Alexa traveled to Guayaquil, Ecuador to continue expanding jiu-jitsu outreach and support within the local community, marking a new country of involvement for this ongoing project.
The trip included two seminars, each serving a different but equally important role in the Ecuadorian jiu-jitsu ecosystem.
Alliance Guayaquil Seminar
Alexa taught a seminar at Alliance Guayaquil, led by Fernando Soluço, one of the most established and respected academies in the country. The school is home to many active competitors, and a large number of Ecuador’s high-level athletes are affiliated with or have come through this academy.
The seminar had an amazing turnout of athletes from the school. The session focused on technical development and competition-oriented training, creating a valuable exchange with some of the country’s most dedicated practitioners.
Community Seminar | Team Aso Guayas BJJ
In addition to the academy seminar, Alexa also taught a seminar for Team Aso Guayas BJJ, a state-recognized social project that provides jiu-jitsu access to the local community. Classes are typically run by Ariel Delgado and Melany Henao Grajales, and the program offers training opportunities to kids, juveniles, and adults who may not otherwise have the resources to train.
Although the project receives limited funding from the state, it plays a major role in developing young athletes and introducing jiu-jitsu as a positive outlet within the community.
For this seminar, Alexa and the team brought over 100 pounds of gis, which were distributed to kids, juveniles, and adults who did not previously have proper training equipment. The turnout was strong, and the impact was immediate, reinforcing how meaningful access to equipment and instruction can be.
Looking Ahead
This trip marked the beginning of deeper involvement in Ecuador. The country is currently producing some of the highest-level jiu-jitsu talent in South America, and the growth seen at both the competitive and community levels is undeniable.
The goal moving forward is to continue returning, supporting these programs, and contributing resources where they are most needed. Ecuador is a place with immense potential, and this trip laid the foundation for long-term collaboration and impact.
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