Rise of Women’s BJJ

For much of its early history, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was a male-dominated practice. That began to shift in the late 20th century as more women entered the sport, often overcoming cultural barriers and limited training opportunities. Pioneers like Yvone Duarte, the first woman to earn a black belt in BJJ, opened doors for future generations. Later, athletes such as Letícia Ribeiro, Kyra Gracie, and Michelle Nicolini became international champions, proving that women could excel at the highest levels of the sport.

As the competitive scene grew, so did opportunities for women in coaching, refereeing, and academy leadership. Today, women’s divisions are featured in major tournaments, female-only seminars are common, and prominent athletes like Gabi Garcia and Mackenzie Dern have become global icons. The rise of women in BJJ has not only diversified the community but has also influenced the art’s technical evolution, as different body types and approaches to movement introduced fresh strategies.