Jiujiteira Magazine December 2020

UFC256: Mackenzie Dern vs Virna Jandiroba, a CLASH OF TITANS

issue THREE | DECEMBER 2020

MBoAnaILEY

in overcoming alopecia &
ushering a new era of
jiu-jitsu women champions

page 6

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 1

DecEMBER 2020 cover story 6

Mona Bailey

sections: 26
28
COACH TALK 34
The Gift Wrap Choke 42
46
BY DAVID SUTTON
4
BEAUTY IS A BEAST 36
Breaking the Taboo on Periods 44

BY VHILENA NELSON

YOGA FOR JIU-JITSU
Breath Control

BY EVELYN SUT TON

OUT OF THE CAGE
You Look Like a Man

BY SAMANTHA SEFF

HEAD GAMES
Empowerment

BY BRITTANY ALLISON

every issue:

PUBLISHER'S CORNER
Sayonara 2020

CLOSE CHOKE
Interview with Brionna Alexis Buenavista

JIUJITEIRAS AROUND THE WORLD

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page 23

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 3

EVELYN SUTTON is on a mission December 2020
to uncover and promote the universe
of women in one of the deadliest № 3ISSUE
martial arts in the world.
PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER’s corner

Sayonara 2020.

Bringing light to the dark recesses Eager to say goodbye to 2020, BJJ gyms cel- Creative Director & CEO
of 2020 is no easy feat. Many have ebrated the season with their own holiday
tried and many have failed. Never festivities. Join in the fun (pages 14-21)! Evelyn Sutton
the less, I'll give it my best to focus on the
positives of quite a difficult year. Watching Dern vs. Jandiroba at UFC256 writers
felt like witnessing two mythological
An unprecedented pandemic with 71.5 creatures duel. Fresh from giving birth Brittany Allison
million cases and 1.6 million deaths world- 18 months ago, Dern proved motherhood Charlotte McKinley
wide casted a shadow of fear. Our health, turns us into lionesses (page 22).
families, jobs, businesses and training David Sutton
were affected. Yet, in the darkest of times, Talking about dangerous females, please Evelyn Sutton
people rose to a higher standard. join me in welcoming Samantha Seff to our Samantha Seff
team of columnists. This is a woman you Vhilena Nelson
A new sense of community emerged. We de- want by your side in case of a riot. She owns
veloped creative ways to learn, teach, social- who she is and has a voice of her own that proofreading
ize and work. Masks became the norm, and can only be described as the howl of a wolf.
we adapted to protect ourselves and others. Known as Wolf Queen, she unleashes topics Edgard Esperança
We suffered riots, elected a new President, that pertain to the female universe of BJJ &
developed a vaccine and laid out mats in our MMA not everyone is comfortable talking photography
living rooms when gyms closed so we could about. Her words command respect and
still train. We endured with resilience — that makes her royalty. Flip to her column, Evelyn Sutton
something we learn to do in Jiu-Jitsu. You Look Like a Man on page 42, if you dare. Lindsay Conley
Garcia Promotions
The new decade brings the promise of Finally, a word of encouragement. There Blanca Marisa Garcia
greatness for women in BJJ & MMA. Evi- is no greater power in the world than a iRULL FOTOS
dence is seen all over the pages of this maga- woman determined to rise. Read that again
zine, from the sweaty smiles of our Jiujitei- and take it to heart. This is the time to 880 Mc Clendon Street, Melbourne, FL 32935
ras Around the World to the rapid increase reconnect with your personal power and jiujiteiramagazine.com U 321.917-1599
in women's only events and competitions. take back all that 2020 stole. Whatever
has been taken from you - training time, Subscribe online at JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM. Please al-
Speaking of competitors, to close the year freedom, sense of safety, friends, school, low 4-6 weeks for subscription to start. Jiujiteira Magazine is
com chave de ouro (as we say in Portu- job, loved ones - have faith that 2021 will be a registered trademark of LuxDei Studio. The contents of Jiu-
guese: golden key), Mona Bailey graces our better. This is a year of accomplishments. jiteira Magazine, associated websites, advertisements, articles,
cover. An inspiring example of strength, Without hesitation, we take on the chal- graphics, photographs and any other published content are
the teenager embodies all a Jiujiteira aims lenge of making 2021 the best year of our protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, dis-
for: grace, fortitude, talent, humility, skill, lives. And the best year yet for all women in tributed or modified without prior written consent of Jiujiteira
determination. This girl is on fire and alo- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Happy New Year! Oss. Magazine. Jiujiteira Magazine does not necessarily endorse,
pecia is not holding her back. Discover her verify, or agree with the content, and makes no guarantees as
journey overcoming the condition and how Evelyn Sutton to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or usefulness of any
she helps others living with it (page 6). content. Jiujiteira Magazine shall not be held liable for any er-
rors or omissions in the content. ©2020 All rights reserved. Any
reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written
permission from the publisher.

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cover story

Mona BY EVELYN SUT TON
Bailey
PHOTOS COURTESY OF
MONA BAILEY

An example of perseverance, determination, leadership
and strength, the Texas teen continues to rise above
adversity, ushering a new era of Jiu-Jitsu women champions,
and proving nothing can hold her back.

called Mona for our interview and titions”, she explains once she gets
her mom answered the phone. They on the phone. Mona is, of course,
were out shopping. We chatted referring to pão de queijo, a deli-
briefly while Mona was inside the cious cheesy bread I grew up eating,
store looking for the final ingredi- a staple of Brazilian snack culture,
ent she needed, polvilho, a cassava full of taste and history. She tells
flour that is used to make “the me how excited she is to bake pão
Brazilian treat they have at compe- de queijo. “I like to eat”.

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CHAMPIONS AREN'T MADE IN
GYMS. CHAMPIONS ARE MADE
FROM SOMETHING THEY HAVE
DEEP INSIDE THEM - A DESIRE,
A DREAM, A VISION. THEY HAVE
TO HAVE THE SKILL , AND THE
WILL. BUT THE WILL MUST BE
STRONGER THAN THE SKILL.
- MUHAMMAD ALI

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 7

Pão de queijo is not the only sistently for 7 years. That’s near- with her parents and nephew.
thing about Brazilian culture ly half of her entire life spent As many other young Jiujiteiras
and history that Mona enjoys. on the mats. And for the most have stated before, having her
part, it’s always been Jiu-Jitsu. family train and support her is
Her love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a main ingredient of the “secret
is unmistakable and runs deep In the beginning she dabbled in recipe” of her success.
in her soul. It’s a huge part of her kickboxing soon after transi-
life. There’s no shortage of sac- tioning to BJJ. Her brothers and As a female competitor,
rifice, dedication and commit- sister followed then her parents Mona has built up an impres-
ment when it comes to training. joined them for practice. sive resume with significant
wins at IBJJF, Submission
Mona’s Jiu-Jitsu journey started That’s right, Mona’s entire fam- Hunter Pro, BFA and several
early. Now 16 years old, the ily trains. One of ten children, other events. But wait, she’s
teenager has been training con- six of her siblings train, along just getting started.

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JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 9

Hunter Pro was an event
very close to my heart for
this reason. But also just
being on the card with so
many of the local ladies
in Houston was awesome.
Being able to share the
stage with them and be
part of such a big move-
ment in the female BJJ
community was an amaz-
ing experience.”

When asked how she
feels about the current af-
fair of women in Jiu-Jitsu,
she believes that we are
receiving more support
now and there are many
more women-only tourna-
ments happening.

