Michelle Purkes Guzman

When asked why I wanted to do BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), my first response was “because I like to fight”. Fighting and competing are great ways to learn and teach simultaneously. I’m proud to work with and represent my team at Element26. They have proven that the statement, “we are welcoming to everyone willing to do the work”, is more than just a sales pitch, it’s a way of life. This is a place where parents enjoy bringing their children along, and everyone feels safe and respected.

My love for competing has helped me understand the types of competitions out there, as well as the importance of having someone who is able to help navigate the rules and information barrage for new competitors. My hope is to use my knowledge and experience to help someone seeking to test themselves through competition to ensure that they have the needed information to do their best in BJJ and not feel intimidated by the process.