Sensei Candace has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 23 and half years. She has been instructing for 22 years. She earned her Black Belt under the late Don Banville in 2009 whose lineage can be traced back to his family in Japan and the Gracie family from Brazil. She became a 5th-degree Black Belt under Carlos Machado in 2021. Candace competed in several North American Grappling Tournaments placing 1st in most and second, with a few giving her the title of Women's Lightweight Advanced North American Grappling Champion for the years 2000 and 2001. She was recognized as a positive female role model in martial arts in 2008 when she was a keynote speaker for a women's martial arts encounter. Candace has been working in human services for the past 39 years dedicating this time to the protection and safety of children and families. She is a Home visitor for the Head Start program in her area. As a home visitor, she has had the opportunity to work with a diverse population and feels honored to be accepted and invited into the homes of so many. Candace also practices Reiki as a Reiki Master and is a Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher. All of these modalities are a compliment to her martial art practice, home visiting, being a parent, and all other aspects of her life.