Black belt Jean Pierre, from Gracie Barra Cedar Park, Texas.  

Jaster (center) with Griest (left) and Haver (right). Photo: Personal Archives

Major Lisa Jaster, 37, is the third female ever to complete the US Army Ranger school.

The Army announced on Oct. 12 that she has completed the course.

She joins Capt. Kristen Griest, 26, and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver, 25, who earned the Ranger tab on Aug. 21.

An engineer and mother of two, Lisa is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt.

Her Professor at Gracie Barra Westchase, near Houston, Texas, is Ulpiano Malachias.

He talks proudly about her pupil:

“She trains for almost two years now. By the way, everyone in her family also train with us. Her husband is a purple belt. Her two sons are true medal collectors at tournaments.”

Lisa Jaster (second from the left on first row) at GB Westchase. Photo: Ulpiano Malachias

Lisa talked about her achievement to the Washington Post:

“Once you get in the field and start training, shoulder to shoulder, gender stops mattering very quickly. All I had to do was look at that picture (of her kids) and remember I didn’t come to Ranger School just to get a piece of cloth on my shoulder. I wanted to do something. I wanted to better myself as a leader and I wanted to help the Army in this endeavor.”

Here’s the video of Lisa on her Army Ranger school graduation day.

Justin (with gi on front row) and his class in Afghanistan

Major Justin Jacobs is a brown belt under GMA member Rafael Lovato Jr.

He is currently deployed to Afghanistan and tells us his experience with the gentle art at the military bases:

“Basically, we average about 15-20 students on a consistent basis, and we have had up to 30 students in the past. We are primarily Army/ Air Force personnel, with some private military contractors as well. We have students who have brought their gi’s with them, or wear their actual combat uniforms.

We meet 3 times a week, and provide both instruction in the basic jiu-jitsu techniques and training. We are primarily a conceptual form of training, because we experience a high turnover rate due to students rotating in and out of the Afghan Theater of Operations. Brazilain Jiu-Jitsu is perhaps the most popular class on the installation, and almost everyone who trains with us has heard of BJJ, particular individuals of the U.S. Army under the Army Combative’s Program. Periodically, we have International members join us from various foreign militaries including; Poland, Uzbekistan, France, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a safe, organized method of physical fitness that provides a tremendous amount of relief for the men and women of Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan; particular, in the stress of a combat environment. Likewise, it is an effective means of Self-Defense, and we practice Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Self Defense techniques.”

Publicity photo

Mohammed Samir doesn’t yet know what Jiu-Jitsu is, doesn’t even know his name is Mohammed Samir yet, but he has sported a gi.

He’s the son of hard-nosed Jordanian Tamer Samir, one of the first purple belts in Jordan’s army, having been promoted last June and trained by our GMA Zaid Mirza. Tamer holds a number of titles, among them Arab gentle art champion.

To find out more about the work our GMA is doing in Jordan, visit www.jordanjiujitsu.com.

Senior airman Brandon Russel

Russell joined the Air Force after high school and became a firefighter. He says it’s like having two jobs in one. While Russell was deployed in Afghanistan, he met someone who was training in Jiu-Jitsu. “She was pulling up Jiu-Jitsu Youtube videos and we were watching them together,” he says, “I thought, ‘WOW! I want to do this!’”

After his deployment was over, Russell went back home to Arkansas and discovered that Paulo Ribeiro was teaching Jiu-Jitsu at GB Jacksonville (he is now with GB Naples) right around the corner from his house. “I went to watch a class,” he says, “They gave me a gi and I started rolling. I thought it was the greatest thing ever. Man, did I get beat up! I was choked out numerous times. I loved it!”

Russell was hooked. He signed up and kept training. A month later, he decided to enter a Jiu-Jitsu competition. “I got smashed,” he laughed, “I got beat pretty bad. But it didn’t discourage me. It lit a fire under me.”

Russell says he was surprised he was getting beat up on the mats and at tournaments. He’d gone through weeks and months of training in the military and lifted weights as well and thought he was unbeatable. “But I was wrong,” he says, “It sparked an interest in me to learn it full time. I had to learn the whole combative situation. There were people on the mats smaller than me beating me. I thought, ‘I have to learn this sport.’”

Russell is a lightweight and was not happy when roosterweights were smashing him on the mats. “I had to put my ego at the door,” he says, “It was killing me. I said, ‘I’m gonna commit to training now.’ I started training two times a day or whenever I could. I would work my 24-hour shift, then when I was off shift, I’d train two to three times a day.”

