We had the good fortune of connecting with Robin Bryant Stacee Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Robin Bryant, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Jump Rope Athletics (JRA): Crafting a Legacy in Double Dutch
In the vibrant community of Fayetteville, GA, an unexpected meeting at an adult Double Dutch meetup sparked the beginning of an incredible journey. Coach Robin and Coach Stacee met there, sharing a mutual passion for Double Dutch. Stacee, wanted a jumper to demonstrate a mountain climber move within the ropes, Robin immediately jumped at the chance, and they formed an immediate. Their shared love for the sport, formed into a collaborative venture.
Driven by their enthusiasm, both coaches pursued Double Dutch certifications, dedicating themselves to teaching others the joy of jumping Double Dutch. They began holding classes together at Robin’s studio, Soultrition Studio, where they noticed a significant gap—there were few young participants in the Double Dutch community. This observation ignited Robin’s visionary idea: to form a youth Double Dutch team.
In 2023, Jump Rope Athletics (JRA) was officially founded. The response was overwhelmingly positive. After hosting tryouts, a team was selected, and JRA quickly rose to prominence, securing first place in two National Association for Double Dutch Organization (NADDO) competitions. The achievements of these young athletes underscored the potential and importance of nurturing youth involvement in the sport.
The timing of JRA’s establishment couldn’t have been more fortuitous. With Double Dutch being considered for the 2028 Olympics, the momentum for creating and developing young athletes in this dynamic sport is at an all-time high. JRA is poised to lead this charge, aiming to establish teams across the nation, each embodying the spirit and skill needed to represent the USA on an international stage.
At the heart of JRA’s mission is a commitment to inspire, train, and empower youth through Double Dutch. This sport is more than just an activity; it’s a vehicle for fostering athleticism, teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
Through structured athletic training and a supportive community, JRA is dedicated to shaping the next generation of Double Dutch athletes our community, making it more accessible and popular, and ensuring its legacy for future generations.
For more detailed information about our mission, our journey, and our future endeavors, please visit our website at [JRA Atlanta](https://www.jraatlanta.com). Join us in this exciting journey as we jump toward a future filled with possibilities.
Team Photo
Left to right- Coach Stacee Lewis, Coach James “Duke” Jackson, Parker Mosley, Dawson Mullins, Amani McKissic, Shiloh Bowling, (Top) Kennedy Curry, Love Luja, Naomi Elder, Trinity Bowling, Zaniya Cobb-Sanders, Coach Robin Bryant.
What should our readers know about your business?
Tell Us More About Your Business
Jump Rope Athletics (JRA) is dedicated to inspiring and empowering youth through the sport of Double Dutch. Founded by Coach Robin and Coach Stacee, our mission is to foster athleticism, teamwork, and resilience in young athletes. We offer structured training and a supportive community to shape the next generation of Double Dutch champions.
What Sets You Apart?
Coach Robin and Coach Stacee are published authors of the first of a series of children’s books about Double Dutch spreading the word about the sport and starting new teams. What sets JRA apart is our commitment to youth development and community engagement. Unlike many organizations, we focus on creating accessible opportunities for children to learn and excel in Double Dutch. Our unique approach combines high-level training with a nurturing environment, helping kids build confidence and skills both on and off the ropes.
What Are You Most Proud Of or Excited About?
We are incredibly proud of our team’s accomplishments, particularly our first-place finishes in two National Association for Double Dutch Organization (NADDO) competitions. Seeing our athletes grow and succeed is what excites us most. Additionally, the prospect of Double Dutch being introduced in the 2028 Olympics has energized our efforts to expand and prepare even more young athletes for the global stage.
How Did You Get to Where You Are Today Business-Wise? Was It Easy?
Our journey has been challenging yet rewarding. Starting from a simple idea sparked at a local meetup, we faced obstacles such as limited resources and awareness of the sport. However, our passion and dedication drove us to overcome these challenges. By building a strong community and staying focused on our mission, we steadily grew our program and achieved significant milestones.
What Are the Lessons You’ve Learned Along the Way?
One key lesson we’ve learned is the importance of perseverance. Building something meaningful takes time and effort, and there will be setbacks. Another lesson is the value of community support—having a network of enthusiastic parents, volunteers, and supporters has been crucial to our success. Lastly, staying true to our mission of empowering youth has guided us through difficult times and kept us focused on our goals.
What Do You Want the World to Know About You or Your Brand and Story?
We want the world to know that JRA is more than just a Double Dutch team; it’s a movement dedicated to youth empowerment and community building. Our story is one of passion, resilience, and the belief that sports can be a powerful tool for positive change. We aim to make Double Dutch accessible and popular, ensuring its legacy for future generations. Our journey is just beginning, and we invite everyone to join us in this exciting adventure.
For more about our mission and programs, visit our website at [JRA Atlanta](https://www.jraatlanta.com).
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For an excellent workout SOULtrition Studio, Tyrone, GA, for Double Dutch classes, and Extreme Hip Hop Aerobics with Megan
The Balance Portal Alternative Medicine Clinic, Tyrone, GA
Truth restaurant for brunch, Fayetteville, GA
The Dining Experience restaurant, Fairburn, GA
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?
National Association for Double Dutch Org’s NADDO
Double Dutch Aerobics -Sean and Michelle Clark
40 Plus Double Dutch Club
Book: For the Love of Double Dutch: Jump Rope Athletics (JRA) a Double Dutch Dream Begins. On Amazon
Website: www.jraatlanta.com
Instagram: @jra_atlanta
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jump.rope.athletics.llc?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Jai Jackson – photography