BJJ

12 Most Beautiful Female Jiu-Jitsu Fighters

12 Most Beautiful Female Jiu-Jitsu Fighters
Table of content
1. Ffion Davies 1.1. Making a Mark: A Biographical Adventure of Ffion Davies 1.2. Major Accomplishments of Fifon Davies in BJJ 2. Mackenzie Dern 2.1. Living a Legacy: A Sneak Peak Through the Life of Mackenzie Dern 2.2. Major Accomplishment of Mackenzie Dern in BJJ 3. Yvone Duarte 3.1. A Legend Unleashed: Brief Look at Yvone Duarte's Professional Journey 3.2. Major Accomplishment of Yvone Duarte in BJJ 4. Claudia do Val 4.1. The Road to Glory: A Biographical Journey of Claudio do Val 4.2. Major Accomplishment of Claudio do Val in BJJ 5. Kendall Reusing 5.1. Brief Life Story of Kendall Reusing 5.2. Major Accomplishment of Kendall Reusing in BJJ 6. Ana Rodrigues 6.1. The Path to Fame: An Fascinating Look at Ana Rodrigues Life 6.2. Significant Accomplishments of Anna Rodrigues in BJJ 7. Maria Eduardo Tozoni Ono 7.1. Biography of Maria Eduardo 7.2. Significant Accomplishments of Maria Eduardo in BJJ 8. Beatriz Mesquita 8.1. Short Introduction of Beatriz Mesquita 8.2. Accomplishments of Beatriz Mesquita in BJJ 9. Kyra Gracie 9.1. Discovering the Phenomenal Life History of Kyra Gracie 9.2. Accomplishments of Kyra Gracie in BJJ 10. Bianca Barbosa Basilio 10.1. Bianca Barbosa Basilio - Gorgeous Female Grappler 10.2. Accomplishments of Bianca Barbosa Basilio in BJJ 11. Grace Gundrum 11.1. A Journey Through Grace Gundrum's Life 11.2. Main Life Achievements of Grace Gundrum in BJJ 12. Danielle Kelly 12.1. Brief Memoir of Danielle Kelly 12.2. Main Life Achievements of Daniella Kelly in BJJ 13. Conclusion

Jiu-Jitsu demands strength, agility, and proficiency in techniques. It is a battle of determination and willpower that tests the limits of human endurance and consistency. Although Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has traditionally been male-dominated, a new generation of female fighters has emerged to turn over a new leaf and prove their fearlessness and tenacity on the mat.


These women are not only skilled martial artists, but they are also beautiful, inspiring, and have influential personalities. They are breaking down barriers and paving the way for upcoming female Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. In this article, we'll be taking a look at some of the most beautiful female Jiu-Jitsu fighters, who have left their mark on combat sports and captured the hearts of fans around the world. So, get ready for a journey of 12 beautiful female grapplers that will surely leave you in awe with their strength, grace, and beauty.

1. Ffion Davies

Ffion Davies
Photo Credit: @itsffionnotfiona
Name Ffion Eira Davies
Nickname The Honeybadger
Date of Birth 18th January 1995
Nationality British
Born Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
Age 28 Years
College/University N/A
Profession Martial Artist
Weight Class Division 58.50 kg, 129 lbs
Height 5’3’’
Career Disclosed Earning N/A
Fought Out of Dublin, Ireland
Foundational Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Favorite Technique Armbar
Belt Rank Black Belt
Awarded by Darragh O’Conaill
Head Coach Bryn Jenkins, Kane Charing, Ben Robson
Lineage Carlos Gracie Sr. > Helio Gracie > Royler Gracie > Saulo Ribeiro > (Alexandre Ribeiro >) Darragh O’Conaill > Ffion Davies
Affiliation Two4 Martial Arts / Progress Jiu-Jitsu
Team/Association East Coast Jiu-Jitsu

1.1. Making a Mark: A Biographical Adventure of Ffion Davies

Ffion Davies is a Welsh submission grappler and mixed martial artist who holds black belts in both BJJ and Judo. At an early age, she gained membership in the Welsh Judo National team and has won several championships, including the IBJJF World No-Gi Championship, the European Championship, the Pan American Championship, the Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu Championship, the British National Championship, the Berlin International Open Championship, and the World No-Gi Championship.


