Jessi Taran

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Instructor

Richmond, California, United States

About

I believe that *connection* is a key element with regard to averting impending global disaster. I see my role as a teacher as being primarily about facilitating beneficial connectivity. Wrestling is not an exclusively human activity. It's a form of physical play-activity that every mammalian species on Earth participates in and enjoys. While playful grappling of this nature is undoubtedly useful in terms of providing skills an animal may need in terms of protection, mate attraction, establishing territory/dominance, etc - the actual reason behind why animals wrestle truly has nothing to with any of this stuff. We wrestle because wrestling is FUN. It's true that the same skills learned by wrestling with play mates, pack mates, or team mates might one day be useful in other areas of life as well, but the real reason we wrestle is not to FIGHT better, but to PLAY better. A truly skilled grappler is able to establish control - WITHOUT injuring his opponent. This is why the techniques used in Jiu Jitsu are known as 'holds' rather than 'breaks'.

Experience

  • Instructor, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Anouphab Muy Thai Academy
    Mar 2016 - Present · 10 yrs 5 mos

    BJJ training in a fun, positive, family-friendly, environment. See website for class schedule

  • Executive Assistant at Litke Investments
    Oct 2013 - Aug 2014 · 11 mos

    Assist CEO (Harry Litke) with property management related tasks, legal and assorted research, personal chores, etc.

  • Research Associate at Litke Foundation for Canine Oncological Research
    Oct 2013 - Mar 2014 · 6 mos

    On-line research (cutting edge oncological treatment, facilities, clinical trials, nutrition, veterinary services, etc), compiling summary reports, appointment scheduling, conducting phone interviews, dog care (including administering medications), shopping, cooking, driving, diplomatic relations...

  • Media Marketing Consultant at Kalamata Food Purveyors Inc.
    Oct 2012 - May 2013 · 8 mos

    Website design and optimization, market research and analysis, product placement, copy writing, comedy relief, general all-around ass-kicking/kissing as appropriate...

  • BJJ Instructor at Sleep Science Labs
    Jan 2012 - Jun 2012 · 6 mos

    Bjj instructor (kids, teens, adults)