In late 1996, Jacqui and a friend took a free trial class at a local Karate studio, and loved everything about the Martial Arts.  She started her  training with Grand Master Frank Corbo, at Marlborough Martial Arts.  She studied with GM Corbo for about 5 years, earning her first and second degree Black belts in Shaolin Kempo.  She also participated in various Karate tournaments in the area competing in weapons and open handed forms.  Jacqui has also taught some womens self defense classes for women who don't want to take formal Karate training, but want some simple tips to stay safe. 



After a brief hiatus from training, she met Mike Atwater, who was an istructor at MAU/Premier Martial Arts, and started training in American Kenpo and working out in fitness kickboxing regularly.  She earned  her first degree Black belt in American Kenpo in 2005.  At the same time, she decided to pursue another goal of attaining a personal trainer certification.  She studied at Middlesex Community College and  recieved her certification through WITS in October of 2005.  She  continued to train with Mr Atwater at a Premier Martial Arts facility learning the Premier curriculum until the spring of 2007 when Mr Atwater opened his own Dojo, Atwater Martial Arts, in Manchester, CT.  Jacqui continues to train with Mr Atwater, working towards her second degree black belt in American Kenpo .

Jacqui started Kickin' As Fitness in 2005, training clients in their own homes and running a small kickboxing fitness class.  The class is  for adults over 18, who want to get a great workout, without the hassles of the gym. 

In 2008 Jacqui became a certified kettlebell teacher through the IKFF.  She now offers kettlebell training in addition to kickboxing at the Kickin' As Fitness studio as well as in home personal training.