More Than Just a Belt

At Força Martial Arts & Fitness, we believe that a black belt is not something you chase—it’s something that comes to you when you show up, put in the work, and keep going no matter what. Few students embody that spirit more fully than Evelyn Colindres, who will be promoted to the rank of black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Saturday, July 12th at the conclusion of our seminar with Professor Danny Dring.

Evelyn’s Journey: A Black Belt Earned, Not Given 

Evelyn started training with us in 2013. Over the last decade, she’s grown into one of the most respected members of our team—not just for her success on the mats, but for her leadership, humility, and dedication to helping others grow. She currently serves as one of our youth Jiu-Jitsu instructors, where her patience, skill, and ability to lead the kids has made a lasting impact on our next generation of students.

More than just a Student: A Champion, Teacher, and Teammate 

Her accomplishments are extensive. Evelyn is a two-time International Kickboxing Federation World Champion (2014, 2015). She has competed in MMA, boxing, and kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Evelyn has also earned her Black Belt in both MMA and Kickboxing systems. She did all of this while working a third shift full-time, becoming a mother, and even recovering from a serious ankle injury. Through it all, she stayed consistent, stayed committed, and kept showing up.

Earning a black belt in BJJ takes the better part of a decade—just like a PhD. It requires sacrifice, frustration, injury, growth, and above all, persistence. It’s a journey measured not just in technique, but in character. Evelyn’s journey has been defined by those qualities from the beginning. 

"I train BJJ not only for the self-defense but for how empowered I feel when I'm able to control a man twice my size"

-Evelyn

A Milestone After the Seminar 

Her promotion will take place immediately following the “Wrist Locks from Everywhere” seminar with Professor Danny Dring, Arkansas’s first BJJ black belt and one of our longest-running mentors. That seminar runs from 10:00am to 12:00pm and is open to members of all affiliations. Cost for the seminar is $50.

Celebrate With Us! 

Following the promotion, we’ll be celebrating with a potluck in honor of Evelyn’s Guatemalan heritage. Força will provide carne asada, chicken, pupusas, rice, beans, and more. We invite members to sign up at the front desk to bring drinks, desserts, sides, or anything to help us make the day special. 

Show Up for Evelyn 

This promotion is not just a formality—it’s a celebration of everything Evelyn has given to this art, our team, and our community. We encourage all of our members, Evelyn’s friends, family, and anyone who has trained alongside her over the years to be here. Moments like this are rare, and they mean more when shared. 

Let’s fill the mats with love, respect, and support as we honor an incredible martial artist, teacher, and teammate. 

To Evelyn, 
“We are so proud of you and honored to have shared the mats with you for the past twelve years. Watching your growth—not just as an athlete, but as a leader, teacher, and incredible human being—has been one of the greatest privileges of my time as a coach. You’ve shown what it truly means to commit, to persevere, and to keep showing up no matter what. We’re so happy to be part of this moment with you—to see you achieve this incredible goal and to witness you recognized as a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.” 

Love, 
– Coach Brian

Força's Black Belts

Evelyn will become our 10th Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt promoted at Força! We are proud to recognize here alongside the following individuals who have reached this milestone through years of dedication and perseverance:

• Brian Wilson - Second Degree

• Randy Melton - First Degree

• Adam Sharp - First Degree

• Cora Wilson - First Degree

• Jeff Woods

• John Brashear

• Joshua McMillian

• Jorge Portillo

• Justin Myrick

Each name on this list represents a years long journey of discipline, commitment, and love for the art—and now, Evelyn joins them in carrying that tradition forward.

Interested in training with us? 

Whether you're new to martial arts or looking to take your training to the next level, we’d love to have you on the mats. 

📍 Força Martial Arts & Fitness 
301 Reasoner Lane, Russellville, AR 
🌐 www.forcamma.com 
📞 479-264-2008 

Come see what we’re all about.