In Partnership with Gracie Barra West Jordan, Utah
The images are only illustrative with photos of our Jiu-Jitsu classes.
Introduction
The collaboration between Itineris Early College High School and Gracie Barra West Jordan has brought a unique and dynamic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) classes to students. This initiative provides a fresh approach to physical education, enhancing both physical fitness and mental discipline. Students from 9th grade are now benefiting from the lessons in self-defense, confidence, teamwork, and resilience that BJJ offers. We had the opportunity to speak with key figures involved in the program, including Principal Reneé Edwards, PE Teacher Lisa Hammond, several students, and Professor Seidler Ziser, the head coach at Gracie Barra West Jordan.
“I see jiu-jitsu self defense surprising students who never thought of themselves as athletic.” – PE teacher Lisa Hammond
Questions for Principal Reneé Edwards
Q: How did the idea of integrating a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program with Itineris Early College High School come about?
We added ninth grade in 2023-24 and we did not have a gym to hold physical education classes. Our teacher was creative and used the neighborhood and school grounds to offer PE to our tenth graders but expanding to ninth grade required us to think outside the box and look for a unique way to serve our students and provide their physical education requirements. Professor Seidler Ziser from Gracie Barra in West Jordan approached the school with a community partnership interest as their gym was near the school. Itineris and Gracie Barra joined forces to provide a unique program to our ninth graders and we rented a bus to transport our ninth grade students to Gracie Barra so classes could continue in the winter months. Now that we have our own gym built, Gracie Barra sends their instructors to us to continue this awesome partnership.
Q: What benefits do you see for the school and students through this program?
Gracie Barra instills discipline to allow for developing self-control, teamwork to promote collaboration, emotional regulation to allow for managing adversity, physical fitness, self-defense development to allow for building confidence, and a growth mindset to promote resiliency. All ninth graders participate in one term of Jiu Jitsu and we have seen some amazing growth and a sense of connection to each other in our students.
Q: How does the BJJ program align with the school’s goals for student development and well-being?
One of the keys to our school’s success is building relationships with students and teaching life and academic skills to all students through our advisory program. The program provided by our partnership with Gracie Barra aligns and supports with our school beliefs around personal connections, meaningful relationships, and personal growth. The program also aligns with our student code of conduct which includes civility among each other despite differences, respect for themselves and others, responsibility for themselves and their actions, pride in themselves, and behaving with integrity.
Q: What feedback have you received from parents and students since the program launched?
Students reported feeling more lively, more confident, knowing how to defend themselves, and feeling closer to classmates. Parents reported a benefit of learning more skills, getting students away from technology, and more confidence.
Questions for PE Teacher Lisa Hammond
Q: As someone who trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, how has your personal experience with BJJ influenced your approach to teaching physical education?
I really didn’t know anything about Jiu-jitsu when we were approached for this partnership, it was a solution to a lack of gym space. I was skeptical, but willing to try it. Now, I see how valuable it is as an option for lifelong activity. It really is a physical activity adaptable for people of all ages and abilities. As the most realistic form of self defense, it is a skill as important as basic first aid or communication.
Q: What are the most important lessons BJJ teaches students in terms of both physical and mental growth?
This discipline teaches problem solving, having formulas for different situations. It helps people develop the ability to remain calm and present in stressful situations. Over time, they notice their bodies getting stronger, more flexible and more coordinated.
Q: What changes have you observed in the students participating in the program, both inside and outside of class?
The biggest changes are those that align with my philosophy and approach to physical education as a whole, and that is that everyone can be active in their own way and at their own ability. Not everyone enjoys traditional sports like baseball, basketball, volleyball and football. I see jiu-jitsu self defense surprising students who never thought of themselves as athletic. I see their confidence grow as a result of realizing they can overcome strength, speed and coordination issues by practicing techniques that use leverage and body positions to overcome an adversary. I see them finding joy in moving.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or breakthrough that a student experienced because of this program?
I can think of a few students who had difficulty relating to others and didn’t have much confidence in their bodies. As they learned the skills in class, I saw that change. Two, in particular, who actually were able to assist other students in learning the skills being introduced. They evolved into leaders in a very short time. I absolutely love seeing that.
Q: What advice would you give to students considering joining the BJJ program?
If you are even thinking this might be something you’d like to continue, go give it a try. Life should be about trying new things until you find what you love. Why not something with such a high return. GBBJJ West Jordan is a community, you will find your people there.
Questions for Professor Seidler Ziser
Q: How did the partnership between Gracie Barra West Jordan and Itineris Early College High School begin?
“Teaching beginners, whether they’re kids or adults, is my favorite class.” – Prof. Seidler Rodrigo
I deeply value quality education, which is why I enrolled my son Pedro at Itineris Early College High School. With his ambition to become an engineer, a STEM-focused school was a perfect fit. I was impressed by the school’s commitment to education but noticed they lacked a sports court, and since Pedro enjoys sports, I saw an opportunity. I reached out to the school with a proposal to introduce Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) to their students. The staff embraced the idea, and now we’re working to make a positive impact on Itineris students at their impressive, newly built Sports Center.
Q: What are the core principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that you aim to teach the students in this program?
