A sporty kid from a young age, Laurah started taking swimming lessons at the age of 5, an activity she practiced until her mid-teens, and competed extensively.

As she entered her teenage years, Hallock dwelled in the fears and insecurities felt by many other teenagers and by 2007 she accepted a friend’s invitation to a “Self Defense” class at a local BJJ academy. Most of the moves shown had a strong grappling emphasis and Laurah thoroughly enjoyed it, deciding to join a jiu jitsu class shortly after. She was 15 years old at the time.

With time Laurah became one of Texas’ most promising colored belts, training and competing were second nature to the young athlete. That, however, did not translate well into her personal life. For that reason, she decided to relocate to California where she joined the Art Of Jiu-Jitsu Academy (AOJ).

Laurah’s new life opened her eyes to different sporting possibilities and soon a new challenge ensued – bodybuilding. The transition to “bikini” competition was rather gradual, Hallock started lifting weights with the intent of improving her strength for jiu jitsu. The gym where she practiced had a few competitors in this sport and sharing the lifting room with some of these athletes captured Hallock’s curiosity. Soon she found herself competing alongside her friends and doing well, placing on a few important shows.

In California, Laurah had the chance to transform her life and train in the epicenter of jiu jitsu, though life would have her move to Ohio after a few years in Orange County. In her new location, Hallock joined GF Team and continued her jiu-jitsu career. Although she earned her black belt while in Corpus Christi, Laurah considers herself a black belt under Oliveira, who validated her rank.