I grew up in Brazil where I was extremely overweight, didn't have many friends and the girls I liked didn't pay any attention to me. I remember feeling so sad as I watched kids play outside, so I drowned out my sadness by eating more food.  When I had severe bronchitis and other health problems related to my weight, my doctor suggested to my mom I get into Jiu Jitsu.  I fell in love with it and continued onto kickboxing.  I moved up to the states after I studied Education in Brazil and have called immersed myself in the fitness world ever since.

When I began Kung Fu as an overweight child, it was something fun and exhilarating.  I felt like it brought out my true self.  Throughout the years, I began to realize that it's more than that - the stronger my body was, the stronger my mind became.  Fitness can make you limitless.

• Chick Flicks - it's embarassing, but true!
• Animated Movies - Rio (yes Brazil!) and Kung Fu Panda are my favorites
• My Mom's Feijoada (Brazilian Black Bean Stew)
• My Favorite T-Shirt - My cousin gave it to me when I was 14 and it's so comfortable that I wear it everywhere!
• South Park - It's how I learned English...it may have backfired.
• Big, Thick Chocolate Chip Cookies Right Out of the Oven