Emma Hamilton with Royce Gracie, after Hamilton became the first female in Canada to earn a Black Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Submitted photo.
Derek Kilbourn
Sounder News
Emma Hamilton has been awarded her Royce Gracie Black Belt. She is the first female in Canada to do so, and ninth in the world. She was awarded the belt earlier this fall in Denver, Colorado.
She is the owner of Elements Martial Arts Training, operating classes in the Lower Mainland, as well as on the gulf islands.
On Gabriola, Hamilton teaches Boxing, Kickboxing, Women’s Self Defence, and Traditional Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through the Gabriola Recreation Society.
In addition to her busy teaching schedule, she continues to train and practice throughout North America with the Gracie family, with a focus on expanding her knowledge and expertise in teaching Self-Defense.
She wrote to the Sounder after her historic Black Belt achievement.
Hamilton writes that for her, Jiu Jitsu represents a lifelong journey of learning.
“Every time I step onto the mat, I am reminded of how grateful I am for it. It’s remarkable how it has been a constant in my life for the past 15 years, with every aspect intricately woven into my values.
“I now recognize it as a genuine source of strength, wisdom, and confidence; a reliable companion helping me navigate life’s highs and lows—much like a best friend or a guardian angel.”
She says Jiu Jitsu fundamentally is about going with the flow. When one fights that and resist what is, there is a struggle.
“This sentiment seamlessly extends to life; traversing this path for the past 15 years has been both humbling and an honor.”
As the first female black belt in Canada under Royce Gracie, Hamilton says she now bears a significant responsibility to uphold and pass on the teachings bestowed upon her.
“My aim is to be a positive role model, particularly for teenage girls and women in my community. The loyalty and dedication I’ve received on my learning path from Royce Gracie, his students, and the entire network have been unparalleled. Achieving a black belt in Jiu Jitsu is a profound honor that I do not take lightly.”
As a practitioner and teacher of multiple martial arts, Hamilton was asked what it is about Jiu Jitsu that caught her focus.
She said that having dedicated over 35 years to martial arts, her whole perspective shifted when she was introduced to Jiu Jitsu 15 years ago.
“I not only grasped but genuinely felt the potential, particularly as a smaller person, to overcome and defeat a larger opponent through precise application of technique, timing, and leverage. Jiu Jitsu, in my view, stands as a game-changer and the ultimate trump card, fundamentally neutralizing and outclassing all other styles.”
She describes how in many striking-based martial arts, training or competing often translates to the larger person prevailing pound for pound, leading to swift endings as someone inevitably gets hurt or dropped.
“However; in Jiu Jitsu, you might find yourself in a challenging position, subjected to domination and discomfort for an extended period and yet, with a subtle movement and correct timing, the entire dynamics of the position and the fight can shift.
“I believe you can win from anywhere so my mindset is always ‘I can beat this person.’”
Hamilton says that in terms of self-defence, there is no comparison in her opinion, saying Gracie Jiu Jitsu imparts essential skills for defending against strikes, managing the distance effectively, securing the clinch and takedown, and prevailing over opponents, whether standing or on the ground.
“The reality is that most fights & serious violent situations are taken to the ground, so I aspire to know that world inside and out.
“I really want as many people as possible, especially women and teenage girls, to have a few tools in their toolbox to help them deal with the situation…and, I feel that if you are in deep water, it is best to know how to swim but at the very least, bring your life raft.
“This could be the fight of your life and it’s important to remember that you are worth fighting for.”
Hamilton spoke to getting ready for grading for her black belt.
“While I feel I’ve been preparing for years, the true essence of Gracie Jiu Jitsu lies in being ready for any self-defense scenario.
“In this regard, I think I was already somewhat prepared for the challenges presented in the testing scenario.”
Continued on page 10
Henry Goyert
1924-2022
Long time Gabriola resident Henry Goyert passed away in Victoria on May 6th at 97. Born in Berlin in 1924, he came to Canada in 1952 where he and his family eventually made their home in Kitimat BC. He retired to Gabriola in 1980 after spending summers there in the house he and his wife Dorothy built. Henry lived a long and fascinating life. He will be remembered by those who knew him as a gracious, fun-loving gentleman who loved Gabriola Island. He was a consummate story teller and looked for fun in everything he did. Although dementia diminished him in the last few years the essence of his personality and sense of humour stayed with him.
He is survived by his two sons, Peter (Jill) and Thomas (Cindy), his long-time close friend and partner Ann, grandchildren Josh, Stephanie and Michael as well as three great grandchildren, Jack, Sam and Zoe. He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy and grandson Ben.
Support
Local News
Recent Comments