Brooklyn has been a student at Gracie Barra O’Fallon since 2012 and is currently a 12th Grader @ Fort Zumwalt West High School.
Brooklyn started her competition career very soon after starting bjj @ Gracie Barra O’Fallon. This has led to a seamless transition for her into High school wrestling her freshman year.
She won Gold at the Fort Zumwalt East Invitational in 2021, 2nd in the Gateway Athletic Conference (GAC) in 2022. In 2021 she placed 2nd for her conference (GAC) and in her sophomore year she placed 3rd. In 2021 she also placed 2nd at districts.
Let’s learn a little more about her.
At what age did you start Bjj? 9 years old
How old are you now? 17 years old (18 in April)
What rank do you hold in bjj? Blue
What do you enjoy most about Bjj? The environment, I enjoy everyone at the gym. It also better prepared me for my wrestling.
What are some fun facts about high school wrestling? I joined wrestling my freshman year, it was the first year Missouri had girls wrestling. This year my brother is also wrestling and we are the first brother and sister at Fort Zumwalt West High School to wrestle. Making weight is always a focus, you have to give up things like Pizza for a few months but it’s totally worth it. Last year I placed 2nd at districts and 2nd for our conference. This year I placed 2nd again for our conference and hope to place again at districts.
How has Bjj helped you in H.S. wrestling? I felt like I had a leg up when I joined my freshman year. I had never wrestled before but I knew takedowns already so it helped. It’s also a good way to continue to practice all year long to help improve for next year.
Why should other High School wrestlers consider bjj? It will help you in your wrestling career, not to mention the friends you will make.
How has Bjj & Wrestling impacted your life? You may not always win your match but both help you become a better person. They teach you discipline and how to believe in yourself.