She started training in MMA in 2013 and received her black belt in BJJ from Darragh O’Conaill in 2018. In 2022, Fifon Davies became the first Welsh and British black belt Jiu-Jitsu world champion and the first Welsh and British Submission Fighting world champion after defeating Brianna Ste-Marie and Bia Mesquita in ADDC final and semi-final respectively. To continue her winning streak, Ffion now trains at Essential Jiu-Jitsu (which is one of the Atos affiliated academies) under Jonathan Torres.

1.2. Major Accomplishments of Fifon Davies in BJJ

  • 2X IBJJF World Champion
  • 2X IBJJF World No-Gi Champion
  • 1X Pan American Champion
  • 2X UAEJJF Grand Slam Winner, London
  • 1X CBJJ Brazilian Nationals Champion
  • 4X IBJJF European Open Champion
  • 2X IBJJF European Open No-Gi Champion
  • 1X ADCC European Trials Champion
  • 1X ADCC Submission Fighting World Champion

2. Mackenzie Dern

Mackenzie Dern
Photo Credit: @mackenziedern
Name Mackenzie Lynne Dern
Nickname N/A
Date of Birth 24 March 1993
Nationality Brazilian, American
Born Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Age 29 Years
College/University N/A
Profession Martial Artist
Weight Class Division 58.50 kg, 129 lbs
Height 5’4”
Career Disclosed Earning N/A
Fought Out of US
Foundational Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Favorite Technique Open Guard
Belt Rank Black Belt
Awarded by Wellington Dias
Head Coach Wellington Dias
Lineage Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie >Royler Gracie > Wellington Dias > Mackenzie Dern
Team/Association Gracie Humaitá

2.1. Living a Legacy: A Sneak Peak Through the Life of Mackenzie Dern

“People think if it never happened before, it can’t be done. But you just need to be the first person to do it.”

(Mackenzie Dern)

Mackenzie Dern is an attractive Brazilian-American mixed martial artist and Jiu-Jitsu competitor. She began training at the age of three and later down the line won several Jiu-Jitsu world championships. She made her mixed martial arts debut in 2017 and signed with Invicta Fighting Championship. In 2018, she made her promotional debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).


Apart from these, she has had several notable wins, including becoming the first woman to finish a fight by leg lock in UFC history. Dern has fought in several UFC events, with her most recent fight being a split-decision victory over Tecia Torres in 2022. All her remarkable achievements proved her strong grip on grappling techniques.

2.2. Major Accomplishment of Mackenzie Dern in BJJ

  • World No.1 IBJJF female competitor
  • 9X IBJJF World Champion
  • 2X IBJJF Pan American Champion
  • 3X IBJJF European Open Champion

3. Yvone Duarte

Yvone Duarte
Photo Credit: @yvoneduartejj
Name Yvone Magalhães Duarte
Nickname N/A
Date of Birth 1963
Nationality Brazilian
Born Roraima, Brazil
Age 60 Years
College/University N/A
Profession Martial Artist
Weight Class Division 52 kg
Height N/A
Career Disclosed Earning N/A
Foundational Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Favorite Technique Cross Choke & Armbar from Closed Guard
Belt Rank 7th-Degree Red & Black Coral Belt
Awarded by Osvaldo Alves
Head Coach Osvaldo Alves
Lineage Carlos Gracie sr > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Yvone Duarte

3.1. A Legend Unleashed: Brief Look at Yvone Duarte's Professional Journey

Yvone Magalhães Duarte is a true pioneer in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Born in the Amazonian town of Boa Vista, Brazil. Duarte's passion for martial arts began at a young age when she moved to Rio de Janeiro and began training with her older brother and his friend. Despite facing challenges as the only woman in the training room, Duarte quickly rose through the ranks, winning her weight class and open class in competitions for over a decade.


