From White Belt to Black Belt: Overcoming Adversity at Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu
Are you one of the many who think Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is too tough? You’re not alone. At Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu La Quinta, we believe everyone starts as a nervous white belt. Our team—Professor Chris Hargett and Coaches Jason, Mark, and Chloe along with others—faced struggles, proving growth comes through challenge. Their journeys inspire our mission: to build resilience, confidence, and a stronger community through BJJ.
Facing Struggles, Finding Strength
At the IBJJF Masters North American Championship, Professor Chris Hargett led our team, not chasing medals but embracing the challenge. He came up short of gold, but the lesson was clear: struggle fuels growth. “I got into trouble as a teen,” Chris shares. “BJJ taught me to keep showing up.” His path from white belt to black belt under Sensei Xande Ribeiro proves Jiu Jitsu is for everyone. Our beginner-friendly classes and our team of patient coaches are ready to welcome you—no experience or fitness needed.
Team Pride: Growth Through Teamwork
Coaches Jason and Mark, who tackled the IBJJF World Championships, shine as pillars of grit and heart at Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu La Quinta. Jason, a brown belt, battled through grueling matches to claim titles at the Brazilian Nationals and Pan-American Championships, all while sparking joy in our kids as their head instructor, his enthusiasm brings joy across the mats. Mark, now 19, joined as a shy teen in our program and today guides our tiniest grapplers (ages 3-6) with patience, juggling training and work with a quiet determination that inspires. Both started as white belts, discovering that BJJ forges physical toughness, mental clarity, and emotional courage through every roll and setback. At Six Blades, we cheer every milestone, nurturing a lively jiu-jitsu family.
From Self to Service
BJJ starts with personal goals—confidence, fitness, self-defense—but grows into helping others. Our Kids BJJ program in La Quinta boosts focus, emotional control, discipline, and self-esteem, while our adults find jiu-jitsu gives them clarity and connection. One parent shared, “I’ve seen much growth in my kids who are in these classes, and it’s only been a little over a month.” Our classes are designed for beginners, with no pressure to spar, teaching that martial arts is as much about education and mindset as it is about technique, this ensures you feel safe, cared for, and at home from day one.
Chloe’s Transformation
Chloe, a former college softball athlete, tried BJJ before college and returned to Six Blades after a real-life self-defense experience showed its value. Nervous at first, she dove into our 6 AM classes and now competes regularly in tournaments, inspiring us all with her dedication to improvement and pursuing her best version. “BJJ has given me an outlet. It’s given me strength, perseverance and patience” Chloe says. “Most importantly, it’s given me the opportunity to meet and make connections with people who support me, push me and lift me up when I need it the most.” Like Professor Chris’s journey from white belt to IBJJF champion, Chloe’s story shows how showing up can optimize your lifestyle—through a path of commitment and resilience—and those around you.
Join Our La Quinta Jiu Jitsu Family
At Six Blades, we foster a trusting team where you can experiment, fail, and grow. Are you ready to overcome adversity? Our team is ready to welcome you and support you every step of the way through a journey that will be both rewarding and fulfilling. Our beginner-friendly classes welcome kids and adults, no experience needed.
Book a free trial class at laquintajiujitsu.com or call (760) 289-7073 to see if it might be right for you. Visit our 6,000-square-foot facility near Sam’s Sushi at 79485 Hwy 111, Suite 6, La Quinta, CA 92253. Start as a white belt, grow with us, and make our community stronger!