlds and Judo Black Belt

My name is Annaliese, and I am currently a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a brown belt in Judo.

I started my martial arts journey in 2018. After a painful divorce, I was stuck in a cycle of high anxiety, low self worth, and functional alcoholism. I knew I needed change. This is when I made a decision that would forever change my life: to start learning BJJ and Judo.

When I stepped onto the mats for the first time, I knew I had come home. At the core of the martial arts philosophy is becoming a better person, on and off the mats. Training has helped me to evolve and grow as a person.

But what about competition?

Throughout my childhood and youth, it was always my dream to become a high-level equestrian athlete. However, the depth of my clinical anxiety and panic disorder meant that simple tasks were difficult for me. As such, training for athletics was not an option, and I eventually had to let go of this dream.

Years later, this dream has resurfaced, but instead of being an equestrian, I am a martial artist. Here I am, 31 years old, pursuing a dream that I had as a 5-year-old.

Here are my career highlights from 2023:

IBJJF European Championships: Blue Belt M1 Gold medalist in both weight and open class

IBJJF Pan American Championships: Blue Belt M1 silver medalist and open weight silver medallist

IBJJF World Masters: Blue Belt M1 World Champion

AJP National Tour: Blue Belt Adult Gold medalist

In 2024, I started my year at the IBJJF European Championships, competing for the first time at purple belt. I became the M1 Middleweight purple belt European Champion. And the journey has just begun!

Also, as a Judo brown belt, this year I will be competing on the Canadian National Circuit in the Senior Advanced division in order to make points towards my shodan (black belt). In March alone, I will be competing at the Pacific Judo International Open and the Edmonton International Open. My hope is to be able to achieve my Judo black belt by the end of 2024.

I am reaching out to my network and extended network for support, as this year's competition schedule packed! I am working hard to earn the necessary funds to attend these events via my day job, as well as extra side jobs on weekends. However, any additional support would go a long way toward funding these efforts.

I wish to thank all of those who stand behind me. I am truly grateful for those who have encouraged and empowered me on this adventure. No medal is won alone. It is a team of people that make everything possible.

This team includes:

Sensei Jose - Personal Trainer and Sensei

Sensei Ana - Sensei and competition coach

Stephanie - Dietitian and nutritionist

The Ipê Dojo community of students and teachers

And of course, without the people below, I would never have the courage to compete. Thank you to:

Mom and Dad

Jenna, Steve, Aliese, Abe, and Amelie

Cherri, David, Robert, and the entire Serendipity Family

Cassondra, Peter, and Patrick

Eugenia

Benita and Larry

I hope to make everyone proud this year. I aim is not only to win medals, but to be a person of humility, kindness and compassion, representing truly what it means to be a martial artist. And, at the end of 2024, I hope to become a black belt and to carry this journey forward for years to come.

For those interested in corporate sponsorship, I will be putting together a proposal in due course! But, please reach out to me if this is you.