Bethany MacGillivray
Bethany was introduced to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu when she met her husband, Ray Lee. The self-defence focus of the Women Empowered program encouraged her to explore confidence, increase self-esteem, build boundaries and learn more about herself in a safe and empowering environment.
As a natural extension of her yoga teaching, upon completing the Women Empowered program and earning her Pink Belt, Bethany was inspired to pursue her certification as a Women Empowered Assistant Instructor. She successfully passed in July 2016 under the guidance and live evaluation of Rener Gracie and Eve Torres Gracie in Torrance, California.
Today, Bethany is also a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Professional Art Therapist (MCP-AT). By aligning her deep understanding of the psychology behind the Women Empowered program, and the importance that self-defence can have for women, Bethany’s intention is to provide a warm and welcoming environment where everyone can feel empowered to explore, learn and grow.
Within Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, she found a sense of community she had been looking for, and is excited to build this community in the Tri-Cities area by offering her knowledge, and sharing the love of mental health, wellness and self-defence with everyone at Tri-Cities Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Bethany’s Training History and Timeline:
January 2015 - White belt awarded by Marc Marins and Liz Law Marins.
February 2016 - Pink belt awarded by Marc Marins and Liz Law Marins.
July 2016 - Instructor Certification awarded by Rener Gracie and Eve Torres Gracie.