JitsCast #63 features Lauren Barone, the first and currently only woman to become the owner of a team in the Professional Grappling Federation. Barone purchased a franchise in the promotion and created the Philadelphia Phenoms; a team that will make their debut in the upcoming season. PGF World Season 9 is just a matter of days away and it will feature some of the most exciting under 175lbs competitors in the world will be battling it out for one of the biggest prize pools around. The winning team will split the $100,000 grand prize between them and the individual competitor who wins the playoffs will also win $20,000.
Jits Magazine spoke to Barone about her Jiu-Jitsu journey up to this point, and she explained the steps that have brought her to this point. She spoke about her early interests and how they ultimately led her to falling in love with Jiu-Jitsu, and shared how she discovered the PGF through her husband. Barone also shared some of her thoughts about the future of the promotion; something that she has a unique perspective on given that she is the owner of one of only four teams involved. The promotion is planning on expansion even further beyond that in the years to come though.
Barone also broke down the organizational structure of the Philadelphia Phenoms too, as she has built a team of people around her to help guide them to success. 10th Planet black belt Stephen Eakin has come on board as the general manager and their coach for this upcoming season will be PGF veteran Kris Olivo. They’ve also already signed two competitors for the team before the customary PGF draft begins thanks to a slight change in the format too. Now Andrew Kochel and Derek Rayfield have been announced as the first to represent the Philadelphia Phenoms.
JitsCast #63 with Lauren Barone is now available to watch on the official Jits Magazine YouTube channel, click here to subscribe for more or check out they interview below:
