Business & Tech
Guillobel Hires New World-Champ Jujitsu Instructor
Penny Thomas, who hails from South Africa and currently resides in Oceanside, started Brazilian jujitsu as a form of self-defense, and then rose to the top.
Oceanside resident Penny Thomas has always been competitive.
That's probably how she went from being a software developer in South Africa to slamming other women's faces against vinyl mats in Southern California.
When she's not competing in major jujitsu tournaments, Thomas teaches four classes at , instructing children and adults in the martial art.
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Jujitsu in the Brazilian style has grown in popularity in Southern California in recent years. Guillobel is one of two jujitsu gyms in San Clemente and one of about a dozen in Orange County.
Thomas said she started jujitsu training in South Africa 11 years ago for self-defense.
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It was no surprise she took to the sport, being naturally athletic. She competed as a gymnast in the Junior Olympics before spinal fusions cut that career short. She also swam competitively and spent time as a lifeguard in South Africa.
In 2002, she traveled to Brazil for jujitsu training.
"I started winning and beating most of the boys I was competing against," Thomas said.
In 2009 she took first place in the Jiu Jitsu World Championships and second in 2010Â and has won 22 other titles in various competitions since 2004.
She's won world championships at each belt level: blue, purple, brown and black, the highest level of attainment, Thomas said.
She has also grappled with famous female mixed martial arts fighter Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos.
A resident of Oceanside, Thomas has been teaching in San Clemente for three weeks.
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