REYES ENDURES LONG ROAD TO BLACK BELT

By Patrick Lujan

Fourteen years practicing the martial art and three children along the way, Jerica Reyes received the highest level of jiu-jitsu after her promotion from Professor (and husband) Luis Reyes.

Like many journeys taken to get to black belt, the time, dedication and perseverance was no different for the Mangilao mother of young, exceptional athletes themselves.

“Earning my black belt after 14 years of dedication to jiu-jitsu is an incredibly fulfilling and emotional milestone. It represents so much more than technical skill: it’s a testament to perseverance, discipline, and the countless hours spent on the mats through sweat, struggle, and triumph,” Reyes reflects.

“Along the way, I had three children, now ages 11, 8, and 5, and each time, I found the strength to return to the mats. My kids have been a constant source of motivation, inspiring me to keep going even when the path was tough. This journey has shaped me – not just as a practitioner, but as a person, a mother, and a role model in our gym and community. It’s a moment to honor my growth and to inspire others, especially my children, to embrace challenges and chase their own goals.”

HUSBAND AND PROFESSOR

Luis Reyes, along with his twin brother Elijah, have been a cornerstone of jiu-jitsu on the island for over a decade. As pioneers during the art’s early days in the region, the Reyes twins have cultivated a thriving legacy at Figo’. Their dedication has produced a remarkable lineage of practitioners, with Jerica becoming their ninth black belt. Notably, Jerica joins Lenora Matanane as one of only two women to achieve the prestigious black belt rank under the Figo’ banner, solidifying her place in their storied history.

For Jerica, getting promoted by her husband is extra special.

“Receiving my black belt from my husband is an incredibly emotional and meaningful experience. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, but it’s also a deeply personal milestone because he’s been with me every step of the way. It’s definitely been a long road, and nothing ever came easy for me. He was always hard on me, not because it was easy for him, but because he saw my potential and knew exactly what I needed to work on to succeed at each level. He is incredibly knowledgeable, technical, and meticulous about the small details, which has made all the difference in my journey. He’s very passionate about this sport—any question I’ve ever had always comes with an answer, as if he’s a walking jiu-jitsu dictionary.

“He’s been my driving force, the one who never let me give up, even when I wanted to. There were so many moments when I hit a brick wall and felt like I couldn’t go on, but his belief in me pushed me through those challenges. This black belt isn’t just a symbol of my dedication – it’s a testament to the love, support, and unwavering commitment we’ve shared throughout this journey.”

The Reyes Dingas don’t promote easily – family or not. They preach the three H’s: Hungry, Humble, Helpful. This goes for every level advancement, let alone the black belt. In fact, Luis Reyes made it even tougher on his wife to get the coveted belt.

“She has had a long road. Many ups and downs,” Professor Luis said. “The sacrifices and dedication displayed goes unnoticed. And she’s very technical on the mats. I’m not an easy one to give promotions and I always give any family member of mine a hard road and higher standard. They never get things given, it’s only earned. That’s the way I was brought up. She’s a great role model for females and mothers out there to get out of their comfort zone and empower themselves. She’s been training for a long time but time always flies when you’re having fun.”

INSPIRING OTHER WOMEN

Working an 8-to-5 job, driving kids to practice and games, cleaning the house and being a wife is more than enough to fill a woman’s day. Throw in hours of training on the mats into the mix and you have a bona fide confidant and dangerous woman.

“Balancing the demands of motherhood, including raising three children and returning to the mats each time, demonstrates resilience and determination,” Reyes explained. “Restarting or picking up where you left off to train consistently after having kids is one of the hardest parts, especially with the way the body changes and reconfigures through pregnancy. But my journey proves that it’s possible to pursue personal goals, being active while managing the responsibilities of family life, ultimately showing the power of perseverance through life’s challenges.”

Whether it’s jiu-jitsu or any other sport or hobby, Reyes is a great example that a woman’s will can go beyond the normal expectations of life.

“Many women may feel they have to choose between their passions and their roles as mothers, but this accomplishment proves that with dedication and support, you can achieve both. By sharing my story, I hope to not only motivate others to chase their dreams but also show the value of leading by example for your children. This journey is a powerful reminder that strength comes in many forms—on the mats, in the home, and in life.”

SPECIAL THANKS FROM JERICA

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my entire Figo/Bonsai team for the hard training, unwavering support, and love you’ve given me throughout this journey. Each one of you has played a crucial role in helping me reach this milestone. To my professors and coaches, your guidance and dedication have been invaluable, and I am forever grateful for the wisdom, patience, and knowledge you’ve shared. This black belt is a reflection of all of us, and I couldn’t have made it here without you all. Thank you!”