What’s your name and what fills your time?
Kelly Beech. What fills my time? Boy that’s a loaded question! I own the Embassy Barber Shop at Penman and Atlantic and have for almost thirty years now. I also have a Jiu-Jitsu studio there called Black Belt Studio BJJ where I teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu six days a week! So every morning my little friend (alarm clock!) goes off at 6:00 am and I rise and shine to get my day going. Early mornings are when I focus on just what I will accomplish in my Jiu-Jitsu classes and that’s pretty much a ritual for me. So between exercising and teaching and cutting hair my time is very full!
Anything special going on for this summer?
Well, my studio’s main focus is on teaching kids, and that is special in itself to me. But I did take a week off this summer to travel to Orlando with my sister to celebrate her birthday. We went down to Disney and did all the touristy stuff and we had so much fun just being away for a hot minute and celebrating without worrying about all the daily routine stuff that consumes our lives up here!
How do you like living on the First Coast?
I love living here. I love to surf and even though I work a lot I do find time to get in the water as often as possible. There really is something special about North Florida that I may not be able to exactly put my finger on it, but I have good friends here and there is actually a lot to do here when you get right down to it.
Any hobbies or interests worth telling us about?
That’s sort of another loaded question! Jiu-Jitsu is both work and a hobby. I’ve had my studio for seven years now and I was the first woman in the state of Florida to own a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu studio and I’m currently one of only two women in the country to own a studio and teach Jiu-Jitsu. I have won five World Championships in the women’s division of Jiu-Jitsu competition, even winning the Ultimate Two one year which qualified me as the outright World Champion, something I’m very proud of.
What’s something cool, unique or funny about you that people don’t know?
I don’t know when this will end, but when martial arts quits being a major focus in my life I want to run for Mayor! I kind of feel like to do that I would want to go back to school and get a degree in economics or political science or just study subjects that would make me more qualified to hold an office like that, but it’s something I really would like to do!
Anything else that you would like to tell the community?
I think like most people say, be nice to others. Be respectful of people and try to show kindness and understanding to your neighbors and to your fellow man in general. That is what is important in life and life is too short to waste with contempt and hate. Love your neighbor!
I teach kids four days a week and have a Wednesday evening class for women if anyone is interested! Click on this link: Black Belt Studio BJJ.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
