Jiu-Jitsu, a Great Way to Improve Health & Wellness

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Sarah Eaton | 200217-N-DE082-2044 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 17, 2020) - Lt. Cmdr. Elizabeth McKenzie, from Louisville, Kentucky, and Lt. Cmdr. Nate Richardson, from Honolulu, demonstrate proper techniques to Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet Sailors during a Jiu Jitsu class aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as 7th Fleet command ship, actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sarah Eaton)  

AT SEA

02.17.2020

Story by Seaman Sarah Eaton 

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19)

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Lt. Cmdr. Elizabeth McKenzie, a Louisville, Kentucky native and Brazilian jiu-jitsu enthusiast, is using her love for the sport and unique skillsets to help improve health and wellness aboard the U.S 7th Fleet Flagship.

McKenzie, who is currently serving as Blue Ridge’s First Lieutenant, wanted to share her passion for jiu-jitsu, a self-defense system, martial art and combat sport that focuses mainly on ground fighting, with her shipmates aboard Blue Ridge and thus, began trying to gain interest from the ship’s crew.

Luckily, there are many Brazilian Jiu Jitsu enthusiasts onboard Blue Ridge between ship’s company and Command Seventh Fleet, which McKenzie admits made it easier to get the classes off the ground. Lt. Joshua Eddy from C7F was a part of a Jiu Jitsu club during his last patrol and brought valuable experience that helped get BLR’s classes started. He, Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Richardson and McKenzie now share in teaching the class and are enthusiastic about the positive feedback they’re received from the crew.

McKenzie and the team instruct jiu-jitsu classes throughout the week for beginners and advanced students to develop and increase their skills, which she believes implements physical and mental benefits through the lifestyle it promotes. She says jiu-jitsu can serve as inspiration for Sailors who are trying to become healthier.

“It gives Sailors the drive to want to be better on the mat, so they want to lead a healthier life off the mat,” said Mckenzie. “It could be motivation to stop smoking so they can breathe better, eat healthier so they have more energy, or to cross-train to be stronger and faster on the mat.”

Mckenzie also believes there are mental benefits to learning jiu-jitsu because it engages you mentally as well as physically. McKenzie says the sport has helped her overcome her own mental struggles.

“Beyond stress relief, it’s given me mental clarity,” said McKenzie. “It’s helped me become less violent and more understanding and patient with others.”

Mckenzie says the class also serves as a morale booster for her fellow shipmates and has noticed everyone who attends the class always walks away from the mat feeling positive and more prepared to take on new challenges.

“Jiu-Jitsu has taught me to be humble,” said Logistics System Technician 1st Class Guy Griffin, a Jiu-Jitsu student. “There is always someone that knows more than me. I love that we are doing the basics and everyone is genuinely enthusiastic about learning.”

Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy, and as 7th Fleet command ship, is responsible for patrolling and fostering relationships within the Indo- Pacific region.

For more news from USS Blue Ridge, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/lcc19/.

• Date Taken: 02.17.2020
• Date Posted: 02.17.2020 09:25
• Story ID: 363280
• Location: AT SEA
• Hometown: LOUISVILLE, KY, US