Congratulations, Benjamin England! December 2024’s Student of the Month!

At just 10 years old, Benjamin has already spent half his life training at Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, beginning his journey in December 2019.

Benjamin is more than a student—he’s a shining example of resilience, positivity, and friendship on and off the mat.

In May 2020, Benjamin faced a major challenge when he broke his femur in a bicycle accident, keeping him off the live streaming classes we were hosting at the time and subsequently, off the mats upon our return to in-person classes for five months.

Despite the setback, he returned with determination, fully engaging in training even when it wasn’t easy. His journey didn’t stop there. In June 2021, he underwent surgery to remove the metal from his leg, only to face another hurdle in September when he broke his leg again.

After another surgery and a lengthy recovery, Benjamin returned to Jiu-Jitsu in April 2023, proving that no obstacle could deter his spirit.

Many would have given up, but not Benjamin. His story reminds us all of a powerful lesson: “If you never quit, you are always in the fight.”

Benjamin is not just resilient; he’s a joy to be around. Always smiling, soft-spoken, and thoughtful, he occasionally offers warm-up or game suggestions to his instructors.

He’s a hardworking athlete, a supportive teammate, and a role model who continues to grow year after year. His courage and determination have also inspired his younger sister, Nora, who now trains in our 6–8-year-old class, and is also a joy to teach.

Benjamin, you are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for showing us what it means to persevere with a smile.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!