10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Redlands chose Gabby Contreras as our Student of the Month. Those who see her in the gym knows she puts a lot of effort towards learning jiu jitsu. She may quite possibly be our pound-for-pound most technical grappler. She watches the technique being taught, then emulates it quite well during training.

But, it’s when seeing her drop submissions during the transitions against boys bigger than her, that you really start to see Gabby shine!

Gabby was nice enough to talk about her journey thus far, and we didn’t get submitted. Whew!

Gabby, tell us about yourself:
Hi, my name is Gabby Contreras and my dad is Ruben. I just turned 8 years old and I’m currently in the 3rd grade.
I started training jiu jitsu around 4 months ago. My dad first started training jiu jitsu here, and he thought it would be a good idea for me to try it. He told me I could learn to protect myself.

That’s great! Do you have a favorite submission of technique?
Yes! The Rear Naked Choke!!

Your dad says you do exercise outside the gym, constantly. Explain that.
I run in place a lot and do push ups on my own. No reason but to get stronger for my friends at the gym.

Once in a while, you’re grappling on the mats with tissue stuffed in your nose. You get bloody noses easily?
No. Once in a while I’ll get a bloody nose. But those don’t bother me. I’m used to it.

What do you tell your schools friends jiu jitsu is like?
I just tell them they should try it because it’s fun and you can use it to protect yourself.

Speaking of school, you’re in the 3rd grade. Any favorite subject?
Definitely math!

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a UFC fighter.

Do you want to give any shout outs?
Yes. To my dad for putting me into this.

Thank you Gabby and Congratulations! Keep up the good work!!