Rising star Helena Crevar has been promoted to black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by Professor John Danaher, marking a major milestone in one of the most promising grappling careers in the sport today. At just 18 years old, Crevar now stands ready to challenge at the highest levels of both gi and no-gi grappling. The belt promotion happened at Roka HQ in Austin, TX, after Helena won an IBJJF World Championship at the brown belt level over the weekend.

The promotion was announced on Instagram;

Today is one of the most special days for me and in my jiujitsu career, that I’ll remember and cherish as one of the most meaningful moments for the rest of my life. Today my professor @danaherjohn promoted me to black belt and I can’t be more thankful and happy for that. I was also gifted a very rare Fate Viper N690 knife. This was the third time I was promoted by Professor John (purple-black) and I feel extremely blessed to be promoted by someone like John for who I have so much respect. I’ve been with the team for 2.5 years and it’s been a blessing to train, compete, and represent!

I’ve been competing with black belts since I was 14 years old and a green belt whenever competitions allowed me and now I’m officially a black belt, so I can’t wait to step on the mats as a black belt and make my team proud!

Crevar, who has been training under Danaher’s careful eye at the newly-renamed Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu, has built a reputation as one of the most prodigious young competitors of her generation. Known for her aggressive guard, submission-heavy style, and poise at a young age, she has already secured major wins in adult divisions at prestigious events like ADCC Worlds, Who’s Number One, and IBJJF Worlds. Her rapid ascent through the belt ranks reflects both her talent and the elite training environment she’s been part of.

Professor John Danaher, widely regarded as one of the most influential coaches in modern grappling, is known for being very selective with his black belt promotions. His decision to award Helena Crevar the black belt at such a young age is a strong endorsement of her skill level and potential to become a dominant force in the sport’s highest echelons.

With her black belt now secured, Crevar is poised to make an even greater impact on the global stage. Fans can look forward to her entering black belt divisions in IBJJF major competition, as she often has at the colored belt ranks.