#16 Ellie Hassell-Cramer: BJJ for Self-Defence, Gracie Jiu Jitsu Lineage & Coaching Kids

In this episode of the Emerald Grappling Podcast, Aaron is joined by Ellie Hassell-Cramer, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt under Symmetry Jiu-Jitsu and the head coach of BJJ Gort. Originally from the United States, Ellie began training at just four years old alongside her parents, both third-degree black belts and academy owners, giving her a rare upbringing on the mats that continues to shape her journey today.We discuss Ellie’s unique start in jiu-jitsu, the influence of the Gracie family lineage on her approach to the art, and what it was like deciding to open her own academy in Ireland, encouraged by her husband as a way to reconnect with the sport. With nearly a decade of experience coaching kids, Ellie shares her insights on the differences between teaching children and adults, how she adapts her methods for different age groups, and the key lessons she hopes young students carry into their everyday lives.Our conversation explores the importance of self-defence in the Gracie tradition, how Ellie incorporates it into her classes, and why it remains an essential foundation for complete beginners. We also touch on the balance between coaching and personal progression, the role of community in building a welcoming gym environment, and the broader changes Ellie has witnessed in the jiu-jitsu landscape over the years.Finally, Ellie offers advice for coaches, especially those starting kids’ programs, and highlights the core benefits for parents considering enrolling their children in jiu-jitsu. She also shares where you can connect with her online and how to get involved at BJJ Gort.Chapters ➡ 00:00 - 03:12 Intro & Ellie 's BJJ Origin Story03:13 - 06:20 Gracie Jiu Jitsu Lineage 06:21 - 08:02 Did Ellie always want to open a gym?08:03 - 09:07 Difference Coaching Kids & Adults09:08 - 11:06 Ellie's Approach to Coaching Different Age Groups11:07 - 14:20 How Ellie Runs a Kid's Jiu Jitsu Class14:21 - 15:43 Kids Enjoying Jiu Jitsu15:44 - 16:50 Advice for Coaches Starting a Kid's Jiu Jitsu Class16:51 - 18:40 How Ellie Balances her own Jiu Jitsu Training18:41 - 21:30 Self Defence in Ellie's BJJ Classes21:31 - 22:38 Using BJJ for Self Defence & Wristlocks!22:39 - 26:52 BJJ for Self Defence Key Lessons26:53 - 28:09 How Jiu Jitsu Influences your life off the mats28:10 - 30:55 How BJJ Builds a Community30:56 - 33:04 Biggest Change in BJJ over the Years for Ellie33:05 - 34:37 How Kids are getting so good at jiu jitsu 34:38 - 35:28 BJJ Gort & Ellie Competing in Jiu Jitsu35:29 - 37:45 Future of Jiu Jitsu37:46 - 38:21 Connect with Ellie online38:22 - 38:48 5 Star Review & Subscribe38:49 - 39:28 Key Benefits for Kids training Jiu Jitsu39:29 - 39:38 Outro, Remember to Like Share & Subscribe!Make sure to follow BJJ Gort on the following:https://www.bjjgort.com/https://www.instagram.com/bjjgort/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570234120304If you enjoyed this episode of the podcast, please Like, Share and Subscribe! ✅----------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow Emerald Grappling on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeraldgrappling/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emeraldgrapplingRemember to subscribe and follow the podcast to avoid missing any episodes! ✅#EllieHassellCramer #BJJGort #SymmetryJiuJitsu #EmeraldGrapplingPodcast #IrishJiuJitsu #BJJInIreland #WomenWhoRoll #BJJWomen #BJJPurpleBelt #BJJCoach #BJJForKids #KidsJiuJitsu #BJJParents #BJJCommunity #BJJFamily #JiuJitsuJourney #BJJLifestyle #GracieLineage #SelfDefenseBJJ #MartialArtsForKids #MartialArtsIreland #BJJInspiration #JiuJitsuForEveryone #BJJTraining #BJJTeaching #BJJGrowth #BJJAdvice #BJJMotivation #IrishMartialArts #WomenInMartialArts