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Taught by one of the female pioneers of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Alberta, Professor Diana Trang ("Professor" meaning "Teacher" in Brazilian Portuguese - a title given to those who earn Black Belt rank in BJJ). Diana is an active coach, community volunteer and social entrepreneur who is passionate about building resilient communities through empowering practices such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Diana is a 1st Degree Black Belt who's been an active member of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community for over 20 years.

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As one of the first females to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Alberta, Diana has found herself most-often to be the only woman at her academy - something she wished to change when launching her first Women's Only class in January of 2017. She breeds the example that women should and CAN do this.  While her class has been active since it's beginning, her most active training partners are still men, sometimes twice the size of her - a testament to not only women, but to the martial art and self defense itself.

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Diana began her BJJ training in Edmonton, AB, in 2011 at Arashi-do Martial Arts under Professor Mike Yackulik (affiliation: Behring Jiu Jitsu), earning her blue belt under Arashi-do/Behring.  In 2007, she moved to Calgary and began training with Prof. Anderson Goncalves, later earning her Purple, Brown, and Black Belt under Professor Anderson and Master Joe Moreira.  During this time, she's competed and won several achievements - to name a few: Gold Medalist at the Abu Dhabi International Pro 2019, IBJJF World Masters Silver Medalist 2017, World Masters Bronze Medalist in 2018,  Alberta (2x Alberta Provincial Champion 2016-2017, and Brazil - bringing back 5 medals from Brazil in 2010 (FJJRio State and CBJJ Nationals - 3 Gold).  In her early years, due to the lack of women training, she found herself competing in men's divisions - something she reminisces fondly of as it reinforced the benefits and potential.  If you ask her, however, her greatest achievements and pride are the achievements of her students, offering guidance and support to her them, making an impact, empowering others, sharing these skills with her children, and being an ambassador for women and mothers - demonstrating that it is absolutely possible to be a champion mother, competitor, and community member. 

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In addition to this, one of her biggest missions is to build resilient communities one person at a time.  The disturbing statistics on sexual assault, abuse and mental health decline - to her, requires immediate change.  Self Defense, to her, is a FUNDAMENTAL life skill that every person should have access to - but it goes beyond that - it is about self empowerment, self worth, and self care.  For this reason, Diana has actively gifted many of her classes to those in need, advocates for the trauma community, and regularly conducts workshops/volunteers her time at many community events and schools to show the need and potential that BJJ/Self Defense can provide.  She has also made it one of her life goals to have a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program in schools to remove barriers to those without access - and to also create awareness. Her first active program began at Renert School in NW Calgary in January 2020.

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WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling art that predominately takes place on the ground with an element of stand-up/throws/take-downs. It is a very practical martial art which utilizes natural body leverage and technique to obtain control of an opponent or attacker. When practiced with proper technique, BJJ can allow a smaller person to defeat a larger person. Whether you are looking to improve fitness, achieve better health, learn a self defense, or compete - BJJ can help you to reach your goals.  To learn more about the benefits of Jiu Jitsu, read Diana's blog post: Phenomenal Woman - Jiu Jitsu for Her.

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BJJ Black Belt Lineage:

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Helio Gracie > Francisco Mansur > Joe Moreira > Anderson Goncalves > Diana Trang