COACHING THE NEXT GENERATION: "I LOVE WORKING WITH THESE CHILDREN." “Women are receiving
more attention in Jiu-Jitsu
Mona trains at Carlson wants to coach and even- est women’s only events in and I honestly think it’s a
Gracie Houston where she tually open her own gym the country, Submission good thing because, you
also coaches the Junior once she has her black Hunter Pro. She shares know, this is a very male
Bulldog team. “We have belt. “I wanna open my how it felt to be part of a dominant sport. But more
two kids classes, or actu- own gym with my family movement focused on el- girls are coming to train,
ally, we had one class first in the next few years.” evating women in Jiu-Jit- and especially this year,
with all our children. Then su and creating greater there has been a lot of fe-
we decided to split up that At the time of our inter- awareness surrounding male-only events. It’s been
class to give everyone more view, Mona was a blue breast cancer. really good. Especially
individual attention based belt. “I will complete a because now we have a lot
on their age and now I year of having my blue “That was a big one. Defi- of high level female black
handle the little kids. We belt on the 14th of De- nitely a bigger deal for me, belts who are paving the
have a whole class of little cember.” Since then she personally, to compete in way for us to have more
kids. I teach the babies and has been promoted to because it benefits breast equal opportunities to
they are the funniest peo- a well-deserved purple cancer awareness. Breast compete with the guys.”
ple I’ve ever met. They’re belt, an accomplishment cancer is very prominent
so cute and little. They can that gave her yet another in my mom’s side of the In the last few years, there
also be a handful, at the reason for celebration as family. Both my grand- has been a greater under-
same time, they’re the best 2020 comes to an end. mother and her sister had standing of the benefits
kids ever. I love working it. My mother’s aunt, her of Jiu-Jitsu particularly
with those children.” Talking about accomplish- sister and daughters had for women. More parents
ments, Mona delivered an it as well. My mom herself, are enrolling their daugh-
She has plans to continue incredible performance was recently treated for ters early on in the sport,
teaching in the future. She this year at one of the larg- breast cancer. Submission which gives them the
same advantages boys al-

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cover story mona bailey

ways had. When you start Mona, as she is known was still the same person. a few little hair spots left
early, Jiu-Jitsu becomes for her advocacy efforts, He showed us a video, and I looked like a Chia
an integral part of your didn’t allow the condition brought pamphlets on Pet”, she jokes. “We shaved
essence, of who you are. As to hold her back and in- what alopecia is because my head and my brother
a result, we are witnessing stead, became a source of not a lot of people know shaved his head too. Then
the coming of age of a new strength and inspiration about it. I think that was my dad did it and my
generation of ambitious helping others living with a good first step to make uncle did it. My mom has
and talented young female the same condition to find it easier on me at the a picture of that day and I
black belts, coaches and their confidence. beginning.” have the biggest smile on
fierce champions. my face. That experience
“If you have alopecia, It’s been a journey of ups shaped me into the person
Mona leads the way. basically it means that and downs that have de- I am now. Having the
your body is allergic to veloped an emotional ma- support of my family
“There has been a shift not hair. I started losing hair turity that serves her well is everything.”
just in the sport, but also in chunks when I was both in life and in BJJ.
with parents encouraging nine. In the beginning, my She wants to help others
their young daughters mom didn’t know what “Once my hair started overcome the stigma
to train to build up their was going on. She would falling out a lot we shaved and find inspiration in
confidence and develop see these large bald spots it since there were only her story.
self-defense skills in case on my hair and worry. We
it ever comes to a situation went to a dermatologist “Sometimes training
where they need to protect and I was diagnosed with only with guys can be a lot
themselves. And, you alopecia. We had never but you have to make your
know, to make friendships heard of it before. We presence known. You have to
that will last forever.” came home, sat down put in the work and don’t let
with all of my siblings and
Your Jiu-Jitsu family is a told them. Things were them take it easy on you."
bond that stays with you now different, but at the
for a lifetime. Mona is same time, nothing was
grateful to be part of it. changing. My family was
super supportive.”
Overcoming
Alopecia Mia credits the support
she receives at home and
Alopecia is an autoim- at the gym for her ability
mune disorder which to move past the diagnosis
causes hair loss. Accord- from the start.
ing to the National Alope-
cia Areata Foundation, 6.6 “I have the best support
million people in Ameri- system at home and at
can have the condition. the gym. Being only nine
years old and losing my
Mona was diagnosed hair was really tough. So
when she was still a young they brought somebody
child. Losing your hair in from the National
is something that can Areata Foundation and
be difficult for anyone to he explained to us how I
overcome, even more so, a was going to look differ-
9-year old. Yet, strong bald ent from other girls, but I

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“I like being an older role relate to them. We were sporting a full head of For 2021, Mona plans to
model for young children coming home from Vegas beautiful dark hair, which compete more in super
with alopecia who don’t last year and stopped at a she is prepared to shave fights. “Next year will be
have anybody to relate small gas station in Texas, off once it starts falling mostly super fights for me
to. I’m the only one in my there was a little girl out again. For the time and some local tourna-
family who has it, which is who had it, and she had being, she’s enjoying the ments in Houston.”
weird because I have a huge never met anybody else new look and having fun
family. My sisters have the before with alopecia. After with it. When asked about her
longest hair ever so it was a meeting me and talking favorite positions and sub-
weird change for me.” to someone who knows “Now that my hair has missions, she tells us she’s
what she is going through come in, it’s long and it’s so a guard player who likes to
“When I see people with - she’s a baby, maybe six weird to train with hair! triangle people.
alopecia or my mother years old at the time - her It’s the perfect length that
sees them, especially kids, confidence went up and it gets caught and pulled Her advice for women in
she will chase them down she felt so much better.” when people cross face Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is to
to talk to them because, under my neck. And I’m keep training and show-
some people have nobody The hair loss comes and like, Oh, my God, I can’t ing up for classes, espe-
that can understand and goes, currently Mona is complain!”, she laughs. cially if you are the only
female at the gym.

“Keep going and training.
Being the only female in
class is tough. I was the
only female in my gym
at one point, eventually
you get another female in
there and she’ll be super
fun to train with. But until
that happens, keep train-
ing and learning. Also visit
other places. In Texas, we
have a lot of women’s- only
offerings. We have female
open mats all the time.
Look for women’s classes
in your area.”

MONA POSING FOR In her opinion, one of
HER FANS. A GRACEFUL the greatest obstacles for
AND KIND WARRIOR. women in Jiu-Jitsu is to
make themselves relevant.
She believes consistency
helps. “I know sometimes
training only with guys
can be a lot but you have
to make your presence
known. You have to put
in the work and don’t let
them take it easy on you.”

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We talked about the ad- ATHLETES WITH
vantages of being a female
in BJJ. “There’s not a lot of ALOPECIA
us. So when you find an-
other woman to train with Mona is not the only athlete
it’s fun and competitive in affected by alopecia areata.
a good way. You push each The condition affects 147
other and help each other million people in the world,
grow. When women start including sport stars. From
training together, it’s good. Olympic medal-winners to
Girls roll different from football players, they are an
guys. We are smaller, we example that with passion and
can move around faster.” determination, nothing can stop
you from reaching your dreams.
“Women also think and “I have friends, literally, everywhere. GETTY IMAGES,
react differently in Jiu-Jit- Some of them train, some don’t train ROBERT CIANFLONE JOANNA ROWSELL, BRITISH
su. It’s more strategic. Our at all. When we hang out, we mostly CYCLIST Olympic world
legs are stronger and I see hang out at tournaments. Or when we JACKSONVILLE champion, Joanna started losing
females pull guard more, travel, we’ll stop by to see friends. We JAGUARS her hair at 10 years old. Yet she
I see more triangles and go to Vegas a lot to train, and I’ve made didn't allow the condition to
spider guard defenses many good friends there.” define her. "I always had bald
when women roll.” spots but over time it all started
When it comes to Jiu-Jitsu trailblazers coming out in clumps," she said.
Currently a junior in high she looks up to, she mentions black "People say I was brave to go on
school, the teen is home belts, Veronica Mota-Messina, Mariana the podium in the Olympics with
schooled and that helps Scott Azevedo and others who inspire my bald head but I just wanted
create balance due to her her. “These ladies are awesome in Tex- to get my medal."
demanding training rou- as. Awesome. Awesome. Fantastic!”
tine. “I do school before JOSHUA DOBBS, JAGUARS
I train in the morning. I Another woman she looks up to in the QB A real rocket scientist
come home from training, sport is her sponsor, Wendy L. Jarva, with a degree in aerospace
I’ll do more school, and founder of SicChic. engineering, Joshua is a
then I’ll go to the gym NFL quarterback with the
again at night and finish “She’s an amazing woman. She owns Jacksonville Jaguars and a
up whatever is still left for her brand, SicChic, and makes fight prominent advocate for those
school there. I can juggle gear for women - spats, rashguards - with alopecia areata, a condition
both. And I like that. I’m and other sport wear. She was a spon- he has had since childhood.
able to train and do school sor for Submission Hunter Pro 60 and
at the same time.” I was wearing her set in the nogi fight.” CHARLIE VILLANUEVA,
NBA BASKETBALL PLAYER
“I train way too much. I Mona is a true inspiration for all Jiujitei- Diagnosed with alopecia when
love it. My brother and I ras on and off the mats. We wish you he was 10, Villanueva's hair
started conditioning as fell out in pieces, and by 12 he
well. If we’re not at home, much success in the year to come! Y was bald. That made his life in
we’re at the gym at least middle school very hard. Today,
six hours every single day.” he helps children overcome the
fear and the shame, "I want kids
to know that just because you
have alopecia, alopecia doesn't
have you. If you let it have you,
it's going to tear you down."

