Gracie Barra Salt Lake City
Coach Aira Escamilla-Vasquez

Interview with Coach Aira Escamilla-Vasquez

Get to know Coach Aira Escamilla-Vasquez: empowering young students and leading with heart at Gracie Barra Salt Lake City.

JIU JITSU CLASSES for kids

Hi Coach Aira! We’d love to share your story with the community, let’s start with a few questions.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us how you first got into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Hello, my name is Aira Escamilla-Vasquez. I first got into jiujitsu when I was 5 years old. I remember my dad saying he wanted a son at first but obviously I was a girl and the first child of the family, he said how he wanted his “son” doing martial arts and wanting to become an athlete so when I was born he wanted me to be able to protect myself being the first girl in the family.

Ever since that I started doing Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai and ended up liking jiujitsu more than all the other martial arts I have tried out. From there I started going to a gym called Gracie Barra Riverside in California, from there we moved to Utah and I continued doing Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra Salt Lake City and have loved it ever since.

At what point did you realize that Jiu-Jitsu was something you wanted to take seriously?

A point I realized that I wanted to take Jiu-Jitsu seriously was when I had competed at my first tournament in California. I was a grey and white belt and competed at a local tournament and even though I might’ve lost, it gave me motivation to continue doing jiujitsu and learn from my mistakes to become better.

What was it like stepping onto the mats for the first time as an assistant coach? Do you remember how you felt?

When I first stepped onto the mats as a Junior Coach at the time, I was so nervous, I have a bit of social anxiety so I wouldn’t like people looking at me or talking to me as much, but then I started getting used to it and I warmed up to the kids super fast and it has become easier over time.

You work closely with kids on the team, what’s that experience like for you? Any funny or memorable stories?

I love kids, they are my pride and joy! They motivate me to do so much more. I remember one time I had close friends come into the gym to try out Jiu-Jitsu with their little cousins that I teach. My friends then told me how their little cousins spoke about me a lot to them, and how they wanted to be like me.

The funny thing is that those little kids were super shy and barely talked to me whenever I tried to help them. But ever since that, I have always tried to inspire those little kids at the school to become a better version of myself.

What’s the most important thing Jiu-Jitsu has taught you so far, both on and off the mats?

One important thing jiujitsu has taught me on and off the mats is that it’s okay to make mistakes. Jiu-Jitsu builds discipline, confidence, and respect – not just for me but others too. Jiujitsu humbles ego, strengthens your mind and teaches you to keep doing better no matter how hard it may get.

What are the main challenges you think a girl can face when starting Jiu-Jitsu?

Jiujitsu is a very close contact sport, and sometimes it may feel awkward or uncomfortable at first especially when training with guys. Even when we spar I as a girl sometimes put myself down because I won’t do very good when sparring against a guy, but I remember that guys are much stronger and heavier than girls, so I can be just as good and technical as anyone there but sometimes I will get frustrated when I roll against a guy.

Let’s talk about competitions, what do you remember about your first tournament? Were you nervous? Excited?

My first Jiu-Jitsu tournament was a whirlwind of nerves and excitement, I was terrified I’d forget everything, my heart was racing, and my hands were shaky, but the moment I stepped on the mat, all that adrenaline turned into focus; the match flew by in a blur, and whether I won or lost, I walked off knowing I had grown, gained confidence, and done something most people are too afraid to even try.

What has competing taught you about yourself? Any big takeaways from being on the other side of the fight?

Competing in Jiu-Jitsu teaches you a lot about who you really are when pressure hits, I’ve learned that I’m tougher than I thought, that fear doesn’t mean stop, and that win or lose, I grow every time I step on the mat; the biggest takeaway is that the real battle isn’t against the opponent, it’s against doubt, ego, and the voice in your head that says you’re not ready, and learning to silence that voice is where the real victory happens.

What advice would you give to other teens, especially girls, who are just starting Jiu-Jitsu?

Don’t let fear stop you, let it fuel you. It’s totally normal to feel awkward, nervous, or even out of place at first, but trust me, you belong on those mats just as much as anyone else. Be patient with yourself, tap when you need to, and remember, every tough round is making you stronger, mentally and physically. Surround yourself with people who support your growth, speak up when something doesn’t feel right, and never underestimate your power just because you’re smaller or new. You’re not “just a girl”, you’re a fighter in the making. Keep showing up.

And finally, when you're not on the mats, what do you love to do in your free time? Any hobbies or passions outside of Jiu-Jitsu?

Off the mats, I love diving into anything that lets me recharge and express myself, whether it’s writing, music, or spending time in nature. A lot of Jiu-Jitsu people find balance through creative stuff or chill time with friends and family. Some even pick up things like lifting, yoga, or art to complement their training. For me, it’s all about finding that rhythm between intensity and peace, because who you are outside the gym shapes the fighter you become inside it.

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