Yvone was determined to make a name for herself, and her dedication and passion paved the road to move to Brasilia. She opened her own BJJ school, becoming the first woman to run her own grappling academy in her contemporary era. Her hard work and dedication paid off in 1990 when she became the first woman in Brazil to earn a black belt in BJJ, a feat that earned her recognition and accolades across nations.


Throughout her career, Duarte continued to make history, earning her 7th-degree Red and Black coral belt in 2021 and becoming the highest-ranked woman in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Even after moving to Rome, Duarte remained committed to spreading the love of BJJ and even trained women in the United Nations security course.


Yvone Magalhães Duarte became a true inspiration by breaking down barriers and paving the way for young generations of female BJJ practitioners.

3.2. Major Accomplishment of Yvone Duarte in BJJ

  • 3X Brazilian National Champion
  • 3X Rio de Janeiro State Champion

4. Claudia do Val

Claudia do Val
Photo Credit: @claudiadovaljj
Name Claudia Fernanda Onofre V. do Val
Nickname Claudinha
Date of Birth 1st June 1988
Nationality Brazilian
Born Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Age 34 Years
College/University N/A
Profession Martial Artist
Weight Class Division 79.30 kg, 175 lbs
Height N/A
Career Disclosed Earning N/A
Fought Out of Brazil
Foundational Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Favorite Technique Triangle Choke
Belt Rank 2nd-Degree Black Belt
Awarded by De La Riva
Head Coach De La Riva
Lineage Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Ricardo De La Riva > Claudia do Val
Team/Association Soul Fighters

4.1. The Road to Glory: A Biographical Journey of Claudio do Val

Claudia do Val is a charming, successful professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. She has won the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships, held each title in a different category, and has been ranked No.1 in the IBJJF competitor in the Gi for three seasons, as well as the No.1 IBJJF No-Gi competitor for three seasons. The list of accolades never stopped here. In 2018, she won the IBJJF Grand Slam and has over 60 gold medals from local tournaments, all at the black belt level.


She started her martial arts career in 2006 with Judo and later transitioned to Jiu-Jitsu to excel in the Judo game. However, the exciting nature of grappling techniques fascinated her soul. In 2009, at the age of 21, Claudio do Val started her Jiu-Jitsu journey under the mentorship of Ricardo De La Riva. She made her debut as a black belt in 2017 and won the European Championship, Brazilian National Championship, and World Championship on her first try.


In 2018, she won the IBJJF Grand Slam and the World Championship, along with 6 gold medals at the Master Worlds tournament and 2 gold medals at the Asian Open Championship. She ended the year as No.1 in the ranking IBJJF NoGi season.


In 2019, she won her third consecutive title at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Black Belt World and reached the end of the IBJJF competitive Gi season as the first in the ranking. She also won the Master World Championship in Las Vegas for the second time. During her 2-month trip to Europe in 2019, she participated in 10 tournaments, each in a different country, bringing back 35 medals.


All these achievements are the true testaments of Claudio do Val's dedicated approach to the Jiu-Jitsu techniques.

4.2. Major Accomplishment of Claudio do Val in BJJ

  • 4X IBJJF World Champion
  • 3X IBJJF Master World Champion
  • 1X Pan American Champion
  • 2X IBJJF Brazilian National Champion
  • 4X IBJJF European Champion

5. Kendall Reusing

Kendall Reusing
Photo Credit: @kendallreusing
Name Kendall Marie Reusing
Nickname N/A
Date of Birth 29 October 1997
Nationality American
Born CA USA
Age 25 Years
College/University Simon Fraser University
Profession Martial Artist
Weight Class Division 79.30 kg, 175 lbs
Height 5’9”
Career Disclosed Earning N/A
Fought Out of USA
Foundational Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Favorite Technique Guard Passing
Belt Rank Black Belt
Awarded by Tom Reusing
Head Coach Tom Reusing & Ricardo Guimaraes
Lineage Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Carlos Gracie Jr. > Nelson Monteiro > Tom Reusing > Kendall Reusing
Team/Association Gracie Barra

5.1. Brief Life Story of Kendall Reusing

Kendall Reusing is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who was born on October 29, 1997, in Dana Point, California. She has a rich athletic background, having trained in Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and freestyle wrestling from a young age. Being a daughter of a competitive grappler (Tom Reusing), she had an immense love for the thrilling nature of Jiu-Jitsu. Reusing won several wrestling championships as a teenager and later went on to win double gold at the 2018 World No-Gi championship as a brown belt.