She’s a social girl who FOLLOW MONA ON IG:
enjoys making friends. @BALDSTRONGMONA

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holidays 2020

JIU-JITSU TRADITIONS

'Tis the
Season

Jiu-Jitsu Christmas Traditions

BY CHARLOTTE MCKINLEY

hristmas spirit has a way of wiggling its way in homes
via traditions. Making eggnog, carolling, watching
White Christmas, or making Christmas cookies are
all just a few of the traditions people partake in. Some
traditions can be traced generations back in family
histories, others are newer. Family traditions are
important during the holiday times. One overlooked
niche of traditions are Jiu-Jitsu Christmas traditions.

Typically, when one person their students look forward
thinks of Jiu-Jitsu traditions, to year after year.
they think of the gauntlet,
getting judo thrown when Lis SanDiego from Christian
ranked up to a higher belt, or Karate and Jiu-Jitsu Academy,
bowing every class. However, says that the gym she is a part
many gyms have their own of competes with their other
Christmas traditions that locations for the best decorat-

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ed facility. “We decorate the [three] Shiel Systems Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
dojos and have a contest between and Mixed Martial Arts chooses a
them. [We also have] a Black Friday family in need during the holiday
sale, a Christmas party, and a toy season. “We get their wants [and]
drive,” she says. needs and accept donations from
Thanksgiving until Christmas
“We have an ugly sweater open mat! week,” Amy Coleman says. After the
It’s pretty funny to see what everyone donations are received and given
wears, and then we roll in them,” back, Shield Systems puts on a
Mallory Sanchez from Gracie Jiu-Jit- seminar to give back to those that
su North Monroe says. Shark Pit donated items.
Jiu-Jitsu in Winchester Virginia does
something similar, though they take The majority of gyms have a toy
it up a notch and do themed open drive to donate to the local mis-
mats at the end of each month. “Last sion or shelter. Some gyms, like
year we did an ugly sweater open mat Tillis Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have open
in December,” Rochelle Potter says. rolls that require toy donations to
join. Alpha Jiu-Jitsu and Fitness is
Alvarez Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a toy hosting a toy drive in-house youth
drive every year. They donate the tournament where the payment to
toys to Mission Arlington. “Not on watch or compete is a toy donation.
Christmas Day, but near enough,
there would be a special extended Regardless of specific traditions,
Christmas rolls session. Or, if the many gyms allow the Christmas
schedule fell on it, promotions spirit to infiltrate their training
testing & rolls. Then, after showers space and spread joy and cheer
and time for people to change, there during the holiday season. This sea-
would be a Christmas potluck party son is a time for gyms to give back
at the gym with a photo station set to their community and bring their
up,” Talyna Morrison says.
own families closer together. Y

CHA R LOT T E MCKINLEY is a blue belt affiliated under Jean
Jacques Machado. She enjoys armbars, books, and people.
Charlotte has a passion for blending her writing and love of Jiu-Jitsu
together. She is a full time student, works with the youth classes
at Alpha Jiu Jitsu and Fitness and is a social media guru. You can
contact her by DM via Instagram at @bjj_charlotte

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holidays 2020

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A very merry

Christmparaty sAtJiujiteiraMagazineHeadquarters
& Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
in Melbourne, FL

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 1 7

Fa-la-la-la-la...

oining in the holiday traditions of BJJ gyms everywhere,
Jiujiteira Magazine and Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Team in
Melbourne, Florida, celebrated Christmas this year with their
first annual Very Merry Christmas Party! Coaches, students,
family and friends (including furry ones) had a great time.
A festive potluck with plenty of delicious dishes was served.
Guests played Yankee Swap, participated in a ugly sweat-
er contest with a visa gift card $50 prize, and even enjoyed
playing in (fake) snow, a la Sunshine State. "This is our way of
saying thank you to all our students and staff who supported
us through a very challenging year and setting the tone for a

joyful and happy 2021", said the Sutton family. Y

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tThhe,ethGe.R... INCH!

Even the grumpiest of them all
made sure not to miss this party!

COACH DAVID SUTTON

COACH DAVID SUTTON JR.

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 1 9

PHOTOS BY EVELYN SUT TON &
LINDSAY CONLEY

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Let it Snow!
(in Florida??)
JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 2 1

in the news

coming up

TAITclaAshNof S ARTEMIS 3
SUBMISSION SERIES
FC256 Las Vegas titans proved motherhood showdown January 16, 2021
was a big night for has turned Dern into a In Palmetto, Florida.
Jiujiteiras. Only 18 savage lioness. Despite her legendary Cash prizes, all subs
months after giving ground game, it became legal. Competitors are
birth, McKenzie Dern, the In the past, she struggled apparent early on that encouraged to apply.
two-time World Jiu-Jitsu to make weight. Since be- Dern was determined to More info on Instagram @:
gold medalist and trail- coming a mom, Dern has showcase her improved artemiswomenssubseries
blazer of women's BJJ took made weight consistently. striking as she launched
on the submission queen, She attributes the renewed an impressive attack AMERICAN GRAPPLING
Virna Jandiroba, a former focus to her daughter, Moa. against Jandiroba. “I think FEDERATION
Invicta FC champ, who up “I’m more focused.” said we both thought it would Tampa Bay Open - Jan 9
until the match, had won Dern. “My levels are better, be on the ground, but she Biloxi BJJ - Jan 16
back-to-back fights all by faster. I’m a more profes- had good takedown de- Shreveport BJJ - Jan 16
submission. The clash of sional and mature fighter.” fense, and I tried to show Dallas Classic - Jan 24
my striking,” Dern said at
the post-fight interview. Register online: american
grapplingfederation.com
Showcasing heavy hands
over three rounds and sur- FIGHT2WIN 162
viving a broken nose, Dern January 29, 2021
took the win by unani- For the first time ever Fight
mous decision (29-28). She 2 Win will be hosting an all
has now three consecutive female event January 29th
wins. “I never had a bro- in Miami. Get tickets on
ken nose, I figured sooner f2wtix.com or watch on
or later it would happen,” flograppling.com
Dern said after the fight.
“I knew it was close. I re- UFC 257
ally had to steal the third January 23, 2021
round so I’m happy with Marina Rodriguez vs.
Amanda Ribas
my performance.” Y
Jessica Eye vs. Joanne
Calderwood

Featherweight title fight
between Amanda Nunes
& Megan Anderson re-
booked for UFC 259
on March 6

PHOTOS BY BLANCA MARISA GARCIA

The Female Flyweights

WComObaRt JiLu-DJitsSu

Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds weight division. Compet-
2020: The Female Fly- itors included Invicta FC
weights has been added to veterans Pearl Gonzalez,
the list of major Jiu-Jitsu Jessica Delboni, and Liz
tournaments that are giv- Tracy, as well as Combate
ing female competitors an Americas veteran Paulina
opportunity to showcase Granados, women’s MMA
their skills and talents on pioneer Carina Damm,
an international scale. and BJJ competitors Nikki
Sullivan, Brianna Ste-Ma-
Hosted by Eddie Bravo rie, and Andrea Vazquez.
Invitational at the beau-
tiful Majestic Resorts in Broadcast live on UFC
Cancun, Mexico, the event Fight Pass, the idyllic des-
featured an eight-woman tination inspired competi-
tournament in the fly- tors and attendees alike.

