Fighting Forward: Remembering Shirley's Strength, Story, & Legacy

Rest in love, Queen <3 In this powerful and deeply human episode, Mallory and Jenn sit down with Shirley—a white belt from San Diego with a black belt in resilience. We learned of her passing just months after recording.    Shirley’s story isn’t just about Jiu Jitsu. It’s about surviving cancer, overcoming a brain tumor, navigating neurodivergence, and choosing sobriety every single day for over five years. Alongside her husband Dustin—her middle school sweetheart and co-owner of Studio 33 Jiu Jitsu—Shirley has built a life filled with strength, service, and second chances.   From the mats to motherhood to managing properties by day and health battles by night, Shirley’s journey is a testament to grit, grace, and the power of community. Even when Jiu Jitsu had to take a backseat, she never stopped finding her way back to it. You can follow Shirley's journey at her CaringBridge here: https://www.caringbridge.org/site/a99128b8-8e32-11ef-9494-350da6b5041c   Follow Dustin and Shirley on Instagram @studio33bjj  Follow Chokeholds and Chill on Instagram @chokeholdsandchillpod  Email us: [email protected]