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Vannessa Griffin

@griffinbjj

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28 | Black Belt European Champion
Moya Brand Athlete | Matthew 6:34 ✝️
Head Kids Instructor at Crazy 88 MMA

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2025 European Champion 🇪🇺🇵🇹

Maaaaaan if you know me you know how hard it’s been the last few years. But it makes the title mean so much more.

I spent the off season getting myself back together and moved into my own apartment with my two boys 🐈‍⬛🐈

I grew up in this sport as a young teen and suffering was just a part of the game. Pushing through injuries, toughing out rough situations, and just grinding. But when you grow up and realize that it’s just not working for you anymore, you have to adjust. You have to look in the mirror and figure out what YOU need to fix, not how the world has screwed you over countless times. Play the hand you’re dealt or fold, but don’t blame the dealer or the other players.

I’ve now competed in 13 Grand Slam tournaments as a black belt in the gi. Earning 2 silver medals, 6 bronze medals (1 in the open), and losing before the medal rounds in my weight 5 times.

This title is a symbol to myself and my team that we are doing all the right things and are on the right track. I definitely needed this title for some motivation, but you know regardless of the result I’d be there in Florida at Pans trying it again.

Thank you to God for not giving up on me. I’m constantly grateful for being healthy enough to do the sport I love everyday and for the opportunities to travel with my team year round to coach and compete at the highest level.

Thank you to my coaches Julius and Keith. You guys watched me grow up from a young kid and have had my back every step of the way.

Thank you to my teammates who push me constantly and always show up when I need you to.

To my boyfriend who shows me unconditional love, you’re an absolute blessing and I’m excited to be on this journey with you.

To my strength and conditioning coach Ques who always has the energy to bully me at 6am, but has also been the listening ear I’ve needed for the last few years.

To my sponsors Moya and Johns Fit Meals. Moya has been at my side since 2018 and has been through all the losses and still supports me. To Shane who feeds me weekly and helps my weight cuts immensely.

I appreciate all of you and I promise this won’t be the last one. taken in Lisbon, Portugal by @griffinbjj

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2 years ago

Virginia Open Champions 🥇🥇

#MoyaBrand #BJJ #IBJJF #Grappling #Tournament #Champion taken in Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center by @griffinbjj

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a year ago

How do you deel with nerves in between matches?

#ibjjfpans #ibjjf by @griffinbjj

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2 years ago

✨ Coach Vannessa ✨

Coach Vannessa is the Head Kids Coach at our Elkridge location and has been part of the Crazy 88 family for 15 years. She started her journey as a student in the kids program herself.

🏆 Athlete Credentials
• 2025 IBJJF Black Belt European Champion
• 3x IBJJF Colored Belt World Champion

🏆 Coaching Credentials
• Led athletes to 18 Pan Kids titles since 2019

For Vannessa, coaching is about much more than teaching techniques. It’s about helping students build confidence, develop resilience, and grow both on and off the mats.

🎥 Hear what coaching means to her and how Crazy 88 has continued to shape her life throughout the years.

📍 Elkridge | Owings Mills | Severna Park

🔗 Link in bio to try a FREE class!

#HowardCounty #MartialArts #YouthSports #Baltimore #Parenting taken in Crazy 88 Mixed Martial Arts by @griffinbjj

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10 days ago

Three options from Single Leg X when your opponent drops their knee to the mat.

1️⃣ Attack the foot lock.
2️⃣ Seat them to their butt.
3️⃣ Use a rotational sweep to take them over to the opposite side.

A small adjustment from your opponent can create multiple opportunities. Learn to recognize the reaction and choose the attack that fits best.

💾 Save this post so you have these options ready the next time you find yourself in Single Leg X.

📍 Elkridge | Owings Mills | Severna Park

🔗 Link in bio to try a FREE class!

#JiuJitsu #Technique #MartialArts #BJJ #MMA taken in Crazy 88 Mixed Martial Arts by @griffinbjj

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19 days ago

One year post stroke.

Had heart surgery. Did my come back tournament. Got my second degree on my black belt. Lost some weight. Started summer camp back up.

It was a frustrating year but I think I’m starting to see the light for a full recovery.

Looking forward to the next 12 months. taken in Crazy 88 Mixed Martial Arts by @griffinbjj

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22 days ago

Just clinging onto my last few months exclusive allowed to do the adult division 👵🏾

New 2027 Goal Unlocked: Adult World Champion and Master World Champion in the same year? 👀

Long as I can get my brain to recover. I put that thing through a lot. 🧠

#Masters1? #UncStatus #MasterWorldChampion? #Masters7? taken in David S Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex by @griffinbjj

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3 months ago

🗽 New York Open Champions. Feels good to be back (somewhat)

I won’t be doing the Worlds this year. I’m not ready, and this match confirmed it. Not that it didn’t go well, but afterwards I really didn’t feel well.

Recovery has been frustrating. Each day is a bit unpredictable. But I have a strong team of people behind me pushing me or pulling me back based on what I need.

Despite that, it’s a blessing to be able to still be around doing this. That’s the biggest thing. No matter how frustrating it gets, most days I still get to go train with some of my favorite people.

Congrats to all my teammates. Gold or not, I’m proud of you guys. I have no clue when the next one will be for me, but I know I’m not done yet.

#IBJJF #MartialArts #JiuJitsu #NewYork #Gold taken in David S Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex by @griffinbjj

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3 months ago

The first time in a decade that I won’t be at Pans. Am I sad? Honestly, no, I’m tired 😂

I had planned on coming back for this one, but I’m not really where I want to be at yet.

Best wishes to everyone competing next week, especially my teammates. I’ll be watching as much as I can. taken in Crazy 88 Mixed Martial Arts by @griffinbjj

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4 months ago

33 looks good on you 🥰

Happy Birthday Gangsta by @griffinbjj

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5 months ago

What a year 😅

#Crazy88MMA #MMA #BJJ #JiuJitsu #MartialArts #2025 #2026 taken in Baltimore, Maryland by @griffinbjj

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7 months ago

How you train matters ‼️

#Crazy88MMA #MMA #BJJ #JiuJitsu #MartialArts #MoyaBrand #YouthSports #YouthCoaches #Coach taken in Crazy 88 Mixed Martial Arts by @griffinbjj

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7 months ago