Tarsis Humphreys Discusses Teaching Demi Lovato Jiu-Jitsu

Tarsis Humphreys Discusses Teaching Demi Lovato Jiu-Jitsu

Few blue belt promotions receive the level of attention that Demi Lovato has experienced recently. Keyboard warriors were rife with opinions -- the pop singer couldn't have possibly achieved the level of competency required in just over a year, right?

Aug 31, 2017 by Chase Smith
Tarsis Humphreys Discusses Teaching Demi Lovato Jiu-Jitsu
Few blue belt promotions receive the level of attention that Demi Lovato has experienced recently.

Upon hearing of the pop singer's rise in rank, keyboard warriors were rife with opinions -- she couldn't have possibly achieved the level of competency required in just over a year, right? Not the case -- says one of her instructors, Tarsis Humphreys.

She's legit. She rolls with everyone, is a fast learner, and absolutely in love with the sport. She even wants to compete one day!

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Though Alliance black belt Danielle Martin is Lovato's primary instructor, Humphreys has recently been brought in to add to the superstar's ever-growing game. Here's what the world champion and ADCC medalist had to say about her training and her approach to the gentle art:

She loves to play on top, is super strong for her size, and capable of smashing people. When she is in town, Lovato is in the gym at least four days a week. She trains two hours per session, and it's with a regular class. And that's just jiu-jitsu! She training striking here as well.

Obviously, the widespread scrutiny is due to Lovato's status as a mega-celebrity -- she has over 60 million fans on Instagram! Humphreys argues that we should embrace the level exposure Lovato brings to jiu-jitsu.

"It's important that a celebrity loves jiu-jitsu," Humphreys said. "She shows us that anyone can do it and brings more attention to us. We should welcome her to the art."

Special thanks to Tarsis for the interview!


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