Head Instructor

Hi everyone, Joy here! I am the owner and head instructor of Willows Jiu Jitsu & MMA and here’s a little bit about myself. I grew up in Stonyford CA, graduated from Willows High and began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2014. I wasn’t in good shape back then and wasn’t too motivated to work out on my own. Jiu Jitsu seemed like a fun, social way to get in better shape and learn some new skills along the way. As it turns out, I couldn’t have made a better decision. At the encouragement of one of my teammates, I jumped into my first Jiu Jitsu tournament 6 months into training, won my divisions, and became completely hooked on the thrill of competing. 3 years later I had my first Muay Thai smoker fight and took my first MMA fight a few months after that. Throughout the years, I have won many major Jiu Jitsu tournaments, including the IBJJF World Championships 3 times as a black belt, have had over a dozen Muay Thai and Boxing smoker fights, 12 sanctioned MMA fights, and am known as a decorated, highly active, multi-sport martial arts competitor. However, the medals and titles all come second to what I consider my true accomplishment in martial arts, which was learning how to take charge of my own body, mind, and direction along with learning to have a more positive relationship with myself and others. It is now my privilege to teach the techniques and discipline of martial arts and share this rewarding lifestyle and sport with others. Through martial arts, you will meet some of the most incredible people, find a new appreciation for yourself and what you are capable of, learn the value of hard work and discipline, be part of a positive and uplifting community, learn to deal with success and failure in healthy ways, plus get in the best shape of your life all while learning practical skills. Great things take time, but with consistency and patience, anything is possible. Martial arts are for everyone!