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 2 3

in the news

The Rules of the

GAME

new Book by jiujiteira
Ana Yagües introduces bjj
competition rules to kids

In Combat Jiu-Jitsu open This was the only Jiu-Jitsu In most sports, training begins with learning the
palm strikes are allowed. event so far that ended rules. By the time the player is on the field for
The strikes can only be with a submission for ev- their first match in a sport like soccer or basket-
made to the body and ery match of the original ball, for example, they at least have a basic under-
head once both fighters tournament. Not counting standing of how to score, what qualifies as fouls, and
are on the ground, which the special matches. the length of the rounds.
opens up the opportunity
for a TKO win. Brianna Ste-Marie was Strangely, when training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu this is of-
crowned the very first ten an exception. For new students, a lot of emphasis
ever CJJW Female is placed on learning the basic movements and com-
Flyweight Champion after mon submissions (shrimping, armbars, chokes), but
submitting Invicta’s Liz relatively little attention is given towards teaching the
Tracy with an armbar.

We applaud Eddie Bravo's
initiative and all who were
part of this event for the
continuous support of

women's Jiu-Jitsu. Y

ANA YAGÜES IS A MOM, BJJ BLACKBELT, COACH &
REFEREE WITH OVER 13 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

competition rules. As a match beyond the basics. into short, simple sections The book doesn't attempt
result, it’s not uncommon The majority of the kids and explained without to describe every single
for athletes who’ve been competing usually didn’t any complex terminology detail of every rule, since
training for months or know even the very basics. so that a person with no there are far too many spe-
even years to be unaware To make things worse, the previous experience in the cific situations and nuanc-
of the competition rules. parents often knew even sport can read it and gain es to describe in a single
less than the kids! This is a basic understanding of book. Rather, it is meant to
When Ana Yagües began a problem for everyone in- how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu be a starting point to help
working as a referee, she volved. The less the parents works. Text explanations kids (and their supportive
quickly noticed a recurring know, the less they are able are accompanied by friends and family) under-
problem. When disagree- to support their kids in beautiful color illustra- stand the most important
ments and arguments their BJJ journeys, especial- tions, created by illustrator rules and most important
occurred at a competition, ly at competitions, and the Sabine Deviche (a BJJ positions in a match. Ana
they usually revolved more stress, confusion, and practitioner and amateur hopes that this publication
around the score of the frustration it causes for competitor herself). The will help make BJJ compe-
match. While on occasion everyone involved. reading level is simple titions more accessible and
the referee does make a enough to be understood enjoyable for everyone, and
mistake (they are people Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - The by kids of age 8+ when read that it will have a positive
too and are not always per- Rules of the Game, a new on their own, and suitable impact on the BJJ commu-
fect!), disagreements usu- book for kids and parents for even younger children nity by helping to foster
ally happen because the written by Ana Yagües, if read together with an interest and enthusiasm
athletes, the public (family aims to fix this issue by older sibling or parent.
and friends), or sometimes providing a clear, straight- for the sport. Y
even the coaches don't forward explanation of the
understand the rules. most important rules of a
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Since
Ana Yagües is BJJ blackbelt there are no official unified
and coach with more than rule set which all BJJ com-
13 years of experience as petitions follow, the book is
a competitor, and over based on the most widely
8 years as a professional accepted rule set - the one
referee for IBJJF, UAJJF established by the Interna-
and NAGA. In her extensive tional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
experience as a referee, Federation (IBJJF).
Ana found close to half
of the adult athletes did The material covered in
not know the rules of the the book is broken down

Make Your Memories lindsay conley Photographer You can purchase
Unforgettable facebook.com/UnforgettableImagesfl Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - The
Rules of the Game online:
732-644-0517 [email protected]
bjjtherulesofthegame.com

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 2 5

coach talk

GIFTlearn the classic The gift wrap choke is a human
wrap straitjacket. A perfect example
CHOKE of the philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu,
this powerful submission uses
minimal force to control and
submit your opponent.

Rickson Gracie, 1 2
a legend of 4
5
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,
would often DAV ID S U T TON is the lead coach and owner of Carlson Gracie
Jiu-Jitsu Team in Melbourne, FL. With over 18 years in martial arts and
use this same currently a brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu, David is responsible for a sucessful
technique during kids, adults and womens' program at his gym. You can contact him at:
[email protected] or bjjmelbournefl.com
his Vale Tudo
fights in Japan
in the mid-90's.

A gift wrap
choke won him
his famous final
match against

Masakatsu
Funaki.

2 6 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM

QUESTIONS? wrap around and Grip
WE GOT
Get ready to put your opponent in a human straitjacket.
ANSWERS. Well-placed grips are what makes this submission powerful.

What moves and submissions BREAKING IT DOWN:
do you want to learn? Got ques- 1. From mount, grab your opponent's arm with one hand while pushing
tions on positions? Anything behind their elbow with the other, driving their arm forward.
Jiu-Jitsu related you want to 2. Continue to push their arm down across the opposite side of their
know more about, just send us body. Drive down pressure by placing your sternum on top of their elbow,
an e-mail and our experts will trapping their arm.
get you the answer. 3. From here, slide your arm behind their neck, reach deep and grab on
to their wrist. Grasp firmly, further trapping the arm. With this move, you'll
Send your e-mail to: wrap their own arm around their neck and gain powerful control.
[email protected] 4. Slide your opposite hand in the space between their neck and
inner elbow. Place your thumb on the inside of their shoulder.
3 5. Make a fist and position your hand alongside their jugular vein.
6. Finalize the choke by straightening your elbow and arm up as your fist
applies pressure to your opponent's neck.

LEVEL: Intermediate

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Beauty is a Beast

breakpineg trheitoabdooson

BY VHILENA NELSON

Period stigma still holds women back, particularly when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu.
Being silent about it doesn't help us find an adequate solution and sometimes as
you're getting ready to step on the mats, it happens; a realization many Jiujiteiras are
familiar with: "I just got my period at a really incovenient time. Am I able to still train?"

very month all Yes, ladies, I am talking about I WAS
women can relate periods!! Of course, many of us OFFICIALLY
to that familiar first experienced our periods
feeling. We know as fresh-faced teens. Some even TERRIFIED
it's coming and forewarned of its inevitable
many of us abso- existence the moment we began AT THE IDEA
lutely hate it. The approaching puberty. It never OF GETTING
cramping, lower sounded like something to look MY PERIOD.
back pain, breast forward to. I can even remem-
tenderness, fatigue, bloating and the ber my older sister telling me THE VERY
list just goes on and on. THOUGHT
OF HAVING
TO STOP ALL
PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY
FOR A FULL
7 DAYS WAS
AGONIZING.

I CAN
REMEMBER

ASKING
MYSELF
WHY THIS
HAS TO
HAPPEN TO

GIRLS?