In 2019, she was promoted to black belt and went on to win several prestigious championships in her first year, including the World No-Gi Championship, SJJIF World Championship, and Polaris Women's Openweight championship. Reusing was also invited to compete at the 2022 ADCC World Championship and Grapplefest 11, where she became the first open-weight champion.


Despite a knee injury during the ADCC World Championship, Reusing has been praised for her athletic ability and beauty. She cemented her name as a top-notch female competitor of BJJ after her list of remarkable achievements.

5.2. Major Accomplishment of Kendall Reusing in BJJ

  • 1X World Champion
  • 3X World No-Gi Champion
  • 1X IBJJF Pan No-Gi Champion
  • 1X SJJIF World Champion
  • 1X ADCC WC USA Trials Winner
  • 1X UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro Champion

6. Ana Rodrigues

Ana Rodrigues
Photo Credit: @a.rodjj
Name Anna Cristina Araújo Rodrigues
Nickname N/A
Date of Birth 14th December 1998
Nationality Brazilian
Born Brazil
Age 24 Years
College/University N/A
Profession Martial Artist
Weight Class Division 53.5 Kg, 118 lbs
Height 5’1’’
Career Disclosed Earning N/A
Foundational Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Favorite Technique Open Guard
Belt Rank Black Belt
Awarded by Isaque Bahiense 
Head Coach Isaque Bahiense 
Lineage Carlos Gracie -> Helio Gracie -> Rolls Gracie -> Romero Cavalcanti -> Fábio Gurgel -> Isaque Bahiense -> Anna Rodrigues
Team/Association Alliance/ Dream Art Project

6.1. The Path to Fame: An Fascinating Look at Ana Rodrigues Life

Anna Rodrigues was born in Niteroi, Brazil, on December 14, 1998. She was raised by her grandmother in a rural town in Ceará until the age of 4, then grew up in the Rio de Janeiro slum of Favela Rio das Pedras. As a child, she was passionate about sports, especially volleyball, and gymnastics. At the age of 13, Anna discovered Jiu-Jitsu and became a full-time athlete at the age of 15, moving to São Paulo to train under Master Luiz Guilherme.


Anna later joined the Atos Academy in San Diego and worked at the Alliance São Paulo camp, where she became good friends with the coach Isaque Bahiense. Bahiense later started the Dream Arts Project and appointed Anna to lead the female division of the team. In September 2019, Anna was promoted to black belt by coach Bahiense.

6.2. Significant Accomplishments of Anna Rodrigues in BJJ

  • 4X IBJJF World Champion
  • 5X IBJJF Pan American Champion
  • 4X IBJJF European Open Champion
  • 1X IBJJF World No-Gi Champio

7. Maria Eduardo Tozoni Ono

Maria Eduardo Tozoni Ono
Photo Credit: @dudatozoni
Name Maria Eduarda Tozoni Ono
Nickname Duda
Date of Birth 3 September 2001
Nationality Brazilian
Born Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Age 22 Years
College/University N/A
Profession Martial Artist
Weight Class Division Peso Galo (48.50 kg / 107.0 lbs)
Height N/A
Career Disclosed Earning N/A
Fought Out of São Paulo, Brazil
Foundational Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Favorite Technique Open Guard / Lasso Guard
Belt Rank Black Belt
Awarded by Master Marcos Cunha
Head Coach Master Marcos Cunha
Lineage The Match Champ
Affiliation Luiz França > Oswaldo Fadda > Sebastião Ricardo > Wendell Alexander > André Marola > Marcos Cunha > Maria Eduarda Tozoni
Team/Association The Match Champ

7.1. Biography of Maria Eduardo

Maria Eduarda Tozoni Ono, a Brazilian-born Jiu-Jitsu fighter, fell in love with the sport at the tender age of 11. Despite not being particularly athletic during her childhood, her father enrolled her in a kids' Jiu-Jitsu class in 2013, and it was love at first sight. Tozoni's first instructor, Marcos Cunha of the "The Match Champ" (TMC) team, guided her all the way to the black belt.


