My name is Julie Walker and many of you know me from the fitness classes offered by Staci Shaw in the City of Orillia, Ontario, Canada. Staci Shaw is a 48 year old female, who is a personal trainer and a fitness instructor out of a small studio called Staci Pace Fitness. I am asking for your support for my best friend’s long time dream to be a competitor in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fight which will be hosted in Las Vegas, in August 2019. Any funds raised here beyond the cost of her travelling, entering and competing at the World Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship, will be donated towards youth mental health in our area, in Canada.  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on grappling and is ground fighting. It is a lot like wrestling, with five minute rounds, you win the match by receiving the most points during that round or by submission with choking your opponent unconscious, locks or breaking an arm or leg. The competitors are trained to “tap out” before this occurs. There are great risks involved, as any contact sport, and at Staci’s age the competitor list is small - even smaller for females. Ever since November 1993 watching Royce Gracie shock the UFC with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Staci has wanted to practice that martial art. Due to negative influences in her life, she was unable to do so. Freed from constraints and late in her life, Staci started her long-time dream of practicing Jiu-Jitsu in summer of 2017. Staci would be entering as blue belt in this competition. We will be able to watch her match through a live feed. Staci constantly supports us and our community with health and fitness. Let’s help her make her dream a reality!