At Gracie Barra, we live by the values of Integrity, Development, and Brotherhood, which guide everything we do. These values connect to essential qualities like trust, resilience, and discipline—qualities that are crucial for personal development. We teach our students the importance of upholding integrity and high moral standards, as well as a holistic study of the art of Jiu-Jitsu. Brotherhood means supporting and serving our team and those around us. If students understand these principles, we’ll have made a lasting impact on their lives, even if they don’t become athletes.
Q: How does BJJ help students build life skills beyond the mats, such as leadership, respect, and problem-solving?
We gradually expose students to real-life situations in class. There’s a saying: if you pray for patience, you’ll be given opportunities to practice patience, not the skill itself. We apply this by reinforcing positive behaviors like leadership and service, which are naturally encouraged when we catch students doing the right thing. This approach shapes behavior not only on the mat but in all aspects of life. Respect is embedded in our culture, and students quickly understand this structured environment. We’re kind and positive, but we also correct inappropriate behavior immediately, which I believe is becoming less common today. Problem-solving is an inherent part of BJJ, as students must remember techniques and apply them under pressure, much like in life.
Q: What challenges have you encountered in coaching students who are new to martial arts, and how do you overcome them?
Teaching beginners, whether they’re kids or adults, is my favorite class. The main challenge isn’t in the techniques but in helping students push past the initial frustration and doubts about their abilities. It’s similar to learning a new language; it takes time for things to click. Some students want immediate results and may lose patience if they don’t see progress right away. Encouraging patience and resilience in those early stages is one of my biggest challenges.
Q: How do you see the future of this program evolving as more students participate and the school continues to embrace BJJ?
Master Carlos Gracie Sr. once said, “If everyone practiced Jiu-Jitsu, we’d have a better world.” Many issues arise from a lack of confidence, social skills, resilience, and the ability to handle frustration. I’m not talking about fighting; I’m talking about the life skills BJJ can instill. If every child practiced Jiu-Jitsu, I can only imagine the positive impact on society—it’s a vision I hold dear. Extending this program to more schools and instilling these values in young people is both an honor and a responsibility. We want to help our community as much as possible, expanding BJJ’s reach and empowering students with skills that go far beyond self-defense.
Questions for Itineris Early College High School’s Students
Nex Gainer
Q: What has been your favorite aspect of learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through this program?
BJJ has been so great through so many aspects of my life. My favorite overall is probably that it allowed me to have time for myself and my own improvement. Through Gracie Barra’s supportive community and instructors, I’ve been able to become more active and progress at my own pace. I haven’t just seen improvement in scheduled exercises either, but also my attitude towards trying new things. Jui-Jitsu is a very important part of my life and has allowed me to improve myself in so many ways.
Q: How do you feel BJJ has helped you develop as a person, beyond just physical fitness?
My experience at Gracie Barra has helped me develop skills in team work, respect and social skills. I could definitely see as the year went on, my classmates as well as I became good friends and wanted to help each other improve within martial arts. It also allowed me time in the school day to focus on myself rather than my performance, which then lowered my stress a lot throughout the class. Overall, I loved going to Gracie Barra and it really helped me grow as a person.
Q: In what ways has the community and environment at Gracie Barra supported your learning experience?
The community at Gracie Barra is a group of the most supportive and kind people I’ve met. Despite martial arts being about ‘fighting’, the friends I have made through Jui Jitsu have helped me through so many hard times and allowed me to build a support system. Adding on, the instructors truly care about their students. They aren’t just there because you’re paying them, they’re there because they have a true love for the sport and want to help you improve.
Pedro Santos
Q: How has training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu impacted your confidence and focus in your daily life?
Training and, especially, coaching Jiu-Jitsu have really boosted my confidence in speaking with others. I teach classes for our Tiny Champs program, often with 20 or more kids while their parents watch, so I’ve had to develop strong communication skills. I’m now comfortable speaking in front of large groups and feel much less shy than before. Jiu-Jitsu has also improved my focus; in a match, staying fully present is crucial since any lapse in attention gives my opponent an advantage. This training has taught me to maintain focus in all areas of my life.
Q: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in BJJ, and how have you overcome them?
My biggest challenge has been training with people who are stronger or more skilled than I am. At first, this was frustrating, but I learned to see it as a chance for growth rather than as a setback. Instead of feeling discouraged, I’ve learned to be motivated by my teammates and to see them as a source of inspiration.
Q: What would you say to students who are unsure about trying out Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
They should definitely give it a try. Jiu-Jitsu is more than just self-defense; it’s a lifestyle that can change you from the inside out and have a lasting impact on your life.
“My biggest challenge has been training with people who are stronger or more skilled than I am.” – Pedro Santos
Gracie Barra Utah schools are keen to bring all the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to other schools. If you like the idea of offering a great martial art as a physical education experience for your students of all grades, please contact us at info@gbslc.com.
Prof Seidler Rodrigo, a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and athlete, serves as the Head Professor at Gracie Barra Salt Lake City and Gracie Barra West Jordan, bringing a wealth of experience to the mats. Originally from Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, he transitioned from a career in pharmaceutical sciences to pursue his passion for BJJ. Prof Seidler Rodrigo is committed to inspiring life-changing transformations through the teachings of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra Salt Lake City and Gracie Barra West Jordan. As a family man, Seidler values quality time, engaging in activities such as hiking, Brazilian barbecue, movies, and biking.View Author posts
