Helena Crevar has reached a significant milestone in her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu career by earning her black belt under the esteemed coach John Danaher, a moment she celebrates with gratitude and joy.
Short Summary:
- Helena Crevar was awarded her black belt by distinguished coach John Danaher.
- Crevar has made history as the first woman to receive a black belt from Danaher.
- She has a storied competitive background, including a silver medal at the ADCC World Championships.
In a remarkable achievement that underscores her status as a rising star in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Helena Crevar was promoted to black belt by the legendary coach John Danaher. This momentous occasion, celebrated on social media, marks not only a significant milestone in Crevar’s martial arts journey but also reflects her dedication and hard work over the years.
“Today is one of the most special days for me and in my jiujitsu career, that I’ll remember and cherish as one of the most meaningful moments for the rest of my life,” Crevar shared on her Instagram account. “Today my professor @danaherjohn promoted me to black belt, and I can’t be more thankful and happy for that.”
As part of the celebration, Crevar was presented with a rare Fate Viper N690 knife, symbolizing the traditional rituals that accompany significant advancements in martial arts. This promotion is particularly noteworthy as it marks her third belt promotion under Danahir’s tutelage, having received her purple and brown belts from him previously.
“I feel extremely blessed to be promoted by someone like John, for whom I have so much respect,” she explained. “I’ve been with the team for 2.5 years, and it’s been a blessing to train, compete, and represent!”
What sets Helena apart is her impressive record of competing against seasoned black belts from a remarkably young age. “I’ve been competing with black belts since I was 14 years old and a green belt whenever competitions allowed me,” Crevar noted. “Now I’m officially a black belt, so I can’t wait to step on the mats as a black belt and make my team proud!” This determination and experience have contributed to her rapid ascent through the belt ranks.
Crevar first embarked on her jiu-jitsu journey at the tender age of eight, seamlessly blending her passion for the sport with her diverse athletic background. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, she was encouraged to explore various sports, including karate, dance, basketball, and swimming, instilling in her the importance of an active lifestyle. Reflecting on her decade-long journey, she remarked:
“Ever since I stepped on the mats the first time when I was 8 years old, I fell in love with the sport. Jiu-jitsu was always so fun for me and never boring because I always learn something new.”
Helena’s competitive prowess has already made her a household name within the grappling community. Notably, she earned a silver medal at the prestigious ADCC World Championships, securing her position as one of the leading practitioners in the no-gi division. Her triumphs extend beyond the mat; she has participated in major competitions like IBJJF Worlds and Who’s Number One, earning accolades and respect from her peers.
Training under John Danaher at the renowned New Wave Jiu-Jitsu team, Crevar uses this environment to hone her skills, cultivate her mental fortitude, and develop her unique grappling style. Known for her aggressive guard and submission-heavy approach, she has distinguished herself as one of the most promising competitors of her generation. Danaher, celebrated for his contributions to modern grappling, is known for a meticulous selection process regarding promotions, particularly for the black belt rank. His endorsement signifies not only Crevar’s skill but also her potential to compete at the sport’s highest levels.
To highlight the importance of this promotion, John Danaher said in a statement: “Helena embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence that we look for in our athletes. Her talent and determination will make her a formidable force in the sport.” As a black belt, Crevar’s pathway to higher-level competitions will broaden, allowing her to continue challenging herself against the elite of the sport.
Looking forward, Crevar expresses excitement about competing at the black belt level across both gi and no-gi brackets. “This belt unlocks a new level of competition for me, and I can’t wait to see how I perform against top competitors,” she shared. Fans of jiu-jitsu can expect to see her shine in future tournaments as she embarks on this new chapter in her grappling career.
In conclusion, Helena Crevar’s achievement not only reflects her years of dedication but also symbolizes the potential within young athletes who embrace the challenges of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For those looking to follow her journey, her continued presence in competitions will serve as an inspiration to many grapplers both on and off the mat.
As she embarks on this exciting new adventure, Crevar remains grounded, thankful, and eager to represent her team and all the supporters who have helped her along the way. With a bright future ahead, it will be thrilling to see how she will continue to make her mark in the martial arts world.
For more updates on Helena’s journey and to follow her experiences in training and competitions, you can check her official Instagram page.
