Gillis wins double gold in Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition

Remington Gillis, senior student and a member of Duke Kunshan’s Mixed Martial Arts Club, has won two golds in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament in the United States.

Gillis, who holds a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, finished first in the women’s gi and no gi division, at the two-day BJJ Fanatics Omaha event in November 2021.

A member of Duke Kunshan’s Class of 2022, Gillis has been studying remotely in her home city of Omaha, Nebraska, since early 2020. She said she was happy to be return to competition after training at a local gym.

“After just a couple of weeks, I felt so much better,” said Gillis, who received her Covid-19 vaccination in the summer. “I had a sport to focus on, something physical to work toward in a world that had quickly become physically isolated.

“Good health extends beyond you and your fitness, to how you interact with others, and your actions impact more than just yourself,” she added. “I will not be going back to my Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym for a while, because I’m looking out for the health of myself, my family and my community, but I will continue to focus on my physical health throughout the rest of the academic year and beyond.”