Local Filmmakers Bring 'Grit and Grace' Documentary to Carrington

Ian Harmon and Derek Fletcher's film tells the story of a Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion from Fargo balancing life as a single mother of four.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Two east-central North Dakota filmmakers, Ian Harmon and Derek Fletcher, have collaborated on their first documentary production together. Their film, "Grit and Grace," tells the story of Katie Stensgard, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion from Fargo who is balancing her pursuit of another championship with life as a single mother of four children. The documentary premiered at the Fargo Theatre in September 2025 and will have a special screening at the Carrington Youth Center on February 11, 2026.

Why it matters

The film highlights the inspiring story of a local athlete who is overcoming challenges to achieve her goals, showcasing the resilience and determination of people in the community. It also represents a collaboration between two up-and-coming filmmakers from the region who are bringing local stories to a wider audience.

The details

Harmon, a 2010 graduate of Carrington High School, first met Stensgard at the Academy of Combat Arts where they both train. He was struck by her intensity and drive, and knew he and Fletcher had to share her story. The two filmmakers were granted access to Stensgard's life, including the struggles of parenting and the grind of training for her world championship goals. Fletcher, a 2013 graduate of Barnes County North and a film production graduate of MSU-Moorhead, brought his documentary experience to the project, while Harmon contributed his newfound skills from working in the commercial media sector.

  • The documentary "Grit and Grace" premiered at the Fargo Theatre on September 5, 2025.
  • A special screening of the film will be held at the Carrington Youth Center on February 11, 2026 at 7 p.m.
  • An additional screening will take place at the Jamestown Arts Center on February 19, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The players

Ian Harmon

A 2010 graduate of Carrington High School who first met the film's subject, Katie Stensgard, at the Academy of Combat Arts where they both train. Harmon brought his newfound media skills to the project after previously working in the marine biology field and sales and marketing.

Derek Fletcher

A 2013 graduate of Barnes County North who attended MSU-Moorhead, majoring in film production and mass communications. Fletcher has previous experience producing commercials, AgweekTV segments, and other documentary films.

Katie Stensgard

A Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion from Fargo who is the subject of the documentary "Grit and Grace." Stensgard balanced her pursuit of another championship with life as a single mother of four children.

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What they’re saying

“She's living proof you should never give up on yourself. You can always achieve great things if you put in the effort.”

— Ian Harmon (Fosterconews.com)

“I'm very surprised how grounded and open she was throughout. She understood she was going to be vulnerable on camera, yet didn't shy away from who she was.”

— Derek Fletcher (Fosterconews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This film highlights the inspiring story of a local athlete overcoming challenges to achieve her goals, showcasing the resilience and determination of people in the community. It also represents a collaboration between two up-and-coming filmmakers from the region who are bringing local stories to a wider audience.