Meet Ann Ching | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach & Law Professor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ann Ching and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ann, what role has risk played in your life or career?
To me, risk means making a choice outside one’s comfort zone, where the prospect of failure is a real possibility. In that sense, I made a risky decision to join the Army, and an equally risky decision to leave the Army before retirement eligibility. In both cases, these risky decisions paid off because I was exposed to challenges and opportunities I would have never encountered had I stayed with the status quo.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a lawyer, Army veteran, law professor, and jiu jitsu coach. My education provided the foundation for all my future opportunities. As a student at the University of Arizona, I joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), which led to my career as an Army officer. My excellent legal education at the University of North Carolina allowed me to work as a military lawyer, law professor, ethics attorney, and judge. And my jiu jitsu journey has been supported by the coaches who have taught me from white to brown belt.

Working in male-dominated industries and sports has been a challenge throughout my career. I grew up with the adage that women had to work twice as hard as men to get ahead. Although women today benefit from more opportunities and greater equality, we still face obstacles on our road to success. That’s why I support and champion women, both as a women’s self-defense instructor and through organizations like the Arizona Women Lawyers Association.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in the same city where I grew up — Tempe, Arizona. One place I always bring visitors to is Joe’s Italian Ice. The frozen treats are hand-crafted and scrumptious, and the retro decor adds to the charm. I’d also recommend taking a tour of Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe. Although it’s lost the bohemian vibe I grew up with, Mill remains a great location to take in live music and enjoy good food. And for those who have a few days to explore Arizona, a trip to Bisbee is a must. I have made Bisbee my second home since 2020, and the local art scene is unbeatable.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to recognize Coach Michael Stinson, owner and head instructor at Centerline Jiu Jitsu in Chandler, Arizona. He has always encouraged me to challenge myself in my training and is an enthusiastic supporter of women in martial arts.

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/annching