For Yared Velázquez, success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) isn’t just about strength, skill, or strategy—it’s about resilience, recovery, and the right kind of support. The 23-year-old athlete from Charlottesville, Virginia, has made remarkable strides in his martial arts journey, transforming from a high school wrestler with a shoulder injury to a nationally ranked BJJ competitor and aspiring MMA champion. But behind every win, there’s a story of perseverance—and a team of people helping him stay in the fight. For Yared, that team includes Ivy Rehab.
A Passion Born on the Mat
Yared’s journey into combat sports began in high school, where wrestling gave him his first taste of disciplined competition. But like many young athletes, the physical demands took a toll. By his junior year, he faced a significant shoulder injury that could have sidelined him for good. Instead, Ivy Rehab stepped in.
“In 2018, I went to Ivy for a shoulder injury,” Yared recalls. “It took time to fix me up, but they got me back to 100%. That year, my performance skyrocketed—I went from a 10-12 record the year before to 33-9. It was the best I’d ever felt. Ivy Rehab wasn’t just treating my injury; they gave me the tools to reach my potential.”
That experience stayed with him, even as he graduated in 2019 and took a brief hiatus from competing. It was a wrestling coach’s recommendation to try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Charlottesville that reignited his competitive spirit. “I fell in love with it from the first class,” he says. Yared left his 9-to-5 job in 2023 to chase his dream of becoming a professional MMA fighter, a leap of faith that soon tested his resilience once again.
The Road to Recovery—and Victory
The physical intensity of BJJ and MMA is undeniable, and injuries are almost inevitable. In the past two years, Yared faced two major challenges: another shoulder injury and a partially torn MCL in 2023. For many athletes, such setbacks would mean sitting out, missing key opportunities, and potentially stalling their careers. But with Ivy Rehab in his corner, Yared approached recovery with the same discipline and determination he brings to his training.
“When I partially tore my MCL, I had just three weeks to get ready for my second national tournament,” he explains. “At first, I didn’t think it was possible. But my team at Ivy said, ‘We’ll do our best—but you have to do your part, too.’” Yared committed fully, attending physical therapy twice a day, following a specialized nutrition plan, and training smartly.
The results were nothing short of extraordinary. Not only did he recover in time, but he also went on to win six consecutive matches at nationals, earning the #4 world ranking. “That was a pivotal moment for me,” he says. “It proved that when you have people who know what they’re doing and you take care of your body, your body will take care of you. I wouldn’t have been able to compete at that level without Ivy’s support.”
A Partnership Beyond Injuries
For Yared, Ivy Rehab has been more than just a place for recovery—it’s been a cornerstone of his athletic development. The clinic’s advanced recovery equipment and direct access to therapy have been game-changers for him. “With direct access, I don’t have to wait weeks for a referral to start treatment. I can text my therapist, and they’ll get me in right away,” he says. “Time is so valuable, especially when you’re competing at this level. Ivy’s willingness to support me has made all the difference.”
Yared has also integrated the exercises and injury prevention techniques he’s learned into his daily routine. “I still do my PT exercises every day as part of my warm-up,” he shares. “They’ve helped me stay healthy and avoid further injuries.”
But the impact of Ivy Rehab extends beyond Yared himself. His success has inspired others in his community to prioritize recovery and injury prevention. He’s recommended Ivy to his family, teammates, and even his own students—kids ages 4-12 whom he teaches at Gracie Charlottesville. “My mom and dad both went to Ivy for back and ankle issues, and now they’re feeling great. My mom even trains Jiu-Jitsu with me now!”
Lessons from the Mat
As Yared reflects on his journey, he emphasizes that setbacks have been just as crucial to his growth as victories. “Losing is so important for my development as an athlete,” he says. “When I lose, I watch those matches over and over, reflecting on what I can improve. My biggest fear is to stop learning—because that’s a dangerous place to be, in sports and in life.”
This mindset fuels his short-term and long-term goals. In the immediate future, Yared is focused on building his record and fighting for championship belts as an MMA fighter. His ultimate dream? Competing professionally in the UFC. “MMA is a combination of all the disciplines I’ve trained in—Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, Muay Thai. It’s where I want to be,” he says.
A Community Behind Every Champion
For Yared, success isn’t just about individual effort—it’s about the support of a community. Whether it’s the therapists at Ivy Rehab, his coaches and teammates, or the kids he teaches, every connection plays a role in his journey. “The community support has been amazing,” he says. “Having a team behind you gives you the confidence to push forward. And it’s not just about me—I can help others, too, whether it’s my teammates, my students, or my family.”
As he continues to climb the ranks in BJJ and MMA, Yared remains grateful for the role Ivy Rehab has played in his story. “Without their help, I wouldn’t be competing at this level,” he says. “They’ve been a huge impact on my life, my family’s life, and my teammates’ lives. With their support, I know I can keep chasing my dream.”
Yared Velázquez’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of recovery, and the strength of a community that believes in you. From the mats of Charlottesville to the national stage, he’s proving that with the right support, anything is possible.
Whether you’re an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone recovering from a life-changing injury, having a dedicated team like Ivy Rehab can make all the difference in reaching your goals. Ready to take the first step toward your own success story? Book an appointment or find an Ivy Rehab location near you today at https://ivyrehab.com/physical-therapy-location/. Your journey to feeling and performing your best starts here!
