Anthea Peter-Vallejo
Jiu-Jitsu, Herbalism, and Homeschooling
Episode 200
Anthea Peter-Vallejo, also known as “TT,” is a devoted homeschooling mom of two who is deeply committed to providing a nurturing and well-rounded educational environment for her children. Her passion for teaching extends beyond traditional academics; Anthea is also a black belt in jiu-jitsu, a discipline that has shaped much of her life and the way she approaches parenting, fitness, and personal growth. Her journey with jiu-jitsu began at a young age and was reignited as a teenager when she struggled with bullying at school. It was during this time that she not only rediscovered her love for the sport but also met her now-husband, and together, they built a life centered around jiu-jitsu. As co-owners of Logic Jiu-Jitsu in Glendora, Anthea and her husband are passionate about providing children with the tools to gain confidence, strength, and discipline through martial arts. Their gym serves as a place where kids can develop resilience, self-belief, and respect.
In addition to her dedication to jiu-jitsu, Anthea is a certified “Master Herbalist,” having completed a rigorous 4-year program in Utah. This holistic approach to health and wellness is a core part of her family’s lifestyle. She integrates natural remedies into her daily routine, balancing modern medicine with herbal wisdom. Anthea’s knowledge of holistic health also led her to create her own business in herbal medicine, a venture that blossomed amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the birth of her son and a layoff from her previous job, she embraced the opportunity to focus on her family and her new entrepreneurial path. Today, she manages her herbal business by night, filling orders and communicating with clients, all while indulging in a bit of binge-watching in the quiet hours after her children are asleep. Above all, Anthea is a loving wife and a dedicated family woman. She and her husband work together to cultivate a supportive, harmonious home life for their children. They focus on teaching the values of teamwork, participation, and respect for both the family unit and their shared home, creating a loving environment where their children can thrive both academically and personally.
Anthea Peter-Vallejo Takeaways
Empowering Kids Through Confidence Building
Antea emphasizes the importance of fostering confidence in children, particularly through activities like jujitsu. By homeschooling her kids and involving them in martial arts, she provides them a platform to discover their own strength. These experiences help children learn self-defense and develop resilience against bullying and emotional challenges. Antea believes that equipping kids with these skills lays a solid foundation for their emotional and physical well-being.
The Impact of Bullying on Personal Growth
Antea’s experiences with bullying during her teenage years shaped her journey towards jujitsu, which became a source of empowerment. She notes that individuals often respond to bullying in one of two ways: they either become strong advocates for others or replicate the behavior as bullies themselves. This insight highlights the transformative power of overcoming adversity and the importance of creating supportive environments where individuals can thrive. Antea’s narrative serves as a reminder to address bullying constructively.
Creating a Chosen Family
The sense of community at Logic Jujitsu is a cornerstone of Antea’s philosophy. She and her husband have cultivated an environment where families can train together, fostering a supportive ‘chosen family’ dynamic. This atmosphere not only strengthens relationships among members but also teaches children the value of teamwork and camaraderie. Antea’s gym serves as a refuge where people can find connection, growth, and a sense of belonging.
Navigating Relationships with Extended Family
Antea discusses the complexities of maintaining relationships with extended family, particularly when values and beliefs diverge. While it has been challenging to distance themselves from toxic dynamics, she and her husband prioritize their immediate family’s well-being and happiness. By setting boundaries and focusing on their own family unit, they have learned to create a nurturing environment for their children. Antea’s story illustrates the importance of making difficult choices for the sake of familial harmony and personal peace.
Embracing Entrepreneurship and Family Legacy
Opening a gym was a significant milestone for Antea and her husband, ignited by inspiration from a mentor they met through work. Antea reflects on how this venture has allowed them to embrace entrepreneurship while balancing their roles as parents. By running their own business, they aim to create a lasting legacy for their children, instilling the values of hard work and determination. This entrepreneurial spirit is a testament to their commitment to building a better future for their family.
The Role of Herbal Medicine in Holistic Health
As a master herbalist, Antea integrates her knowledge of herbal medicine into her family’s lifestyle, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This journey has deepened her understanding of natural remedies and holistic health practices. Antea’s commitment to herbal medicine reflects a broader philosophy of well-being that emphasizes self-care and natural healing. Her insights highlight the importance of exploring alternative health practices in conjunction with modern medicine.
Anthea Peter-Vallejo Quotes
“Her commitment to nurturing and supporting her family is at the heart of everything she does.”
“I don’t mean that in a way of like, I dread being around them. I homeschool, like I want to be around them.”
“We grew up well, but making it even better for them.”
“People who get bullied, they either help others become strong to stand up against bullying, or they become the bully.”
“I think doing differently, I would understand that they, especially my parents, are there for me.”
“It’s a lot more powerful and strong as an individual if you can just not let them affect you.”
“It takes two to have a relationship, in this case, the family, us being one family and them being another family.”
“When we made that decision is when we started to thrive as a family.”
“Jiu-jitsu is one of those things, too, where you’re physically exhausted, you’re mentally exhausted, you’re emotionally exhausted, but you keep wanting to go back to better yourself.”
“Our kids are getting to see like there is a result with the work that you put in.”
Show Notes
Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Anthea Peter-Vallejo
Sierra Madre’s Bean Town
This café was a special meeting spot for the guest and her friend, where they would regularly catch up and support each other during challenging times. It became a symbol of routine and connection that helped the guest thrive personally and as a family.
The Home of a 99-Year-Old
Antea and her husband formed a meaningful bond with a 99-year-old man he was assigned to check on as a deputy. His life stories and entrepreneurial spirit inspired them, particularly her husband, to pursue their own business ventures, ultimately leading to the opening of their gym.
Logic Jiu-Jitsu Gym
This gym represents a significant milestone for Antea and her family. It not only serves as a physical space for training but also fosters a supportive community and a “chosen family.” The gym embodies their values and the positive outcomes of hard work, which their children are witnessing firsthand.
