Crispim BJJ is proud to have Angele “AK-47″ Muther (Kasilag) as part of the team and family and would like to take a few moments to share her story with everyone.

Angele is a blue belt and has been training for about two and a half years in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Alexander Crispim. Angele says, “I had always wanted to try a martial art, but I didn’t think I could do it. I was taking boxing classes and just came by the jiu jitsu class one day to see what is was all about. I still remember the day that I came by to watch. I was questioning whether my body can move like that or if am I going to get hurt. I remember putting all these questions aside and just jumping in right away and from that day I was hooked!”

Alexander Crispim says that watching Angele come train at the academy in Pleasanton everyday is a prime example of a true BJJ lover. “She is an inspiration for all of us at the academy. Angele is always ready to train with anyone. She takes her time and helps any new beginner learn how to roll and shows them gratitude and respect for jiu jitsu. Angele is also always ready to train hard with upper belts to help improve her training and provide herself as a solid training partner.”

Angele says, “I like so many things about jiu jitsu. It’s a sport that anyone can train in, no matter what age, gender, or shape. I have gotten so much from training. This is the best shape I have ever been in my life. I have met a lot of good people. It may sound a little funny, but it also made me more confident and strengthened my belief that I can do anything I set my mind to. This is also one of the reasons I choose to train and stay with Alexander Crispim and the Crispim BJJ team. Crispim makes students feel like they can do it. Not only does Crispim train Champions, but he makes students feel like can become Champions.  Just like Crispim, Daniel’s classes are great. He breaks moves down step by step. He is also an incredible instructor and coach.  Getting hurt was also one my concerns about doing jiu jitsu. I know there are some injuries that are going to happen because of the nature of the sport, but here at Crispim BJJ, I know they are always  looking out for us to reduce this risk greatly. ”

Angele also adds, “When you walked into Crispim’s gym, it has nice welcoming feeling. You can feel this when Crispim yells your name when you walk through the door. Everyone is so friendly.  I see people when they come in and everyone gets up and shakes their hand or gives them a hug. Also when we leave, we all shake hands again or give a hug to everyone. When we roll people don’t try to hurt you and there are no egos on the mats.  Everyone is so helpful. It doesn’t matter what belt you are, people are always ready to help. If you have a question or just wanna drill, anyone will say yes.  It is truly a family. After a long day at work, jiu-jitsu helps me forget about the stress of the day. It’s a place where I can relax and have fun and hang out with friends. You can see how we all get along. Juan’s recent event was one of those the examples.”

Crispim sees the dedication and hard work that Angele puts in at the academy every single day. She is such a huge part of the team. Angele is always there to help in any way she can and she comes with a smile and positive energy.  She always passes her energy of never giving up and will keep doing positions over and over until it becomes second nature to her. The team loves her and holds her in such high regard.  If Angele doesn’t train one day, everyone is always asking, “Where is Angele?” The team always wants her to be there and loves training with her. Crispim states that Angele’s confidence has increased tremendously since she has been training in jiu jitsu and that he has no doubt that she can not only protect herself, but also anyone else. 

When Angele isn’t working or training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, she is hula dancing.  She has been doing hula for about six years.  Angele says, “I enjoy dancing and learning. Hula is also like another family to me. I have made a lot of good friends just like in jiu jitsu. ”

Angele finishes by adding, “I like training because it always challenges me mentally and physically. I may not catch on as quickly as others, but I am determined enough to get there. I have to laugh because I used to be so scared of falling or rolling and look at me now.  I hope I will be doing jiu jitsu for a long time.”

It is very easy for us to write about Angele because she is a “true” example of a Leader!!  And she is helping us lead the academy by showing everyone what dedication, determination, motivation, positive energy, the will to never give up and true love for our martial art is all about!

Ossssss!!!!!!!!