Coach Kaitlyn Ceballos

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Kaitlyn Ceballos. I love all things fitness, nature, and helping people grow physically and spiritually. I grew up in Nebraska, joined the Marine Corps at 17 years old, served for 4 years, then I moved to Utah to start the rest of my life.

How did your journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu begin?

I walked into my first BJJ trial class as I was transitioning out of the military. I was seeking a new take on fitness, and hoped to join a community that would make me feel like I belonged.

I immediately loved it and signed up at Gracie Barra Oceanside. Shortly afterwards I moved to Salt Lake City, and loved training under Professor Rodrigo even more.

What made you fall in love with Jiu-Jitsu?

Immediately I knew I loved the workout that came from every class, and learning the chess game that is Jiu-Jitsu.

After some time I discovered the deeper reason why I am truly in love with the sport. It forces you to stay truly present in the moment. As someone who has struggled with constant worry about the past and future, this has been the one solution that has helped me live life how we all should, in the moment.

How has the Marine Corps influenced you as an athlete and a coach?

The Marine Corps has absolutely given me the confidence and the skill set to be a leader and a coach in the gym. I learned teamwork, discipline, and dedication to the mission. I am extremely grateful for the tools the military has given me and the ability to put it to use at Gracie Barra.

I've also learned a lot about grit. Learning to not give up and persevere through being uncomfortable will get you far on the mats, and in life.

What do you enjoy most about coaching?

My favorite part about coaching at Gracie Barra is seeing so much growth in the students. It's a fantastic feeling to go from seeing someone step onto the mats feeling nervous and lost, to shortly after noticing their personality flourish and skill sets develop. Being part of that journey is very meaningful to me.

Which competition accomplishment are you most proud of?

It was never my intention to begin competing in Jiu-Jitsu. However, with lots of positive encouragement from my Professors, I tried it out, fell in love with it, and have been on the roll ever since.

I am proud of my recent performance at CompNets. Being a smaller woman, my opponents are typically 20 to 60 pounds heavier than me. Despite the weight differences in these local tournaments, I have been able to walk away with golds, both gi and no-gi, many times.

What has competing taught you?

Competing has given me a purpose when I walk into class every day. It helps me to stay curious, devoted, and disciplined. Competing has done more for my mindset than anything else.

I've seen so much growth in the way I show up for myself, the way I speak to myself, the belief I have in myself, and the energy I put into continuously working on all aspects of my health. That has all been the biggest win for me.

What would you say to a woman who is nervous about starting?

My advice is to just start. There are a million and one reasons to not begin, but there is no better time than now. We all had a Day 1, let yours be today.

You owe it to yourself to try. You owe it to your body, mind, and soul to get active, build meaningful connections, keep your mind sharp, and experience something that you love.

What do you hope your students learn from you?

It's my goal that my students learn patience with themselves and others, dedication to their mental and physical health, and ultimately learn more about themselves.

How you show up and behave on the mat says a lot about the kind of person you are. There's no better way to learn who you are and grow into a better human.

What do you like to do outside of Jiu-Jitsu?

I love staying active outside of BJJ with CrossFit, yoga, swimming, hiking, running. In my down time I like to read, paint, spend quality time with friends, make music, and watch survival TV.