After a few minutes of warmups, the club officers begin the day’s lesson. Michael McNeil (right) and Juliana Garcia (left) demonstrate a chokehold for the class. (Nov 24, 2023)

Ignacio “Nacho” Vivancos, a senior aerospace engineering major and one of the club officers, attentively watches the instructors. (Nov 24, 2023)

After the demonstration is over, students partner up to practice what they’ve just learned. Joanna Powell, a masters student in chemistry and blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Nacho Vivancos take turns carefully practicing the technique on each other. (Nov 24, 2023)

As a more experienced grappler, Riley Wilson provides Chaselyn Cochran with feedback on her technique as she practices with fellow grappler Mika Velasco (Nov 24, 2023)

After the students have spent some time drilling, the class moves to sparring. Instead of rote repitition, students have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned against an active opponent. Nacho Vivancos resists his opponent’s attempts to attack, fighting to escape and gain a better position. (Nov 24, 2023)

Riley Wilson greets her next opponent with a hand slap and a fist bump, a common handshake in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to begin a round. (Nov 24, 2023)

Riley Wilson works to grind down her opponent’s defenses, methodically creating space in order to apply the choke they just learned. (Nov 24, 2023)

Riley Wilson trains her defense with Sam Ratliff as he works to secure a submission. (Nov 24, 2023)

Nacho Vivancos locks up a rear naked choke, earning a tap from Joanna Powell. (Nov 24, 2023)

Nacho Vivancos pauses to catch his breath as he tries to execute a chokehold against Michael McNeil. (Nov 24, 2023)

Nacho Vivancos defends against Riley Wilson as she works to apply a choke. (Nov 24, 2023)

The students line up as class concludes for final remarks from the club officers. (Nov 24, 2023)

All club members walk around fist bumping and high-fiving each other, expressing acknowledgement and thanks to each other for the day’s training. (Nov 24, 2023)