In the beginning he was really hard on himself about losing and thought maybe Jiu-Jitsu wasn’t for

Brandon training at GB Jacksonville

him. “Everything I tried, I kept losing. I thought my professor (Eder Persiliano) must be hiding some secret technique from me,” he laughs, “So, I went back and talked to him about how he dealt with his losses. I had to think about my mental state, the rest I was getting, my training regime, even my personal relationships. I thought, ‘What did I do wrong? What were the events that led up to the issue?’ Jiu-Jitsu put the onus back on me and not on the other person.”

Russell started traveling around to IBJJF competitions. All his hard work and effort began to pay off. “As a blue belt I started placing and winning tournaments,” he says.

Then something completely unexpected happened. Russell was invited to teach Jiu-Jitsu at the 39th Brigade Army Infantry by their commander. “That’s a huge deal,” he says, “I was honored. I’m in the Air Force and the Army is asking me to come teach for them. They wanted to know how they could use Jiu-Jitsu in their combative course work.”

So Russell began teaching the Army Jiu-Jitsu, and at the same time, he started helping GB Jacksonville market their school. “I helped at demonstrations at MMA events,” he says, “Jiu-Jitsu isn’t as big in Arkansas as it is in other places.” Russell also took to the mats and began teaching in the kids and beginner/adult classes.

Brandon winning IBJJF tournaments as a blue belt

Now a purple belt, Russell can still be found on the IBJJF circuit, traveling around to competitions and living the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle, but it’s a bit more of a struggle than before. “I just got back from the Dallas Open,” he says, “I got my purple belt a month ago and I came in third place. My desire to get better is huge. I’m going to have to train harder to be able to compete at this level.”

Russell says there’s a big difference in the purple belt competition. “As a blue belt I was winning everything in the South,” he says, “Now I’m getting third everywhere, but I like it. It makes me more humble. I just have to start over and build myself up again. I need to forget about my past accomplishments and focus on the future.”

As for the future, Russell is leaving for Colombia on the 1st of June for “Operation Drug Interdiction” deployment. “It’s a small base,” he says, “We’ll be helping to stop the flow of drugs going in and out of the area.” Russell will be gone for six months. Although he’s been in the Air Force for six years, he says this is the first time he’ll be gone on this kind of deployment. “Before, I had convoy duties and watching aircrafts,” he says, “Those were moderate risks; this is a little higher.”

Russell feels better equipped to handle issues like this, though, because of Jiu-Jitsu. “It’s made me calmer,” he says, “It’s helped me put things in perspective. I now think in terms of steps. I’m now organized in achieving and meeting my goals. I also wasn’t as outgoing as I am now! Jiu-Jitsu has definitely changed me as a person.”

Russell wants to leave a legacy through his work in Jiu-Jitsu. “I want people to believe that whatever they set their mind to, they can achieve because I did,” he says, “Only you can determine how far you go in life. I want to compete as much as I can and share my experiences with other people. When I die, I can’t take it with me, so I want to help other people as much as I can.”

Going from a civilian to a military man has changed Russell significantly, but it’s his participation in Jiu-Jitsu that’s changed him the most. “My self confidence has raised and I’m more patient. When it comes to personal problems I can calmly relax and talk through them and come up with solutions. It’s the same way on the mats in Jiu-Jitsu when I’m in a bad situation. I don’t freak out. I figure out the best solution to get out of it and I do it. I wasn’t always that way before.”

Russell particularly enjoys the competitive side of Jiu-Jitsu. “You find out new things about yourself,” he says, “You get to break down walls. The fear and anxiety of winning or losing… facing people in competition… but still doing it anyway and thinking, ‘I can do this!’ You’re constantly overcoming your fears and I like that about it. You get stronger from it.”

Russell says that going into a competition with an opponent puts you in the middle of a battle that you have to calmly think your way through. “You constantly have to encourage yourself to fight,” he says, “You have to remind yourself that you’ve been rehearsing for this moment for a long time and that you can do it. Win or lose, you prove something to yourself. You did it. It’s a great feeling.”

Russell loves Gracie Barra and says he wants to be one of those people who does well for them on and off the mats. “I’m GB for life,” he says, “When I’m a brown belt, I’m getting the tattoo. It’s coming soon!”

Brandon and daughter, Brandi

Russell has a very busy life. “I work a lot, I train hard, I go away on deployments, and I have to make time for competitions… it’s hard on my family, but I thank God for the opportunities I have, for my family, my GB professors, my sponsor Masaru Fight Company, and for Justin Rader. We talk and he’s helped me out with my diet and other aspects of my competition. I was star struck when I first saw him and yet, he was so cool! You see him winning tournaments… I was like, ‘Wow!.’ He’s helped me out a lot.”

Russell says more than anything and by far, his greatest accomplishment will always be his daughter, Brandi. “She’s the best thing I ever helped make,” he says, “She always has that smile.”

