Introduction of Women’s BJJ Divisions

For much of its early history, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was male-dominated, with limited opportunities for women to compete. That began to change in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as women practitioners pushed for equal representation. Organizations like the IBJJF eventually introduced official women’s divisions, creating space for athletes to compete at every belt level.

The inclusion of women’s divisions not only boosted participation but also produced a generation of female champions like Leticia Ribeiro, Kyra Gracie, and Gabi Garcia. Their success inspired more women to join the sport, helping to balance gender representation in BJJ.