Mackenzie
| Mackenzie Dern was born March 24th, 1993. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona she began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu beginning at the age of 3. She has dedicated herself to training with both her father, Wellington "Megaton" Dias, and her stepmother, Luciana Tavares, both of whom are Black Belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mackenzie just won the Arizona Grappling Challenge and was awarded fastest submission(18sec.) Mackenzie is now an Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Over the years Mackenzie 'Megaton' Dern has become very competitive and has dominated children's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions like her father and stepmother have dominated men's and women's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mackenzie is the only junior competitor who has been to Brazil and who has trained with the Royler Gracie Team. She has also trained with Rolker Gracie in Brazil. Mackenzie continues to improve her skills and technique. In addition to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu she also trains and competes in Judo tournaments. Mackenzie has many friends and a good, loving and healthy life. She has many hobbies and interests, including snowboarding, surfing, and her favorite activity - horseback riding. She is a horseback competitor and continues to love horseback riding. Mackenzie wants to continue following in her Dad's footsteps until she receives a black belt and intends to compete in world class competitions. | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: * 1st place At IX Copa Pacific '06 * 1st place At 7th Az Grappling Challenge '06 * 1st place At VIII Copa Pacific '05 * 1st place At 6th AZ Grappling Challenge '05 * 1st Place At VII Copa Pacifica '04 * 1st Place At 5th Arizona Grappling Challenge (AZGC) '04 * 1st Place At United Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Championships '04 * 1st Place At III Inland Empire BJJ Championship '04 * 1st Place At II Inland Empire BJJ Championship '03 * 1st Place At VI Copa Pacifica '03 * 1st Place At Arizona Grappling Challenge (AZGC) '03 * 1st Place At Arizona Kids BJJ & Submission Grappling Championships '03 * 1st Place At V Copa Pacifica '02 * 1st Place At AZGC '02 * 2nd Place At 1st AZBJJ Championships '02 * 2nd Place At United Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Championships '02 * 2nd Place At 1st Southwest BJJ Championships '02 * 2nd Place At II Rickson Gracie Int'l Championships '01 * 3rd Place At IV Copa Pacifica '01 * 1st Place At AZGC '01 * Awarded As The Fastest Submission At AZGC '01 * 2nd Place At California State Championships '00 In Her First Competition * 1st Place At III Copa Pacifica '00 Judo: * 1st Place At Arizona State Judo Championships '04 * 1st Place At Arizona State Judo Championships '03 * Awarded As The Best Junior Competitor Among The Ages From 4 To 16 Years * Has Already Qualified For The Judo Junior National Championships In Florida '03 |
