MARIANNA, Fla. — Resilient Jiu Jitsu youth and adults students celebrated the accomplishments of 50 members during its Spring Promotions Ceremony at Rivertown Community Church on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Students ages 3 to adults demonstrated new skills learned in front of an audience of family and friends, and many received new stripes and belts.

Jake Daniel represented the Resilient Adaptive program by sparring with student Carlos Staley in an exhibition match. Resilient Women students Kristen Piazza, Sierra Christie, Brendaly Rodgriguez-Munoz, and Cindy Shephard, along with Resilient Kids student Charli Watford, demonstrated women’s self defense techniques with Uriah Garcia, Carlos Staley, Storm Floyd, Spencer Floyd, Finnegan Brandley, and Gabriel Montuani.

The following youth students were promoted to the rank of gray/white belt: Finnegan Bradley, Bennett Ellis, Benaiah Gonzalez, Bryce Hudson, Adeline Poole, Connor Sanders, Robby Souza, Jayce Thomas, and Charli Watford. Gunnar Watford was promoted to the same rank at the Winter Promotions Ceremony in December 2023, receiving the first belt promotion awarded by Resilient Jiu Jitsu.

Resilient Jiu Jitsu Academy opened in historic downtown Marianna in May 2023. Resilient Jiu Jitsu is owned and operated by first degree black belt Gabriel Montuani of São Paulo, Brazil, and his wife, Carly Barnes Montuani, a Jackson County native.

Resilient Jiu Jitsu offers private and group training for youth, adult, and adaptive students, starting at age 3. Contact 850-446-8612 or visit www.resilientjj.academy for more information.