Coach Johnette got inspired to make a major lifestyle change, and started her Jiu-jitsu journey in May 2015 after many years of battling health issues. She started her training in Tucson. She had never had a desire to learn, or train, so she avoided it completely due to her medical issues. She would always say I can never do that! Finally, after stepping onto the mats it took a lot for her mentally, physically, and emotionally to train 3 to 4 classes a week.
She believes Jiu-jitsu is one of the hardest but one of the most rewarding workouts and at the end of the day it’s all worth it. Jiu-jitsu has not only improved her life physically, but it has drastically improved her mental and emotional life as well. Jiu-jitsu has made her a better individual, and she continues to share her knowledge with her students.
Jiu-Jitsu has given her a different outlook on life. It has increased her confidence, and creativity, and opened up her mind to a different lifestyle. Coach Johnette believes Jiu-Jitsu is not just a physical game, but a mental game as well.
She never thought in her wildest dreams at the age of 50yrs. old she would be doing Jiu-Jitsu at this stage of her life. It’s NEVER too late to start training. When they say Jiu-Jitsu is for everybody, it really is. She’s a prime example if you set your mind to do it, and just keep pushing through you can accomplish anything. She was afraid that people would judge her, and that she wouldn’t be able to keep up, but she was WRONG about it all! Once she walked onto the mats, she was immediately comfortable with the fellow practitioners.
When coach Johnette isn’t teaching, she is baking, cooking and trying out new recipes. She has a love and passion for creating new dishes. She also enjoys spending her time with her family. A favorite quote of hers is “Life is tough, but so are you my darling”—Stephanie Bennett Henry.