Jess Kramer
Brown Belt | Instructor
Jess Kramer
How long have you been training?
About 9 years
Why did you begin training?
I was very interested in movement and the idea of martial arts. I started with stand up arts but then discovered the ground and never turned back. I love grappling. The instinctual nature of the art hits home for me.
What encourages you the most about your practice?
Watching what is practiced and studied come to fruition. For myself and others.
What challenges you the most?
BJJ is a consistent wave of ups and downs. At first, it was difficult to get used to but the more attuned I am to the practice, the more I can observe this quality with grace.
How have you evolved as a result of it?
It has become easier to see these same qualities off the mat in “regular” life. Learning how to be kind to myself through the ebbs and flows of jiu jitsu, I’ve been able to do the same for myself with the ebbs and flows of life.
What is something that you learned about BJJ that was unexpected?
The ability it has to help me maintain mental health. BJJ as an outlet has been more important to me than accomplishing any sort of submission or medal. This has been very apparent lately as I’ve been pregnant. Much of what I have learned over the years, I’ve been applying to maintaining equanimity in mind and body while I have not been able to train to the capacity that I was. When I step back onto the mats, I know I will have leveled up. Even without the physical practice of BJJ.
Any notable accomplishments, interests or facts you’d like to share?
Yoga/meditation teacher. Also fun fact, I have been awarded for photography years ago. I had a picture displayed in the Michener museum in Doylestown. I still very much enjoy photography.
