ERICKA FALAVINHA
DIRECTOR & KIDS COACH
Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Ericka Falavinha is a proud mother, wife, and active jiu jitsu competitor. Her journey began after relocating to Texas in 2017, where watching her husband train sparked a curiosity that pulled her onto the mat — and she felt a connection to the art almost instantly. Today she trains and competes as a blue belt, driven by a relentless passion for growth and the family-first spirit at the heart of Combate Academy.
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ERICKA FALAVINHA
Ericka Falavinha is a proud mother and wife, originally from the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Her journey with jiu jitsu began when she relocated to Texas in 2017. At first, she watched her husband's dedication to the sport, witnessing his daily training routine — and it wasn't long before curiosity got the better of her and she stepped onto the mat for her first class. Almost instantly, she felt an undeniable connection with jiu jitsu, and that marked the beginning of her journey into this empowering martial art.
Currently a white belt, Ericka is an active competitor driven by a profound passion for the sport. Her goal isn't only to keep learning and growing, but to pursue excellence — setting new personal milestones with every step forward.
What makes her journey even more special is that her family trains together. That shared experience strengthens their familial bonds and creates a unique sense of unity within their household — a testament to the inclusive, communal nature of the jiu jitsu community that Combate Academy is built around.
A mantra that resonates with her during training says it best: "You don't have time to be tired." That mindset captures her commitment to pushing through challenges, staying focused, and relentlessly pursuing improvement. For Ericka, jiu jitsu isn't just a physical activity — it's a holistic approach to life, a journey of self-discovery, and a pathway to both physical and mental excellence.
