Kim Mardis
Kim started jiu jitsu in 2016 at the age of 41 in Gracie Barra Pelham under Kaliffa Oliveira. What started as a journey to lose weight, gain confidence, and maybe learn some self defense along the way turned into so much more. Within one year she had lost 30 pounds and started competing. Within two years she had lost 60 pounds total and was competing in the featherweight division. Win or lose, she had a team that encouraged growth and celebrated even the vulnerability of just trying.
“I never could have imagined having the ability to step out in front of people on the mats. I remember some of the wins; they were exciting. But I’ll never forget my fist competition (which I lost). Ater the ref raised the other girl’s hand, I ran over to the sidelines where Professor Kaliffa gave me a hug and said ‘I’m so proud of you.’
I still prefer to be behind the scenes instead of in the spotlight, but to this day, I’m a different person. I used to be a quiet, timid, homebody. Now I’m a quiet, mildly timid, world traveler who has attend three Gracie Barra World Summits. My life has been transformed through this sport and this family. Teaching an impromptu yoga class on a beach in Brazil would have never been on my Bingo card, yet now that is just one of a million fond memories. I’ve made lifelong friends, moved across town to open a new gym, and now train at both Pelham and Greystone every single week.”
- 2022 World Champion, purple belt (age 47)
- 2022 No gi American National Champion
- 2019 Gi American National Champion
- 2018 Gracie Barra Regional Champion
- 10+ times IBJJF gold medalist
- IBJJF Birmingham Open 2019 double gold medalist at blue belt
- IBJJF Atlanta Open 2021 double gold medalist at purple belt
- Fugi gold medalist in both gi and no gi
