Ariadne Burkhart

Ariadne was born in Sydney, Australia in 1983 and grew up both overseas and in the US. Throughout her childhood she was involved in a variety of sports; everything from surfing to field hockey. In 2001 while attending St. John's College in Santa Fe, NM, she became involved in the martial arts. She was introduced to the practice of Brazilian JIu JItsu in 2003. She has studied under Joao Crus continuously from 2007 onwards and began competing and teaching.

She received  her blue, purple and brown belts from Professor Crus. She has taught BJJ, fitness, and self defense classes to children, women, and men under Joao Crus and in schools and colleges. She began the BJJ program at Santa Fe Community College and is a member of the open mat community network for women in BJJ, Girls in Gis (www.girls-in-gis.com/)
In addition to her BJJ practice, Ariadne trains in kettlebells, Tacfit, and Yoga. She has always displayed a capacity for artistic creativity. She creates in a wide variety of media; from swords and knives to visual art pieces in metal, wood, and found objects.

BJJ competition highlights:
1st place Carlos Machado 2007 Women's Gi Beginner's division.
1rd place Carlson Gracie Open 2007 Women's No Gi division.
3rd place Colorado Open 2008 Women's No Gi division.
1st place NAGA Texas 2008 Women's No Gi Intermediate division.
3rd place NAGA Texas 2008 Women's Gi Advanced division.
2nd Place NAGA Texas 2010 Women's Open Weight Advanced Division.
2nd place Women's Jiu Jitsu championship 2010.
1st place IBJJF Houston Open Women's Division 2011.