Elyse Demas
Club President
Class of 2023 (Public Policy and Russian)
Hometown: Granite Falls, NC
Why BJJ?
I started Jiu Jitsu the summer before I came to college because I wanted to learn self-defense. I fell in love with the sport and joined Club BJJ at the start of my freshman year. Some of my best college memories are from Club BJJ!
Shaun Wu
Club Vice President
Class of 2023 (BME and Chem minor)
Hometown: Pleasanton, CA
Why BJJ?
I have wrestled since I was in 7th grade and throughout high school. When I came to college, I realized how much I missed grappling and decided to join the Duke Jiu Jitsu club. It was one of the best decisions I made at Duke because it allowed me to continue my passion for grappling and become part of a close-knit and fun-loving community!
Fayfay Ning
Club Recruitment Chair/Social Chair
Class of 2023 (Math and CS)
Hometown: Manhasset, NY
Why BJJ?
Peer pressure from Elyse.
Andrew Gao
Club Treasurer
Class of 2023 (Computer Science/Music minor)
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Why BJJ?
I started BJJ during my senior year in high school as I’ve always wanted to learn a martial art. I was pulled into it by a family friend who was a blue belt at the time, and he killed me at my first class. I’ve loved it ever since!
Tom Barbaro
Club Safety Officer
Class of 2023 (Mechanical Eng/CS)
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Why BJJ?
I first tried BJJ a few months before coming to Duke, and really enjoyed the camaraderie of training. I joined Club BJJ as a way to continue learning about my newfound hobby and make some friends while transitioning to college 🙂
