Athlete Feature: Kelly Beringson
Kelly Beringson owns Tharros Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Delray Beach, Florida. Kelly has been a repeated champion since she was a white belt competing locally. Now she has won Pan American champion two years in a row!
When did you first start training in martial arts? How did you get started?
I first began training in 2016. I had a severe leg injury that led to me not being able to walk and being morbidly obese. I saw Rhonda Rousey on TV and decided I would find a way to walk and become an MMA fighter. After a few more surgeries and a lot of determination I wa sable to lose 150lbs and started MMA. After 3 fights I realized that striking was not for me, but I had fallen in love with jiu-jitsu!
When did you open your school? How did you know you wanted to do this?
I opened my Academy a little over a year ago. I was luckily enough to learn how to be an instructor since I was a white belt. I absolutely love giving away the knowledge that is given to me. My Professor told me when he gave me my black belt that I am meant to own an academy. He has never misguided me so I trusted him. It was all just meant to be. There is truly nothing I enjoy more.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
Honestly my proudest achievement in jiu-jitsu is my academy. Solely based on what it is doing for the community. We are really building something different and it is extremely special. Watching how it is benefitting everyone and knowing how many more it will touch is what drives my soul to keep growing.
What are you shooting for next? Any big goals on or off the mat?
I am finally having a knee replacement next month and so I do have plans to return to competition. However , my biggest goal is to create a larger community of instructors to continue passing on what is so special about Tharros Academy.
Who is your biggest inspiration in pursuing martial arts or business ownership?
Business ownership I learned from my mother from a young age. I have been self employed since I was 22 years old. I am honestly a really bad employee but a phenomenal business owner. As for martial arts originally is was Rhonda Rousey when I was focused on MMA. When my focus switched to jiu-jitsu so did my inspirations. I have many including all of my mentors.
Give us a fun fact about yourself outside of training!
I am currently writing a book and can’t wait to put it into publication.
If you’re looking for a place to train Jiu-Jitsu in Delray Beach, Florida or interested in learning more about Kelly check out her school: tharrosbjj.com or follow their Instagram: @tharrosbjj