Professor Julie Hoponick began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the fall of 2009 after graduating from Colorado State University with a masters in occupational therapy. Looking for a new team sport to become involved with, Julie spent some time researching various martial arts and settled on BJJ. During her first class, she became absorbed in the techniques and philosophies and is still engaged by the technical aspects of the game. After receiving her blue belt, Julie started competing in local and international tournaments, winning the silver medal at blue belt and the gold medal at brown belt in the Pan American Championships. She enjoys being a part of the competition team and works with Professor Finnie to run practices and organize the team. When not on the mats Julie tries to get out and enjoy Colorado on her mountain bike or head up to the high country and hit the slopes on her skis. Julie started teaching adult classes in the fall of 2013 and earned her black belt in 2016.