Our GMA in Mexico Mario Delgado, a representative of Renzo Gracie academy, spreads the word on Jiu-Jitsu in a variety of different ways. Beyond the traditional classes teaching the martial art, where even top-tier fighters like UFC heavyweight-title challenger Cain Velasquez stop in from time to time, Mario plays an important role in the training of the Mexican police force and army. Recently, the black belt conveyed some indispensible lessons to the special forces of the country’s federal police.

“I was at the Federal Investigation Agency, the equivalent of the US’s FBI. I also went to the Army Special Forces, an elite, green beret-like troop. Last, I went to the High Command Special Forces Group, which in Brazil would be called Bope (like US Swat force),” recounts Delgado.

“We held this capacity-building exercise three years ago and it was reported that Jiu-Jitsu techniques were used successfully a great number of times in their operations,” he added.

Finally, the Renzo Gracie black belt takes the opportunity to call on all Mexican practitioners to attend the most important event in the nation.

“On November 20 we’ll hold the 5^th National Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, overseen by the federation of which I am the president. There will surely be a lot of soldiers and police officers who train with us participating,” he says in closing.

Paul Nguyen winning the match against Brandon Mendez

Every sport has its champions and Jiu-Jitsu is no different. The true spirit of any sport, though, is found in its everyday heroes. People who fight the battles of life with such tenacity, grace, and courage, it makes you sit back and reflect about the true meaning of life and reconsider what you often take for granted. That’s what the following Gracie Barra warriors do. Their journeys through war, injury, and disease, wielding nothing but supreme mental and physical strength, set valuable lessons we can all live and learn by. On Saturday, May 8, 2010, the GB Season Opener displayed the kind of heart and soul you only read about in books.

Paul Nguyen is light featherweight white belt from GB Temecula. His Professor, Ricardo Guimarães has a lot of respect for him, “No one’s allowed to complain at the gym,” Guimarães says, “After hearing Paul’s story, we can’t ever say we’re having a bad day!”

Paul Nguyen in his 2nd match in his second match of the day. Photos: Deb Blyth

Paul served in the Army and was wounded overseas. He was shot in the thigh, the pelvis, and stomach. The round of ammunition burned up his insides. Doctors took out half his colon, so he ended up with a colostomy bag. “My thigh rode up, broke into fragments, and went into my stomach,” Paul says, “My nerves were done. I couldn’t use my leg for two years. I could stand, but I couldn’t lift it up to walk.” Paul says he couldn’t eat and left the hospital at 98 pounds.

Paul didn’t give up. He worked hard in physical therapy, and after two years was able to get rid of the leg brace the doctors told him he’d wear for the rest of his life. “I still have nerve pain, but I bite the bullet with it.” He endured a colostomy reversal, and now he’s free of the colostomy bag.

Paul tried Jiu-Jitsu and loved it instantly. “It didn’t hurt as much as I thought it would,” Paul says, “I didn’t think I’d be able to do anything good again. My life was going so well, then I got shot and it went down the tubes…until I found Jiu-Jitsu.”

Paul had two fights at the GB tournament. He won one and lost the other. Paul says the best part of his day was getting an armbar in his first match. “There’s nothing like that – knowing I can get it now!” Paul says if anyone learns anything from his experience it’s, “whenever the going gets tough, you just have to remember there’s other people out there living a tougher life.”

Paul had no idea the opponent he armbarred was someone living a tougher life. Brandon Mendez is a light featherweight white belt from GB Corona under Tom Reusing. “Brandon’s constant positive attitude is an inspiration to all of us,” Reusing says. Brandon grew up on the mean streets of Santa Ana, hung with the wrong crowd, and got into trouble. “I joined the Marines and it straightened me up,” Brandon says, “Got me off the streets and gave me direction.”

Paul Nguyen and Brandon Mendez

In 2007 Brandon was in Iraq working on a freeway overpass, which was a permanent check point. Brandon says, “We were looking out for suicide bombers when one went under the freeway with 3000 pounds of explosives and detonated himself.” Everything went black, then white, then Brandon was thrown in the air and slammed to the ground. “I didn’t know what happened,” Brandon says, “I tried to stand up, but couldn’t. I tried to wipe my face with my hand, but it was dangling by a piece of skin. I started screaming. I thought I was going to die.”

Brandon Mendez trying to pass Paul Nguyen's guard

After what seemed like an eternity, a fellow Marine came and put a tourniquet on his arm, which saved his life. He was flown to Maryland for multiple surgeries and then to San Diego for physical and mental therapy. “It took me a year to recover,” Brandon says, “I had two heel fractures and I couldn’t walk for four months. The doctors said they might have to amputate my feet. I’m grateful that didn’t happen.”

