Katie Schwartz. Actor/Dancer/Singer, Choreographer, Dance teacher, Zumba instructor, Personal trainer
“I started training BJJ when I decided to move to New York City to follow my dreams of being an actor/singer/dancer. My dad thought that being a 19-year-old goody two shoes and walking the streets of Brooklyn in my pink tights, might be asking for trouble. So, he signed me up for Ju Jitsu. He said that I couldn't move to New York if I didn't start training. I stepped on the mat and found more than a sport. I met an amazing community of people that possess amazing human qualities. They are supportive, determined, dedicated, and respectful. I have been a part of many sports in my life and I can honestly say I have never had a better workout or a better support system than on the mat. I have made some of my best, life long friends while training ju jitsu. And, they still like me no matter how bad I smell! I started with no Gi and have recently started to train Gi. Physically I'm a little person, but the confidence training has given me makes me walk around like I'm 6' 3" instead of 5' 3". It's an incredible feeling to know that if someone bothers you, you can handle yourself. But, no one bothers you anyway when you walk around knowing that. Also, it feels amazing when you are usually looked at as a sweet girly girl to be able to be a strong bad ass woman too! I think that everyone should train BJJ. It trains your body and your mind.”
All photography in the People Who Train series is by photographer Mik Milman. See more of his work here.
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