2 8 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM

once I had my period I couldn't swim, We understand that having our periods is
bike ride, or do anything active. My healthy and part of being a woman but it
sister warned me too much activity doesn't have to be this dreadful feeling that
would shift the pad around and the it's lurking around the corner every 28 days.
blood would leak through my clothes.
I was officially terrified at the idea of Tampons come with their own issues Lastly, tampons are known to cause
getting my period. The very thought and are not 100% without problems. toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Toxic
of having to stop all physical activity The string attached to the end of shock syndrome is caused by a toxic
for a full 7 days was agonizing. I can the tampon will often get wet when substance linked to tampons and
remember asking myself why this has
to happen to girls? certain types of bacteria
which can cause damage
Honestly, I don't exactly to the organs, shock, and
recall my first period. Since even death. While toxic
then there have been many, shock syndrome is rare it
many more. What I do is listed as a warning on all
recall was the mess periods tampon products.
made. Pads were totally
unreliable. Often moving, Women having their peri-
sliding, or bunching up ods and the need for better
in your underpants. The products will always exist.
worst would be if you'd Women desire products
been sitting for an extend- that fit their lifestyles
ed amount of time and then while also protecting their
stood up, flooding your health. Effective products,
pants with blood. The feel- don't shift, leak, or cause
ing of embarrassment due pain. We understand
to stained panties, pants, or that having our periods is
bedding. Pads also could be healthy and part of being a
very stinky, uncomfortable, woman but it doesn't have
as well as visible. to be this dreadful feeling
that it's lurking around the
Then there are tampons. A corner every 28 days.
lot more pros versus the use
of pads. Tampons are a soft urinating. Blood can leak onto the In a sport like a Jiu-Jitsu,
material inserted into the string too and that can lead to stain- women need the security
vagina designed to absorb ing your clothes. Some women have of a reliable menstrual product. The
menstrual blood. Once experienced the dreadful string sport requires a lot of movement
the tampon is inserted it is held in hanging out of their bathing suit, le- and close personal contact with
place by the vagina expanding as the otard or other outfits. Tampons can others. Many positions require
material fills with menstrual blood. be painful to remove if the vagina your legs to be open or around your
Tampons are a lot more versatile is not wet enough, even cutting the opponent. No one wants to worry
when it comes to the flow of women's vaginal walls in the removal. An- whether they are leaking or that
menstrual cycle. Offering a variety of other issue is tampons being forced their clothing is visibly stained.
sizes to accommodate the daily flow out of the vagina when urinating. Women have reported not training
of our periods. Many women can at all during their periods or at least
expect their flow to be heavier the during the heavier days of their
first few days and dwindle as it nears
the end of their cycle.

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 2 9

TAMPONS AND PADS AREN' T period. No woman should feel the WHY THE STIGMA?
ALWAYS THE BEST CHOICE need to alter their lifestyle due to
fear of their menstrual product not Periods have long been associated
being adequate. with shame, disgust, and even fear
by ancient civilizations. There's a long
modern products history of menstrual taboos across all
cultures, and these myths continue to
Luckily, products are constantly im- manifest in today's world.
proving and evolving. In any active
lifestyle being able to move freely Add to the mix the lasting impact of
and comfortably is a must. Our religious views and outdated teachings
menstrual cycles should not be a and you've got a stigma that is difficult
factor in our minds, especially while to break. Many of the world's major
practicing a sport. When asking religions — Islam, Christianity, Judaism
about this very subject there was an and Hinduism — refer to a menstruating
overwhelming response to products woman as unclean and suggest she
used while training. An alarming should refrain from all activity and
number of women were quick to isolate during her period. In some
respond. The strongest response remote tribal communities, women are
was for the use of menstrual cup still banished to sheds and prohibited to
products. Menstrual cup products socialize when they are bleeding.
have surprisingly been around for a
very long time. Menstrual cups were In 2017 Thinx released a survey in the
actually invented in 1867. Unfortu- United States which revealed 58% of
women experienced embarrassment
for being on their periods and 42%
have been subjected to what is known
as "period shaming." What has society
taught us? To hide our tampons and
pads, to feel inferior and incapable
of carrying on our daily activities
when we're menstruating, and not to
mention, suffer in silence. The only way
to put an end to menstrual taboo is to
talk openly and honestly about it.

Period the Movement is a global
non-profit organization fighting to end
period poverty and stigma through
service, education, and advocacy. You
can get involved and become a leader
in your community: period.org

THE MENSTRUAL CUP, V HIL E N A N E L S ON is a professional hair stylist and owner of
FREEDOM FOR ATHLETES His & Her Mobile Hair Salon in Melbourne, FL. A blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu,
Vhilena competes in BJJ and is a local advocate for women in the
3 0 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM sport. You can contact her at: [email protected]
or hisandhermobilehaircare.com

nately, the products were not popu- pinching the cup together and WE WANT
lar and took a while to catch on. inserting it entirely inside the lower TO HEAR
part of the vagina, just behind the FROM YOU!
Menstrual cups were one of the first pubic bone below the cervix. Once
products suggested as a solution for the menstrual cup is in place it stays Do you have a story idea, a
women's monthly cycle. The dif- in place for up to 12 hours requir- question for our columnists or
ference between today's design and ing emptying about 2-4 times per feedback on our coverage? Let us
1867 were how the menstrual cups day. Women who use this product know. At Jiujiteira Magazine, we
were worn. Earlier technologies applaud its effectiveness vowing to believe in creating a magazine
had the design outside of the body never go back to pads or tampons. that represents our community
whereas today's designs are inserted and gives you a voice. We’re eager
into the body. The newer designs Nowadays, there are many products to hear more from our readers.
include a smooth silicone ring with to choose from for women. It is Please send us an e-mail. We won’t
a plastic liner attached to the rim always best to select products which be able to respond to every mes-
acting as a bag to collect and hold best suit your life and activity level. sage, but we promise to read and
the blood. Some of the more ex- Also educating each other on prod- carefully consider each one.
pensive brands are entirely silicone ucts that work and are available to
and shaped like a cup. These are us. We don't have to be shy about Send your feedback to:
designed to be reusable and to last this subject any longer. We are [email protected]
for multiple periods. women — it is part of our anatomy.
There is no shame in openly talking
The menstrual cup does take a bit about our periods and products
of practice. They don't have an that make our menstrual cycle less
applicator like a tampon. It involves
messy. Period. Y

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jiu-jitsu shopping

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cozy this winter with the perfect hoodie by

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New Year,

New Swag for
Jiujiteiras

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The Rules of the
Game is a new book for kids published
by Ana Yagües, a mom and BJJ
blackbelt coach with more than 13 years
of experience as a competitor, and over
8 years as a professional referee for
IBJJF, UAJJF and NAGA. Read more on
page 24. You can order the book online

at: BJJTHERULESOFTHEGAME.COM

Get back to youth in the new year. After a hard roll,
there's nothing better than a shower and a magical
soothing lotion that will leave a Jiujiteira blissfully
renewed. Moon Dip® Back To Youth Ageless Body
Mousse, by Farmhouse Fresh, is our favorite
skin care product this month. This magnificent
weightless whip is packed with top performing
peptides, vitamin-rich emollient oils that lock in
hydration and suppleness so your body is ready
for the next time you hit the mats. Get this and
more amazing products at:
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3 2 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM

Transform yourself with the Womens Minotaur Rash Guard from
No Judges Needed, guaranteed to keep you ferocious all year long!
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New year, new you! If you’re hoping to feel renewed in
2021 especially after hitting the mats hard with your BJJ
& MMA training, Recoup’s Cryosleeve is the recovery
equipment you need. Designed to fit over either arm
or leg (shin, knee, hamstring, or quad), the sleeve
provides cold and consistent compression for up to
one hour. Just pop it in the freezer to activate, and get
ready to reduce inflammation, soreness and pain. The
compression is steady and the sleeve stays in place as
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Keep yourself well informed with
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JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 3 3

yoga for jiu jitsu

BcRontErolAyTourH

BY EVELYN SUT TON

We don't think about breathing since it's something our body does for us, naturally. Yet, it is
intimately linked to mental functions such as focus, mood and body awareness. The act of
breathing is an essential aspect of yoga practice and a crucial factor for reaching a meditative
state of consciousness. In Sanskrit, the breath is called “prana" which means “breath-energy”
(vital life force). Breath control or “pranayama” is a set of breathing exercises that give us greater
awareness of the breath, consciously regulating the frequency, depth and ratio of respiration.
Pranayama is primarily related to yoga yet it's application to any form of exercise elevates your
performance. Practice the following techniques as often as you can. Being able to control your
breath will dramatically enhance your Jiu-Jitsu. Beyond that, it will change your emotional health
and allow you to stay cool and collected in arduous situations both in life and on the mats.

