Females travel to train, learn & bond at GMA BTT Boston for women’s grappling camp

Women at the Groundswell Grappling Concepts camp at GMA BTT Boston. Photo: Bruno Amaral

GMA Brazilian Top Team (BTT) Boston hosted the first ever Boston Women’s Grappling Camp by Groundswell Grappling Concepts on President’s Day weekend (February 14–17, 2014). The camp had over 40 women from all over the United States and of all ages and skill levels. The camp was run by black belts Valerie Worthington, Emily Kwok, and Hannette Staack and organized by Lola Newsom.

The weekend started off with a welcome dinner where new campers and “return offenders” alike were able to chow down on some Brazilian BBQ while getting to know each other and share a few laughs. Saturday and Sunday featured day-long training sessions in both gi and nogi, taught by Valerie, Emily, and Hannette. Our hosts BTT Boston head instructor Bruno Amaral and his student Nathalia Azoff also ran a gi session where they showed some of their favorite drills, techniques, and submissions.

In addition to the physical training, the campers and instructors wrapped up each day by sitting down together to discuss a variety of topics. These roundtables gave campers the chance to ask both the black belts and their fellow campers questions and also trade stories about their Jiu-Jitsu experiences.

The mission statement of Groundswell Grappling Concepts (GGC) is a limited liability company dedicated to supporting self-actualization through BJJ and grappling. They believe the mental, physical, and psychological demands of BJJ and grappling, when properly channeled, have the power to transform lives. They provide products and services aligned with this belief, and with the expectation that personal fulfillment contributes to societal improvement.

To learn more about GMA BTT Boston and their dedicated women, go to www.bttboston.com

More pictures from the event by BTT Boston’s own Bruno Amaral: