Fabiana Borges is not only one of the nicest people you will meet, she is also one of the most seasoned female black belts you will find in Texas. She got her start in 1999, almost 16 years ago as part of an outreach program for underprivileged children of favelas. Jiu-Jitsu is a powerful tool that has transformed her life. She has traveled the world teaching and inspiring others every where she goes. This summer she will be fulfilling a long time dream of opening up her own Gracie Barra school in Stone Oak, San Antonio. Meet our host for this Sunday’s event in Austin, TX.
When you started did you have any female BJJ role models that you looked up to?
Yes, I loved to watch Hannette Staack, Leka Vieira and Bianca Barreto fight.
Has Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu changed your life?
Yes, everything that I have right now is because of Jiu-Jitsu. I moved from a poor neighborhood in Brazil and came to the USA to teach and have a better life. I am thankful to train and live a life of BJJ.
When did you begin teaching?
I started back in Brazil when I was about 16 years old. I started to teach kids in private schools and small neighborhoods. I loved to see some people coming to the gym shy, without confidence and become a more confident, make new friends and learning life lessons on the mats.
What are you BJJ goals when you started?
When I started BJJ it was something I did for fun and as a sport. I didn’t plan or dream that I would come this far. I got a scholarship to a private school and my goal was to keep winning medals so that I could keep studying at one of the best schools in Rio De Janeiro. I believe that is why I always did good.
Have your BJJ goals changed over the years?
Yes, the more I kept training I became more professional about Jiu-Jitsu and my goals changed as well. I still want to be a World Champion black belt. And now that I am opening my own school I want to have the best school and environment for my students and help them to achieve their goals.
We are excited to have you be our host instructor again for the fourth time. What is your favorite part of being a Girls in Gis host?
I love to meet different girls with different stories on how they started BJJ. I love that nobody is competing against each other. They are there to help and encourage each other.
Do you think that females in the BJJ community benefit from groups like Girls in Gis?
Absolutely, when I travel to teach seminars I see a lot of girls complaining how hard it is to be the only girl at their schools, or how hard it is to be a mother, wife ,have a full time job and still have time to train. When you come to an event like this, they see that they are not alone. There are a lot of women that have to deal with these same problems.
Sunday April 26th, 2015
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM (CDT)
Gracie Barra South Austin
1700 S Lamar Blvd #332
Austin, TX 78704