BLiroena'tsh UBrj jeaaytih

This breath control technique The most popular breathing technique in yoga
ignites a sudden release of tension is Ujjayi or Ocean Breath. Easy to incorporate
and promotes an immediate into your Jiu-Jitsu training, it's very useful for
energized feeling. Lion's Breath calming the mind and the nervous system.
involves inhaling deeply through It sounds like the ocean and can cool you
the nose then leaning the head off by bringing your body temperature down
back and opening the mouth as quickly. To practice Ujjayi breath, inhale deeply
wide as you can, exhaling loudly through the nose. Constrict the muscles on the
while sticking your tongue out. Try back of your throat as if you were about to tell
practicing this while in Simhasana someone a secret but keep your lips closed
or Lion Pose to accentuate the as you exhale fully also through the nose. That
stress relieving effects. creates a gentle hissing sound that resembles
the ocean, thus the name Ocean Breath. Make
Level: Beginner each inhale last as long as the exhale, and take
each breath a little deeper than the last until
3 4 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM your breathing is long and smooth.

Level: Beginner

TBrheraetehPart

Three-Part Breath (Dirga Pranayama) Start by placing the left hand on your
is one the most grounding pranayama upper chest and the right on your
exercise. It's very efficient in helping navel. Inhale through the nose into
focus your attention on the present your throat, then follow the breath
moment and getting in tune into your chest, notice the rising of
with the body. The slow, relaxing the chest then push the air all the
process alleviates anxiety, stress way down into your belly, fill it up like
and insomnia, calms the mind and a balloon. Slowly exhale the breath by
soothes the muscles. squeezing the belly button towards
the spine and releasing the air from
Because of that it's often taught at the belly up into the chest, from there
the beginning of yoga classes as a into the throat and finally out through
way to smoothly transition students the nostrils. Repeat several times
from their workaday lives into their until you feel centered with a sense of
practice. Start your Jiu-Jitsu with this peace and clarity.
pranayama when you first get on the
mat to prepare yourself for training. Level: Beginner

AlteBrrneaattehNinogstril

This breathing exercise takes a good amount of oxygen to both sides of the brain
amount of concentration. For this resulting in optimal performance.
reason it is best used when you are
trying to ignite focus and bring more To practice this form of breath control, place
discipline to your training. Research your right middle and pointer fingers in the
has confirmed what yoga masters palm of your hand leaving just your pinkie,
have known for centuries: humans ring fingers and thumb free. Take your right
don’t breathe evenly through both thumb over your right nostril and inhale
nostrils. There's a tendency to breathe through the left nostril. Now take your ring
in more air from one nostril than finger and place it over your left nostril to
the other. The dominant nostril will exhale through the right nostril.
constantly change throughout the
day, depending on the activities you Next leave your hand as it is and inhale
are most engaged in, with the left- through the left nostril, then switch, placing
nostril connected to the left cerebral your thumb over your right nostril and exhale
hemisphere (verbal skills) and through the left nostril. Repeat this until you
right-nostril connected to the right are finished with your breathing exercise. The
hemisphere (spatial performance). first few times you try this one you may get
Alternate nostril breathing equalizes your left and right confused. Don’t give up.
the breath and sends the same Try to remember that each time you inhale
you are sealing the breath in and that is when
E V ELY N S UT TO N is a E-RYT200 yoga teacher and owner of you switch sides.
LuxDei Studio in Melbourne, FL. A white belt in Jiu-Jitsu, Evelyn applies
her personal practice and knowledge of yoga to BJJ while helping Level: Intermediate
others do the same. You can contact her at: [email protected]
or luxdeistudio.com JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 3 5

close choke

On Top of the World

Trying to survive in a male dominated sport? Brionna is who you want
to talk to. She's an expert not just on survival but on how to excel in
a man's world. She's never worried about being the only woman in
the room, she's done it a million times. If she is there, it's because she
means business. Her confidence is deadly and her skill speaks for itself.
Brionna brings over 12 years of wrestling experience from both high
school and college to her Jiu-Jitsu. A practice she credits for having
saved her life. She's a woman with a purpose, walking on top of the
world. Now she's getting ready to take it by storm.

STORY & PHOTOS BY EVELYN SUT TON

JM: Tell us about yourself. JM: What first attracted tough, but about halfway fend without causing injury
How old are you? How you to BJJ? through, it was easier to to myself. I’m not as afraid
long have you MR: A few girls I wres- make connections and of people touching me as I
been training? tled with in college had grasps concepts because once was. I feel more com-
MR: I'm 26 years young. I trained in the art and that of the way our coach was fortable in my own skin,
have been training for 6 scratched the surface for presenting the material. like I truly can conquer the
months with some time off. me. In the beginning of world. I’d be lying if I didn’t
the year a friend and fel- JM: What impact Jiu-Jitsu say that BJJ has made me
JM: What does a typical low teammate invited me has in your life, as a wom- better as a whole.
day in your life look like? to like his gym's Facebook an, and individual?
MR: A typical day for me page. After I did that, I got a MR: BJJ has impacted me JM: You wrestled in high
starts with at least 10 message from the gym own- in the best ways. It’s helped school and college. Tell us
minutes of yoga after er inviting me to class. From my self-esteem, my mental about that experience.
I’ve brushed my teeth, of the moment I walked in to health, my mood, every- MR: I wrestled in college
course, to really jump- the end of the first class, I thing. The environment and high school and found
start and energize my day. felt at home and knew this plays a huge role in that a ton of successes on and
It also helps me set my was where I needed to be. as well. I’m in a safe place off the mat. In high school
intention and get my mind Since then, I haven’t looked where I can be myself with- there were very few female
ready. Then I get ready, back. They saved my life. out persecution or judg- wrestlers. California
pack my gym bag and ment. As a woman who has women’s wrestling was just
work bag. Work until JM: How was your been in a physically abusive starting to gain traction. I
5 p.m. then I’m at the first BJJ class? relationship, I wish I had competed in 3 female tour-
gym, my sanctuary, MR: I’m not going to started BJJ earlier. I've naments, the rest were
until 9 p.m. or so. lie, that first class was learned how to better de- all male dominated. In

3 6 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 3 7

JM: Favorite position and
favorite submission?
MR: My favorite posi-
tion is half-guard side
control. Because of my
background, I feel more
comfortable with that and
s-mount. I just learned the
s-mount so I’m still getting
familiar with it but soon,
it’s going to be deadly. My
favorite submission is the
kimura. I have a habit of
sticking my elbows out
so when I can return the
favor, I’m all for it lol!

WHERE THE HEART IS > JM: What is something
BRIONNA STARES LOVINGLY AT that people would be sur-
HER NATIVE FLAG OF THE PHILIPPINES. prised to learn about you?
OUR ROOTS KEEP US GROUNDED. MR: That is a good ques-
tion. I like to plant and
garden, and I love kids!

college, it’s a whole differ- JM: What are some of the advantages your wrestling JM: What things do you
ent sport. In high school background gives you in BJJ? find hard in training?
we wrestle folk style in MR: There are numerous advantages that wrestling has MR: Mentality. After work-
college, women wrestle given me. I’ve been wrestling for over 12 years now and ing all day, it’s hard to set
freestyle, so as soon as you much has become second nature. Shots and re-shoot- all of that aside — all the
get recruited you learn ing, I can do without thinking. As in BJJ, wrestling is all personal issues everything
a new style. In college I in the hips so if you have good hips, your base is unstop- — and just train. Before I
wrestled mainly women pable. Those were some of the first comments I got once get ready, I look at myself
but we still trained with I started training, it was with a base like mine, it’s going and decide who I want to
the guys. It was nice to be to be deadly. Hips and headlocks. be. Do I want to be some-
able to do work with the one who quits and just
male heavyweight, then go drives home or do I want
to someone your weight to be the badass I know I
and be able to make them am and go put in the work.
fly. When you’re at the It’s a grind but the re-
collegiate stage, your sport sults are worth it. It’s also
is your life, you eat sleep reinforcing when I walk
and breathe wrestling. I into the gym and people
loved to get the head and are genuinely excited to
arm and I loved to throw, see me. My coach is ready
it didn’t matter how big and happy I’m there. The
you were, how good, you environment makes it
would get thrown. easy to set all the negativi-
ty aside to improve myself
and those around me.

