Interview with Coach Jessica Affolter
Jessica Affolter
To start, could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your Jiu-Jitsu journey? How did you get started on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Hey! I am Coach Jess, a purple belt here at Gracie Barra Greensboro. I started my Jiu-Jitsu journey in February of 2021 after being with my husband (Professor Lucas) for about 1 year. I was a little hesitant to start. I have been an athlete my whole life, so after graduating college in 2020, Jiu-Jitsu was the perfect transition to stay active and still involved in a team sport beyond school years! Joy-Jitsu offers a wonderful community and workout all in one!!
Even though more women are joining BJJ, Jiu-Jitsu has historically been a male-dominated sport. As a female practitioner and now a coach, what have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think the biggest challenge women face in Jiu-Jitsu is being underestimated size and strength play a big role in practicing the sport, so it is frustrating or challenging if there is a male counterpart who doesn’t understand how to train with you (using all of their strength to prevent a movement, OR, not trying with you at all). However, communication is key and advocating for yourself is very important.
What was the most difficult part about earning your purple belt, and how did you overcome it?
I was about 7 months postpartum when I earned my purple belt, so I think the most challenging part about leveling up was not feeling totally ready mentally, or worthy of it. Since the last part of my blue belt journey was spent being pregnant / recovering, I wasn’t sure if I “deserved” that next step. Overcoming this feeling comes with putting in the work- training whenever I can, teaching, and staying active and strong.
What inspired you to open Gracie Barra Greensboro, and what were some of the biggest obstacles you encountered in bringing this vision to life?
Having a school was a dream of my husband, and I wanted to support him in anyway I could to make that dream a reality. We are so thankful we get to help transform people's lives through Jiu-Jitsu!
How has your experience as a woman shaped the way you coach and mentor students at Gracie Barra Greensboro?
I coach with a lot of transparency, and try to break things down in a simpler way (when possible). I think it is super important to challenge yourself and not give up. Jiu-Jitsu is really hard, so it is very important to keep showing up for yourself and for others. Especially as a woman, it is important to focus on improving your technical game!
Do you think Jiu-Jitsu is becoming more inclusive for women? What changes have you seen, and what improvements do you think are still needed?
I do believe it is becoming more inclusive for women! Our women’s program is a great example of this. Although we do offer women's only classes, we also have a wonderful amount of women showing up for our co-ed adult classes (sometimes 1/2 to 1/3 of the class is female!).
Challenges I have seen: it is scary to make yourself vulnerable to try something new- especially with something that is very physical and in other people's space. You definitely have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable!
Another challenge is ego: we are doing our best to create a community that puts ego aside. We are a team that is stronger together, here to push each other to get better and work on growing our humility and integrity through the practice of this art.
Can you share a moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey where you felt truly empowered or made a significant impact on someone else’s journey?
Personally, when I can go to competition and execute and showcase my hard work, that is very empowering. Otherwise, I hope I can be looked at as motivation for other people to continue working hard and showing up to Jiu-Jitsu!!
As the Program Director of Gracie Barra Greensboro, what are the most frequent concerns women have before joining Jiu-Jitsu?
I think a big concern women have before joining is the feeling of “looking silly”, or “not knowing anything”. But my answer is “you don’t know what you don’t know!”. Also, Jiu-Jitsu is silly, but also REALLY FUN.
Balancing coaching, training, running a Jiu-Jitsu school, and now being a mom must be quite demanding. How do you stay motivated and manage your time?
It is very demanding, however we have a great community behind us! Staying motivated comes from having discipline, which I need to be mindful of and practice! Some days are more successful than others for sure. I am working on creating a more solid and predictable routine, but I think we all know sometimes things don’t go according to plan and you have to “roll with the punches”. It’s all about adapting and overcoming and giving yourself grace when necessary.
What advice would you give to women who are hesitant to start Jiu-Jitsu, whether because of intimidation or other concerns?
Just try it and see how it goes! It took me a few classes to be convinced that I liked it!! I am naturally competitive, so trying something new and not being super great at it right away is very humbling it is a challenge that is very rewarding, and it becomes more fun the more frequently you show up!!!! Do it for YOU!
Finally, outside of the mats, who is Coach Jess? What are your passions and interests beyond Jiu-Jitsu?
Just try it and see how it goes! It took me a few classes to be convinced that I liked it!! I am naturally competitive, so trying something new and not being super great at it right away is very humbling it is a challenge that is very rewarding, and it becomes more fun the more frequently you show up!!!! Do it for YOU!
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Motherhood is powerful, but let’s be honest, it can also be exhausting. Between managing schedules, juggling work and family responsibilities, and constantly putting others first, many women find themselves stretched thin and searching for a way to reconnect with their own strength, energy, and identity. That’s where Brazilian Jiu Jitsu comes in. At Gracie Barra Greensboro, we’ve seen firsthand how Jiu-Jitsu transforms the lives of women, especially moms, from Greensboro, Summerfield, Oak Ridge, and High Point. It’s not just a workout. It’s a form of empowerment, a source of stress relief, and a life skill that stays with you.
When people think of self-defense, they often picture a one-time seminar or a few basic moves. But real confidence and preparedness don’t come from a single class, they come from consistent training and mindset development. That’s exactly what Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers. At Gracie Barra Greensboro, we believe that Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art. It’s a life skill, one that empowers everyday people, including professionals, parents, and even law enforcement officers, to stay calm, capable, and in control when it matters most. Whether you’re from Greensboro, Summerfield, Oak Ridge, or High Point, if you’re looking to get in shape, relieve stress, and learn how to defend yourself effectively, it might be time to give Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a serious look.
Are you in your 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond and looking for a workout that actually excites you to show up and makes you feel amazing afterward? Whether you're trying to burn fat, manage stress, or just meet new people in a friendly place, it might be time to rethink what a "workout" even means. As Head Professor at Gracie Barra Greensboro, Lucas Nabuco says: “I’m always talking to adults from all walks of life, people from Greensboro, Summerfield, Oak Ridge and High Point, who’ve tried the gym route and are ready for something different. That’s where Brazilian Jiu Jitsu comes in.” Let’s break down how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu stacks up against the traditional gym workout, and why so many people over 30 are choosing the mats instead of the machines.
Check out Coach Jessica's warm up video - so you are ready for your practice!
When people start looking into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), one of the first questions that comes up is, “How much do Jiu Jitsu classes cost?” While that’s a natural question, we believe there’s a better one to ask: “What kind of value will I get from this investment?” At Gracie Barra Greensboro, your membership is more than just access to classes, it’s an invitation to transform your life. You’re not just learning a martial art; you’re building discipline, fitness, confidence, and friendships that can last a lifetime. Each class, each roll, and each moment on the mat helps you grow stronger, mentally, physically, and emotionally. And that’s what makes training here truly priceless.