When Brandon first started Jiu-Jitsu it wasn’t easy. “I don’t have a left hand, so I learned using my stub. It was painful,” Brandon says, “My heels also hurt when I was on my knees because they’d stretch out, but I toughed it out.” Brandon says what he enjoys the most is that the guys he rolls with don’t take it easy on him. “I’m not different,” Brandon says, “So I don’t want any special treatment.”

Although Brandon lost his first match, he was happy with himself nonetheless, “You win or you learn, so I feel good,” he says, “I know eventually I’ll win. I feel part of something that’s bigger than me. I think that’s what humans seek in life and I’m thankful I found it in Jiu-Jitsu.”

“After I got out of the Marines, I felt sorry for myself, like I wasn’t going to amount to anything anymore,” Brandon says, “I felt broken. The Marines made me a machine and what do you do when that machine is broken?” Brandon’s inspirational performance on the mats makes it very clear that what you do is Jiu-Jitsu.

Joe Youkhan is an Ultraheavyweight blue belt from GB Mission Viejo. In college, he was a wrestler, on track to make the Olympics. Unfortunately, he severely herniated his lower spine. “It was instantly tight. The next day, I couldn’t walk. It hurt if I swallowed. I could feel the pain run down my back and leg when I moved.”

Joe Youkhan dominating in his 1st match

Joe says it was tough to think he could have been in the Olympics and didn’t get to fulfill his dream, “But what could I do? I was immobilized by pain. Every morning I woke up and couldn’t move.” Over the next ten years, Joe became depressed and gained weight. “I’ve always been a big guy. I was 6’3” and 315 pounds at 14.”

Once he hurt his back, though, he got up to 385 pounds, and wasn’t training. He found Jiu-Jitsu and his life began to change. “When I get on the mats, none of it exists. I don’t even know how to express my gratitude to GB for all it’s done for me. It’s the world to me.”

Joe’s back is a constant source of concern for him, so he wants to enjoy Jiu-Jitsu for as long as he can. “All I work on is technique without strength. I want to protect my back so I can do this forever.”

Joe won both his matches and took home gold for the second year. “It’s very satisfying,” Joe says, “I believe that you win or you learn, so I’m always happy as long as I give my best. I was grateful to represent professor Gustavo (Pires). It was amazing hearing my sons cheer me on in my matches.” Joe says because of his injuries, he doesn’t have the ability to “smash” anymore. However, if you talk to his opponents, they would not agree with this statement!

One person who definitely wouldn’t agree is Mike Payne from GB San Clemente. Mike is a 46-year-old blue belt in the Ultraheavyweight division. “When I grabbed Joe, I tried to throw him, and he didn’t move. He looked at me like, ‘what are you doing?’ After the match he said he couldn’t move me, but I was hanging on for dear life!”

Mike Payne trying for a takedown

Everyone at GBSC loves Mike Payne. He’s a kind and happy guy who’s always laughing and joking on the mats. However, what many don’t know is that behind the levity belies a seriousness that is a part of his everyday life. “I had my first heart attack at 37. The doctors gave me a 5% chance I’d live to 40. So, I lost a lot of weight and started racing bikes. Then I wrecked in a race, broke my neck, and was paralyzed. I couldn’t move at all. I had surgery and things came back after a year, but I still couldn’t use my arms very well.”

Mike eventually went back to racing bikes, but had another heart attack. He gained a lot of weight and knew he had to find something new to do. He found Jiu-Jitsu and the rest is history. Mike says, “The year before I started Jiu-Jitsu, I was in the hospital four times to open my arteries. I now have 8 stents. Since I started Jiu- Jitsu, I haven’t been in the hospital once. I think it’s because I’ve been praying, training, and improving my diet.”

Joe Youkhan and Mike Payne sparring

A happy Mike Payne after his final match

Mike says the doctors hold out no hope for him. “I will probably have another heart attack,” he says, “I’ve been to three cardiologists and they’ve all told me I won’t live past 50…I’m 46 now.” Facing such adversity would seem untenable for most, but Mike’s quiet faith in God and his passion for Jiu-Jitsu keep him so peaceful, you would never know that he deals with life and death daily. “I’m so grateful to God and for Jiu-Jitsu,” he says, “I wasn’t in the hospital once this year, plus I got to roll with my GB Family. It was a blessing.” Mike came in second place at the GB Season Opener, “I was really happy because I tried hard. Jiu-Jitsu has changed my life.”

These soldiers of life inspire us as they valiantly conquer their struggles without batting an eye. The battles they fight on a daily basis would keep lesser men paralyzed with fear, but not them. They continue to power on with gratitude for all they have and in hope for all they can accomplish. They help the rest of us see that we can always fight harder, train longer, and be more appreciative of all that we have in our own lives, on the mats and off.