3 8 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM

JM: And what do you like crying. It was like JM: Do you have any in my professional career.
find easy? What comes I just received another female role models in the You are there on your own
natural to you in BJJ? wrestling plaque. In my BJJ or in wrestling? path with your own goals,
MR: What comes natural personal life, I've been MR: Cindy Omatsu. who cares what others
is the people part, I give going through a lot and She is the first Asian think and what they have
off good vibes and get that just made me feel American woman to to say? Don’t be discour-
the same back. like all the hard work was become a black belt in aged. I’ve been there
worth it. The staying late, Jiu-Jitsu, which is incred- before. You earned your
JM: Just like Jiu-Jitsu, being exhausted, all worth ibly inspiring. Her life right to be there. Be there
wrestling is known as it and I want more. story is amazing as well. and be phenomenal. “Ain’t
being a male-dominated a single thing I can’t ac-
sport. How was that ex- JM: What do you consider JM: What are your future complish and not a single
perience growing up and the greatest challenge plans for Jiu-Jitsu? mind I can’t astonish.”
how does it compare to for women in Jiu-Jitsu? MR: I want to keep belting
your experience now with MR: I’ve found most men up and become a black JM: What is your hope or
BJJ as an adult woman? don’t like to roll with wom- belt. Can’t stop, won’t stop, resolution for 2021?
MR: Growing up, it made en, they tend to hold back I’m addicted. I’m going to MR: It’s simple, I just want
me tough. I’m a survivor of until they find out that be transitioning to MMA to be happy and healthy.
sexual assault as a child so you’re a lot stronger than as well. That and BJJ plus I want that for myself and
when I started to wres- you look. Don’t take it easy wrestling is going to make my family. I want to let go
tle, I also started playing on us guys, we’re here to me unstoppable. It’s time of negativity and all of the
football in high school. I put work in just like you. to take the world by storm. things holding me back. I
had to be one of the guys. want to be present and be
I started lifting and just JM: What do you JM: What is your best in the moment. Also, I want
adapting. I had to make consider the greatest advice for women who to keep promoting up. Let’s
it be known that I wasn’t accomplishments of train at gyms where they see how much I can do in a
there because I wanted women in Jiu-Jitsu? are the only female? year. I’m beyond motivated,
to date the guys or any- MR: The increased rise MR: Don’t be down on I have my moments as well
thing like that. I was there of awareness of the sport yourself, you’re going to but I hope this motivates
because I meant business. amongst women and the see more tough days than everyone to try something
I’ve done nothing but fact that there are more good ones. You may have new, to do something dif-
male dominated sports womens' classes offered to put in more work than ferent and to get at least 1%
because I know, if anyone now. There is much more your counterparts but
is going to put on and being done in BJJ for the pay off will be much better each day. Y
compete with them, it's women than in previous greater. I’ve been the only
going to be me. Now as an years. It's about time! woman multiple times
adult, I don’t have to prove whether it be in sports or
or qualify myself, it’s not
necessary. Now I walk in, "I’ve been the only woman
still take it serious but my (in the room) multiple times whether
point is already proven. I
let my skill speak for itself. it be in sports or in my professional
career. You are there on your own path
JM: How did it feel to
receive your very first with your own goals, who cares what
stripe on your BJJ belt? others think and what they have to say?
MR: It felt like confetti
was about to come down Don’t be discouraged. I’ve been there
from the ceiling. I felt before. You earned your right to be
there. Be there and be phenomenal.

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THE QUEEN OF
JIU-JITSU.

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out of the cage

You Look Like a Man

For centuries, society has male or female? Unfortunately, see as our flaws with their stunning
delegated gender norms on human beings are a bit behind the beauty. And while I may never re-
what is typically associated times in that regard. semble Naomi Campbell in a dress,

across the sexes when it comes to As a professional MMA fighter I can choke out a 200 pound man
stereotypical appearances, hobbies, and BJJ brown belt, I am well with the finesse and elegance of any
personality traits, and physical aware that what I do for a ca- beauty queen on the catwalk. Some
attributes. As the world continues to of us have goals to be an absolute 10

grow and sexuality is viewed more reer isn’t labeled as overtly feminine. in an evening gown and face painted

as an overall spectrum versus a It comes as no surprise that someone with exquisite makeup, some of us

clear and concise line drawn in the in my position would strive to achieve have goals to deadlift 3 times our

sand, we begin to change the defini- an athletic build and work on adding body weight and have a black belt

tion of what society dictates how we muscles to their physique. While this tied around our waist, and some of

should be. The more our population may “masculinize” my features, it us have goals of achieving all of the
expands in numbers, the greater sure as hell benefits me in the cage above. There is no singular concept
the amount of people that exist that and on the mats and I have no qualms of what is the correct way to live our
don’t fit inside of a tidy little box, with the way I look. It probably helps lives how the world deems accept-
and the more we learn about what that I have a partner who reminds able of our particular gender.
makes humankind so great. me every day how beautiful he thinks

Odd that we are the only I am, but I digress. Sure, my swollen There will always exist inter-
species to ever define gender knuckles, cauliflower ears, constant net trolls and real life bullies
roles; when it comes to lions, bruises, and calloused feet aren’t who get their rocks off by try-
for example, the female primari- what one typically defines as pretty, ing to make people feel small. I will
ly adopts the hunting aspect and but I’d rather be pretty badass any never let criticism effect me from
provides the meat for her family to day of the week instead. people I wouldn’t ever dare to take
consume. But no one in the world advice from, and that’s facts. They
would deem the male lion as “weak” Learning to look in the mirror can put on a gi or strap on a pair of
and less of a provider and would and be appreciative of the gloves and see how ladylike I really
undoubtedly be quaking where strong and capable woman am, or they can crawl back into the
they stood should they be confront- staring back at me was definitely a hole they emerged from with their
ed with such a ferocious-statured learning process. We are bombard- tail tucked between their legs. I
beast. Likewise, no one would dare ed across all platforms of social me- may be an atomweight in the cage,
to think of a lioness as anything dia with the most gorgeous of wom- but I’m an ultra heavyweight in my
but a savage beauty and as equally en day in and day out, and it’s hard heart and I will wear that badge of
capable of violent destruction as her not to want to compare what we honor with the utmost pride.

male counterpart. If confronted by

a vicious predatory animal such as SA MA N T HA S E F F, "The Wolf Queen" is a BJJ brown belt under Team
a bear or a wolf, would you be less Rubao Carioca at Schell Shock BJJ in Fuquay Varina, NC. She's a professional
frightened based on if they were atomweight MMA fighter and writes a weekly blog: WolfQueenMMA.com.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking & baking and besides her
title belts, her color-coded self-written cookbook is her most prized
possession. You can reach her via DM on Instagram @wolfqueenmma

4 2 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM

If confronted by a
vicious predatory
animal such as
a bear or a wolf,
would you be less
frightened based
on if they were
male or female?

Idefine my own femininity, and
while do I enjoy dressing up for the
rare special occasion, I will forever
be more comfortable in sweatpants
and a sports bra instead. To be hon-
est, my body is often times too sore or
pained to take the time to make myself
more presentable in regards to being
“sexy,” and not because I am trying to
make some sort of statement. I’ve got
the confidence of the most gargantuan
BDE in existence and the chutzpah to
keep saying it every chance I get. I am
woman, now hear me roar.

