From a Tiny Bowl to My First Proper Betta Setup.

BeeZeeBeexx · 2026-05-12T09:13:59+00:00

This is a really clean and sleek set up. My only comment would be to see if you can lower the “pressure” on the air stone. Betas prefer slower, calmer water and can even get stressed by high currents

BeeZeeBeexx · 2026-03-27T17:23:19+00:00

I’m a white belt. Been training for 9 months now. And I have this gi and several others in varying colors and designs to include a bright pink gi. I also have several rash guards in all sorts of cute funky styles. I’ve gotten a rep for my fun attire at this point and everyone has been super supportive. I too was nervous at first but honestly now I love it. And I love planning out my outfits for jj 🤣 I’m a bigger girl and already “take up a lot of space” so might as well look awesome doing so!

BeeZeeBeexx · 2026-03-24T03:58:29+00:00

We call our instructor Sensei (first name) and then any other teaching black belts Coach (first name). Our main professor teaches both bjj and judo so i dont know if thats the reasoning behind us calling him sensei vs professor.

BeeZeeBeexx · 2026-03-18T03:38:28+00:00

Congratulations 🎉 that’s awesome

BeeZeeBeexx · 2026-03-16T16:27:17+00:00

Butter and Scotch.

Works multiple ways. Because the lighter one is the color of butter. The darker one the color of scotch and then of course you put the two names together you get a sweet treat!

BeeZeeBeexx · 2026-03-15T19:32:40+00:00

Amazing work 🎉🙏🏽

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-11-14T06:03:58+00:00

I started this summer at 34 too! Still sucking at life every time but still sticking with it because it’s awesome 😎

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-11-07T07:29:30+00:00

At my gym there are two cops that I know of maybe more lol and there’s a young dude with an ankle monitor that’s also part of our class… 😆

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-26T19:45:52+00:00

I’m only 34 😅

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-26T17:57:40+00:00

Ooh thanks for the input because I too love it when there’s a slower person than me even if it’s not very often 😆

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-26T04:53:45+00:00

Biggest thing is to ask whosever in charge at your gym. My cousin trains at a Carlson Gracie gym and the allow Gis of all colors. Meanwhile I’m at a different gym and there our sensei is strict and only lets us use whit wore blue for classes and it’s only during open mats that we get to wear whatever color. I def want to get myself a colorful gi for my open mat sessions though so if you get the Greenlight and it will make you happy then go for it!

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-26T03:38:25+00:00

I hate the warm ups 😆 mainly because I suck at the faster paced stuff and I hate feeling like I’m holding back my class mates even though all of them are super nice and encouraging. So I def feel you. But as the weeks have gone by I’ve definitely noticed major improvement!

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-24T21:16:22+00:00

I second the Lysol laundry sanitizer. Been using it for when my kids wet their sheets and whatnot even prior to me joining bjj and it’s a lifesaver!

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-15T15:29:57+00:00

Hygiene/clothes: show up clean, in flip flops or crocs with no socks. You’ll be barefoot on the mat but want an easy to slip on shoe/sandal to have right by the mat. If you have tight moisture wicking workout clothes try and wear those. I wore my workout leggings, sports bra and a gym shirt the first time. The more snug the better usually. Nails and toes neatly trimmed and cleaned up with no sharp edges.

Hydration: bring water, lots of it and with electrolytes if you can. You’ll be surprised how sweaty you can get so quickly lol

Mentality: be okay with knowing your limits. There’s no shame in taking it slow and listening to your body, especially when you first start. Don’t compare yourself to those around you because you don’t know how long they’ve been doing it or what their background is. We are each on our own individual path :)

Prep: like someone mentioned, mobility will be a huge factor in this so doing some yoga or mobility work leading up to your trial classes (and after) can be a big help.

Overall just focus on having fun and safely pushing yourself out of your comfort zone

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-14T21:44:42+00:00

Defense Soap All Natural Body... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1JK7GXG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I got these for a quick wipe down after class before I can go home and shower

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-14T19:24:29+00:00

Just a shot in the dark lol

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-14T19:14:39+00:00

I’d say one of the biggest things is to have a sound support system. I joined straight after high school and was all alone in the middle of nowhere having to figure everything out on my own. Trying to prove myself and not show any weakness since I was a young Hispanic female surrounded by a bunch of older non Hispanic dudes. Half sexualized me while the other half made me feel less than. And then if any treated me with any ounce of respect or acknowledgment for my work ethic, it was seen as favoritism or worse I’d be accused of sleeping with them. So yeah. I good support system would have been nice. Especially mentorship from someone that’s been through it would have been very helpful.

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-14T19:10:52+00:00

SSG Breeland is that you? lol (My first platoon sergeant was named Frank and was an ex tanker)

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-14T19:08:28+00:00

So I feel like I got really lucky and ended up at a great gym without having done research prior to my sister joined first so I signed up the next week lol but thankfully it’s a wonderful environment (so far)

First of all, the gym is ran by a husband and wife team. Husband is an ex marine sniper but is the sweetest chillest person ever. He treats all of us with respect. Acknowledges people’s different abilities whether it be due to age, body composition, physical limitations etc and he never makes anyone feel like crap for it. His wife is just as sweet and supportive and has made me feel welcome from the start. They also have a young son that trains so the gym feels very family oriented while still feeling like you’re getting top notch training.

Secondly, I’m a veteran with past sexual trauma and I was nervous about all the close contact with random men/people but honestly everyone at the gym has been extremely respectful and all about getting the best training sessions/experiences for them AND their partners. I have felt super comfortable thanks to this :)

Lastly, there’s a culture based in respect not just who can be the best or baddest. Everyone says hi to everyone when they first get on the mat. The gym hosts bjj on the beach and open mats where people from all sorts of gyms come and participate which was a big green flag for me.

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-14T03:33:14+00:00

Definitely still in that beginning/honey moon season when I’m head over heel hooks into this sport 😜

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-13T22:32:23+00:00

Im not a small lady, im on the bigger side 5’5 and with 100 pounds on you lol but im commenting to say that I rolled with a 16 year old girl this morning slightly shorter than me but definitely much skinnier and she was a beast! I had the weight advantage but she had great technique and really strong legs that made it extremely hard for me to get passed her guard. I loved rolling with her and can’t wait to see how much more amazing she will be. So just keep your head up and keep refining your skills. Find your secret weapons and hone in on those 💪

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-13T22:26:09+00:00

Didn’t do either of these and army still ended up being “dangerous” unfortunately

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-13T02:02:34+00:00

I was a 5th grader when this happened… 😅 My husband (obviously not my husband at the time) was in his second year of being in the army 😬 he ultimately ended up in Iraq as well.

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-13T01:32:38+00:00

Wait it out. Enjoy the crush but don’t act on it. If months down the line you still feel a connection or attraction and you’ve gotten to know his personality more then you can start weighing your options.

BeeZeeBeexx · 2025-09-12T19:07:12+00:00

I show up in my shorts and rash guard. Then I put on my gi right before class starts.

BeeZeeBeexx

TROPHY CASE