Grandmaster Christianny Paiva Lima: A Trailblazer in Martial Arts
Grandmaster Christianny Paiva Lima alongside Grandmaster Andre Lima, founded the Lima Taekwondo & Martial Arts Academy, bringing nearly 40 years of martial arts experience to her role. She holds the prestigious title of Taekwondo Grandmaster, certified as a 7th degree black belt by the World Taekwondo (Kukkiwon). Notably, Grandmaster Christianny stands out as a pioneer and is recognized as the first female to achieve a Black Belt in both Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, two distinctly different martial arts disciplines.
Early Exposure and Passion for Martial Arts
Grandmaster Christianny was first introduced to Taekwondo when her brother began taking lessons during her childhood. At the time, she was deeply engaged in various dance styles and practices, which occupied much of her attention. Her interest in martial arts, however, grew over the years. In 1988, while participating in a six-month exchange student program in Italy, she witnessed Taekwondo demonstrations that captivated her with their dynamic spinning kicks. Upon returning to Brazil, she promptly enrolled in a local Taekwondo school, and by age 15, the sport had become a significant influence in her life.
Athletic Background and Early Teaching Experience
Prior to her journey in Taekwondo, Grandmaster Christianny dedicated nearly a decade to ballet and other dance styles, performing in countless shows and demonstrations. She was also active as a volleyball and swimming competitor throughout her school years. From a young age, she experienced a disciplined athletic environment and developed early teaching skills by assisting classes in volleyball, swimming, and dance.
Rapid Progress and Unique Appeal of Taekwondo
Grandmaster Christianny’s initial progress in Taekwondo was swift, thanks to the strength, flexibility, and agility she gained from years of athletic training. Although she enjoyed her previous sports, Taekwondo became her passion for several reasons. She found Taekwondo to be both exotic and special, blending grace and artistry with practical self-defense. The belt advancement system represented clear goals and challenges, and the individual nature of competition allowed her to rely solely on her own preparation and skill. Most importantly, she appreciated that martial arts are inclusive, not restricted by appearance, age, or gender. Progress in martial arts is personal, measured against one’s own beginnings rather than others, and shaped by dedicated training under the guidance of instructors and peers.
Competitive Spirit and Determination
After her first year of Taekwondo study, Grandmaster Christianny began competing, becoming the only girl on her school’s competition team. Her male teammates challenged her, making training rigorous. Undeterred, she met their challenge head-on, training harder and ultimately achieving success in competitions. Her dedication led to frequent victories and enjoyment, as she collected numerous medals along the way.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
Grandmaster Christianny made history as the first woman in Ceara, Brazil, to earn a Taekwondo Black Belt. She became the first female to represent her state in national tournaments, adding more medals to her achievements. Her relentless dedication led her to become the first female Master and, eventually, Grandmaster in Ceara, remaining the only one to date.
National and International Recognition
As of now, Grandmaster Christianny is the only female Taekwondo Grandmaster in Brazil to hold the highest official Taekwondo rank, a 7th degree Kukkiwon certification. She has represented both Brazil and the USA in national Taekwondo competitions.
Professional Milestones and Founding of Lima Academy
Beyond her martial arts achievements, Grandmaster Christianny passed a rigorous national test to become a Federal Agent for the Brazilian Police in 1994.
However, she moved to Los Angeles in 1995. At that time, she and her business partner, Grandmaster Andre Lima, founded and established the renowned Lima Taekwondo & Martial Arts Academy.
Mastery of Multiple Martial Arts
In addition to her 7th Dan in Taekwondo, Grandmaster Christianny holds a 2nd Degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. She has trained alongside Taekwondo for nearly 30 years, initially encouraged by Grandmaster Andre Lima to add a grappling dimension to her martial arts practice. Over the years, she has learned from several Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructors.
Awards and Recognition
Grandmaster Christianny has earned numerous awards for her contributions to women’s representation in martial arts. Her most recent honor was her induction as “Outstanding competitor of Brazil and USA” in the International Taekwondo Hall of Fame in 2019, with the ceremony held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Empowering Women Through Martial Arts
In 2019, Grandmaster Christianny founded the Women’s Jiu Jitsu Self-Defense Program. This program is tailored for women seeking effective self-defense skills in a safe, enjoyable, and supportive environment. It serves working professionals, mothers, pre-teens, teens, and young women preparing for college, as well as anyone desiring the confidence and ability to protect themselves without the discomfort of typical male-dominated group classes.
Current Responsibilities and Educational Focus
Grandmaster Christianny currently dedicates her time to managing, teaching, and training at both Lima Academy locations. She teaches Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu daily and leads the Academy’s after-school programs throughout the Los Angeles area, which she founded and developed over 27 years ago.
Academic Qualifications and Specialization
Grandmaster Christianny holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and an Associate Degrees in Business and Education. Grandmaster Christianny is highly skilled in teaching martial arts to children and teenagers with special needs. Her specialized approach ensures that students receive individualized attention, allowing them to thrive and develop confidence through martial arts training. By adapting her methods to accommodate each student’s unique abilities, she fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where every participant can learn, grow, and achieve their personal best.
Grandmaster Christianny accomplished many martial arts athletics awards for representing women in martial arts thru the years. Her lately big award was her induction as “Outstanding competitor of Brazil and USA” on the International Taekwondo Hall of Fame in 2019, which the Ceremony was celebrated in Bangkok, Thailand.
In 2019, Grandmaster Christianny founded and created her successful Women’s Jiu Jitsu Self-Defense Program. The Program is for all women who want to learn realistic and effective self-defense in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. The program is designed for working professionals, moms, pre-teens, teens, young women preparing to go off to college and leave home for the first time; for anyone who has ever wanted the skills and confidence to know that they could protect themselves if they needed to, but don’t necessarily feel comfortable in a typical, predominantly male group class setting.
Currently Grandmaster Christianny dedicates her time managing, teaching and training in both locations. She daily teaches both Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu styles. She also teaches and leads all the Lima Taekwondo & Martial Arts Academy after-school programs around the Los Angeles area. A program successful founded, created and developed by her over 20 years ago.
Grandmaster Christianny has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Associate Degree in Business and Education. She is specialized in teaching children and teenagers with special needs thru martial arts.