So continue to call me ugly or tell
me how much I look like a man,
I’m cool with it. I’ve been small
my whole life so to be perfectly honest,
when someone comments in a way that
sounds like intimidation of my muscles,
I’m ecstatic. I’m not trying to win the
approval of countless admirers for what
I look like, but more for what my heart
conveys and my athletic accomplish-
ments. I wish I could tell the younger
version of myself to keep my head held
high and radiate the beauty from with-
in my soul. Nature will always prevail
and what is meant to be will be. The
lioness will continue to hunt, the bear
will continue to climb, and this wolf

will continue her reign. Y

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 4 3

around the world

34 12
5
1. BRISTOL BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU, VIRGINIA:
4 4 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM MeKayla Mitchell gives us a crash course on how to
properly triangle your boyfriend during the holidays.
2. AFFINITY ACADEMY OF MARTIAL ARTS INC,
CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA:
Our northern sisters, Zenab, Jacinta, Sofia & Melissa.
3. HURON BJJ, CANADA:
Drillerz make killerz, Tiffany Marks & Victoria Howard.
4. JEDI JIU JITSU, OKLAHOMA:
We love the fact that Jiu-Jitsu brings families closer
together, Jessica Sneeringer and beautiful daughter
Isabella with matching pink gis.
5. BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU ACADEMY, ILLINOIS:
Jiujiteiras Keala Amorin, Tiffany Johnson, Brandy
Benedick, Sidney Benedick and Ava Amorin.
6. GRACIE BARRA NOOSA, AUSTRALIA:
Happy group of lethal Australian beauties we want
to hang out and roll with.
7. AXIOM JIU-JITSU ACADEMY, SAN ANTONIO:
Meet Kylie Bear Rankin, though she be but little,
this girl is mighty and fierce!
8. BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU GRACIE BARRA,
ISLE OF MAN:
Warm Jiu-Jitsu greetings all the way from the Irish
Sea, between England and Ireland, meet our BJJ
sisters Dalia Everden & Shirley Tung.
9. CARLSON GRACIE JIU-JITSU, MELBOURNE, FL:
The publisher of Jiujiteira Magazine, Evelyn Sutton,
excited to welcome Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and
World Champion, Sophia McDermott for a visit to
our offices and our Florida gym, which resulted
in an amazing photo shoot and women's only
seminar. Read the exclusive interview with Sophia
and event coverage in our next issue.
10. TEAM JUCÃO COBLESKILL, PORTUGAL:
Laura Gross and Joanna at the 2020 IBJJF European
Open in Portugal showcasing some serious bling
11. ZOMBIE KREW JIUJITSU, FORT WORTH, TEXAS:
#jiujitsu4life > The gorgeous Jasmine Espinoza
proves her love & commitment to the gentle art is
forever with a beautiful and feminine knuckle tattoo
12. BRUNSWICK MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY, MAINE:
Don't mess with these women! Kate Madore and
partner showing that beautiful can also be strong

5 6 13. PRODIGY MARTIAL ARTS - BLAINE, MN:
Another great training session for Jiujiteiras,
Chris Willman and Kushani Dias
14. DES MOINES JIUJITSU ACADEMY:
Starting them young! First armbar, 6 months old ♥

7 6 12
10 8 14

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JIUJITEIRAS AROUND THE WORLD SUBMISSION:
To be featured in this section, e-mail a photo (high res images with
300dpi print better) of yourself and your BJJ sisters training, include
names and gym location to: [email protected]

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 4 5

head game GOT QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected]
WITH THE SUBJECT HEAD GAME AND OUR EXPERT THERAPIST WILL
ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS ON THE NEXT ISSUE!

empowerment mpowerment is the ing alongside the men, help
notion of becom- contribute to the balancing of
ing stronger and gender inequality. Why does
increasing one’s that matter? It matters because
confidence. It’s breaking down those inequali-
about taking and ties assists in developing a sense
being in control of of empowerment.
one’s own life and
rights. Empower- Now, while that is great for the
ment also assists in maintaining women who are already comfort-
health and well-being. able or are becoming comfortable
in training within mixed compa-
Women who have experienced ny, what about those who are still
some form of trauma, wheth- recovering from trauma? What
er it be emotional, physical, are some actions women can
sexual, or a combination of the engage in so they can be comfort-
three, struggle with empower- able training?
ment. Since BJJ and many other
martial arts are dominated Martial Arts brings benefits and
primarily by men, women have challenges as it tests physical,
to prove themselves worthy of emotional, and psychological
training with the men. Some limits. Persevering with training
gyms are not as interested in allows women to gain better con-
promoting equality and creat- trol of their physical, emotional,
ing a safe environment for all to and psychological functioning.
feel welcome to train. Conse- The goal is to make advances
quently for these reasons, some and bridge the gap between the
women prefer to train only with trauma-related limitations and
other women. In fact, some help women reach that point
women prefer to limit it further of self-empowerment. Keep
to only training with other in mind, this is by no means
women who have also experi- an easy task and there will be
enced some type of trauma. blood, sweat, and tears.

REFERENCES This approach has its pros and This column will address those
PHILLIPS, M. A. (2011). CLASSICAL MARTIAL ARTS cons when it comes to advanc- previously posed questions in
TRA I NI NG: A ZE N APPROAC H TO H EA LT H , W EL L NESS ing equality between men and order to help us women feel em-
AND EMPOWERMENT FOR WOMEN. CANADIAN women in training. Those who powered in martial arts, which
WOM AN STUDIE S ,  29(1–2 ), 6 7. do feel comfortable or are able will help translate to a feeling of
to become comfortable train-
TWEM LOW, S . W. , SACCO, F. C . , & FO N AGY, P. (2008). empowerment in real life! Y
EMBODYING THE MIND: MOVEMENT AS A CONTAINER
FOR DESTRUCTIVE AGGRESSION. AMERICAN JOURNAL BRITTANY ALLISION is a graduate of the clinical psychology doctoral
OF P SYCHOTHE RAPY, 62 (1 ), 1 – 3 3 . H T TP S : / / D O I . program at FIT. A resident at Henry Ford Hospital in Michigan and
O R G / 1 0 . 1 1 7 6 /A P P I . P S YC H OT H E R A P Y. 2 0 0 8 . 6 2 . 1 . 1 white belt in Jiu-Jitsu, Brittany hopes to help women in their BJJ journey
by offering her clinical advice. E-mail her your questions with the
4 6 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM subject "Head Game" : [email protected]

Class Schedule* DECember 2020

monday tuesday wednesday

11am Jiu-Jitsu 11am Jiu-Jitsu 11am NOGI Jiu-Jitsu
noon Open mat noon Open mat
noon Open mat 5:30pm Kids Jiu-Jitsu 5:30pm Kids NOGI Jiu-Jitsu
5:30pm Women's Only BJJ 5:30pm Power Yoga
5:30pm Beginners 6:30pm Muay Thai 6:30pm Boxing
Kids Jiu-Jitsu 7:30pm Jiu-Jitsu 7:30pm NOGI Jiu-Jitsu

5:30pm Vinyasa Flow Yoga

6:30pm Beginner Muay Thai

7:30pm Beginner Jiu-Jitsu

thursday friday saturday

11am Jiu-Jitsu 11am Jiu-Jitsu 10am BJJ, Muay Thai &
MMA Open mat

noon Open mat noon Open mat

5:30pm Kids Jiu-Jitsu 6pm Women's Only
OPEN MAT NOGI

5:30pm Women's Only BJJ

7pm NOGI, Muay Thai
& MMA open mat
6:30pm MMA

7:30pm Jiu-Jitsu

*Schedule is subject to changes.

carlson gracie jiu-jitsu team melbourne & luxdei studio
880 mc clendon st., melbourne fl 32935
321-890-8037 bjj | 321-917-1599 yoga

bjjmelbournefl.com | luxdeistudio.com

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 47

LET LIGHT BE.

STUDIO

ART & YOGA CLASSES ⌘ POWER YOGA ⌘ VINYASA FLOW ⌘ RESTORATIVE
880 MC CLENDON ST, MELBOURNE, FL | 321.917.1599 | LUXDEISTUDIO.COM

4 8 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM