We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jade Vincent. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jade below.

Alright, Jade thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

I’ve had several defining moments in my professional career, but one lives rent-free in my head.
Around the time I was transitioning to working at a Taekwondo school and taking on my first clients, I met a pre-teen student. Let’s call him Jim. Jim was a kind-hearted individual with autism. Unfortunately this made him a target for bullies.
I had been working with Jim on a Judo throw to counter a punch. To make sure he had the technique down, I had him practice throwing me at least 25 times per session over the course of two months.
One day, before our session, his mom greeted me with a mischievous grin and said, “Ask Jim about what happened at school.”
Jim looked away, a little ashamed, and said, “I got into a fight… with the ringleader of the bullies. He and the others have been picking on me for most of the school year.”
Jim explained that when their insults stopped affecting him, the ring leader got mad and tried to punch him like he normally did. Without thinking, Jim used the Judo throw we’d practiced. The ringleader hit the desk, then the floor.
I tried to hide the proud look on my face and asked, “Did the others jump in to back him up?”
“No,” Jim said. “Their eyes got so wide… they ran away.”
He admitted he surprised even himself. Jim never meant to fight back, but his body moved on its own.
That moment filled me with so much pride. Not just because of the technique, but because the time, care, and trust I’d invested in him had given him the confidence to stand up for himself.

Jade, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Growing up, I moved frequently. Being a smaller kid and one of the few Black students in a predominantly white school made me an easy target for bullies. My passion for fighting was born from the martial arts films I watched with my family, as we didn’t have the time or resources for formal lessons. I would mimic the techniques of legends like Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Li, and Michael Jai White, applying them whenever confronted by bullies.

I went on to train with various master instructors and coaches, becoming a well-rounded combatant. This experience shaped my appreciation for movement, discipline, and a strong mindset.

The idea for “J.V. & ME” began while I was training to represent Grenada internationally in Taekwondo under a former USA Olympic coach. I also studied Hapkido, Judo, and various weapons and taught these skills to over 450 students. I eventually had to leave to pay for college to pursue nursing, but was encouraged to continue teaching privately on the side because of my ability to connect with and empower my students..

While 2019 is known for the start of COVID, it was a pivotal year in my life. I married my best friend in January, became my mother’s caregiver after her surgeries in February, and on March 4th, I died. My mom, auntie, and wife prayed, and like Lazarus, I resurrected. The head neurologist said I had too much brain bleeding, said my discharge would be about 16 months, yet I was out in just 3½ weeks, with my recovery accelerating exponentially.

I moved to Dallas for therapy, where I trained myself with the same discipline I had applied to my students, but with even more intensity. My therapists were impressed, telling me to “keep doing what you’re doing.” With the encouragement of my supportive wife and mother, I established “J.V. & ME” as an LLC. My decades of martial arts training have given me a deep understanding of the body and how to safely push its limits, both for myself and for others.

The mission of “J.V. & ME” is to empower people to embody a newfound confidence. We help our clients develop the skills to move through life with ease, knowing they can keep themselves and those around them secure.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Yes. My career choice is a direct result of my journey through martial arts. The training not only equipped me with self-defense skills, but it also instilled the discipline and mindset needed to understand and connect with people. It’s the perfect way to apply my life’s lessons to help others.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I feel like it’s having true Compassion, patience, and understanding are essential because they form the foundation of trust and respect with your clients. Rather than just teaching techniques, you are guiding individuals on a personal journey.

Compassion allows you to connect with their fears and vulnerabilities, while

Patience helps you adapt your teaching style to their unique learning pace and physical abilities.

Understanding, enables you to tailor your instruction to their specific goals and past experiences, whether they’re overcoming trauma or simply starting a new fitness journey.

Together, these traits empower you to create a safe, supportive, and effective environment where clients feel seen, heard, and truly capable of achieving their goals.

Here’s dot virtual business card for anyone interested in setting up their first session.

https://dot.cards/jv_and_me

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.v._and_me
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-v-and-me-0814a637a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Image Credits

https://tiannasaulter.myportfolio.com/work?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwMNFeBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp9t5eltym_rdGDYi1oWFtN6JZIDT0HVV0bXySp8n79qfKhVxCrs4PMPyrCxn_aem_ICZa9jyehRWm2feYVr4S5g