Kinsley Porter is representing Frenship in the international Jiu-Jitsu arena. The IBJJF Pan Kids Championship is one of the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) tournaments for kids aged 4-15. Kinsley recently competed in the Pan Kids Championship this summer and came in 3rd place, making her fourth in her age and weight division. In prior IBJJF championships she earned multiple gold medals, boosting her division to the top five. Based on the fluid ranking system determined on points earned and places finished, Kinsley currently holds the fifth place ranking in the world. She is hoping to move back up to the fourth place ranking in her next competition.
Kinsley was first introduced to Jiu-Jitsu in late 2022, when she joined her dad during one of his training sessions and began to fall in love with it. Her first competition was in January of 2023, where she learned to keep her head high and keep pushing forward through challenges.
“She lost every match but still kept her chin held high and loved to train,” said Derek Porter, Kinsley’s Father. “Going forward, she started competing in all local tournaments within a 2-hour drive. She started dominating in AGF and Battleground tournaments, winning first place as a white belt for the first year. She received her grey belt in October 2023 in which we registered her for what is considered the biggest Jiu Jitsu Tournaments IBJJF.”
Alcove Trails Principal, Rebecca Whipkey is extremely proud of Kinsley not only for her high ranking, but the way she represents perseverance and grace.
“We are so proud of Kinsley! She is a highly motivated, extremely talented young lady both in and out of school,” said Whipkey. “She sets high expectations for herself and works hard to reach them. She is a great leader for us, and we love having her at Alcove Trails!”
When Kinsley competed this past summer, she faced lots of competition across the world.
“IBJJF Pan Kids Championship is the largest kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu championship in the world. Hence the reason a lot call it the Kids World Championship,” said Derek. “In fact, Kinsley’s first match was with a young lady that flew out to compete from Sydney, Australia. It is held only once per year in Orlando, Florida. She had 18 in her bracket. The brackets get divided, and the winner moves on and unfortunately the loser goes home empty handed, unless you make it to the semifinals.”
Kinsley was one of the lucky ones who did not go home empty handed. Her next championship will be in November in Waco, TX.
“Now, my goal is to get in the top 3 and win the national championship and the Kids’ Pan World Championship,” said Kinsley Porter.
Kinsley’s parents could not be more proud of her commitment and hard work.
“We are super proud of Kinsley and her dedication to the sport. She loves being on the mats and training. She trains with her peers, and even trains with the adults on certain days. She truly is an inspiration, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for her,” said Derek.
Kinsley’s favorite part about Jiu-Jitsu is learning new skills and being able to show them off.
“I LOVE competing and putting newly developed skills to the test! There is a rush of adrenaline when stepping on the mats right before I roll in competition that is not like anything else,” said Kinsley.
Kinsley enjoys helping coach and train younger kids, including her younger sister, Brooklyn. Her goal is to help develop the younger kids' skills and build up their confidence.
“She loves working with the younger kids to better develop their skills,” said Derek. “Her coaches even gave her the nickname “kangaroo" because she has created her own submission move. Her coaches call it the “kangaroo lock” and they taught it to their adults because they liked it so much when Kinsley performed it during a training class. It is a very painful shoulder lock. She has done the kangaroo lock in competition that helped her win a gold medal in the Dallas Championship.”
Kinsley wants to encourage people to consider taking Jiu-Jitsu, it has impacted her life, and she believes it will positively impact those who try it out.
“Anyone that is looking for a boost of confidence and a gym with amazing coaches, you need to come give it a try! BASE Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an awesome place, and I love the people and being there,” said Kinsley.
Awesome work, Kinsley Porter! Frenship Nation will be cheering you on in the next competition.