The grappling career of the gorgeous Duda started gaining momentum as a purple belt, where she defeated seasoned black belts on the professional circuit. As a brown belt, she started competing regularly in the mixed brown and black belt division of the AJP Tour and had the opportunity to compete against some of the sport's top international stars.


In June 2021, Tozoni was promoted to black belt by Master Marcos Cunha after her outstanding performance in her colored belt career. Despite being relatively unknown at the international level, Tozoni has been competing and defeating some of the top competitors in her division since her brown belt days, making her dominant in the world of Jiu-Jitsu. Her passion and dedication to Jiu-Jitsu make her a true inspiration to fans and fellow athletes.

7.2. Significant Accomplishments of Maria Eduardo in BJJ

  • 1X IBJJF European Open Champion
  • 1X CBJJ World Champion
  • 1X IBJJF South Brazilian Champion
  • 1X AJP Grand Slam, RJ Winner
  • 1X AJP Brazil Pro Winner

8. Beatriz Mesquita

Beatriz Mesquita
Photo Credit: @biamesquitajj
Name Beatriz Mesquita
Nickname Bia
Date of Birth 7th April 1991
Nationality Brazilian
Born Brazil
Age 31 Years
College/University N/A
Profession Martial Artist
Weight Class Division 94 kg, 141 lbs
Height N/A
Career Disclosed Earning N/A
Foundational Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Favorite Technique Closed Guard
Belt Rank 2nd-Degree Black Belt
Awarded by Leticia Ribeiro
Head Coach Leticia Ribeiro
Lineage C. Gracie > Helio Gracie > Royler Gracie > Vini Aieta > Leticia Ribeiro > Beatriz Mesquita
Team/Association Gracie Humaita

8.1. Short Introduction of Beatriz Mesquita

Beatriz Mesquita, born on April 7th, 1991 in Brazil, is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a former state champion in both Judo and freestyle wrestling. She began her journey in martial arts at the young age of 5, when she started training in Jiu-Jitsu with her brother.


Her talent for the sport quickly became apparent, and she went on to win several podium spots, including the Brazilian National Junior Champion title by the age of 10.


Despite her success in Judo, Beatriz was forced to abandon the sport due to knee injuries, but she continued to excel in swimming competitions. Her coach saw her immense potential and sent her to train with the legendary Leticia Ribeiro in Rio de Janeiro, where she truly flourished in mainstream Jiu-Jitsu with the support of the Gracie Humaitá team.


In 2009, at just 18 years old, Beatriz received her brown belt from Leticia Ribeiro while on the podium of the Mundial, and two years later, in 2011, she was promoted to black belt. Beatriz's journey showcases her natural athletic ability, her dedication to her sport, and her unwavering determination to succeed. Her captivating and dedicated personality is an inspiration for all the grapplers.

8.2. Accomplishments of Beatriz Mesquita in BJJ

  • 9X IBJJF World Champion
  • 3X IBJJF Pan Champion
  • 2X IBJJF Pan American Champion
  • 1X IBJJF World No-Gi Champion
  • 2X IBJJF European Open Champion
  • 1X ADCC World Champion

9. Kyra Gracie

Kyra Gracie
Photo Credit: @kyragracie
Name Kyra Gracie Guimarães
Nickname N/A
Date of Birth 29 May 1985
Nationality Brazilian
Born Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Age 37 Years
College/University N/A
Profession Martial Artist
Weight Class Division 58 kg, 141 lbs
Height 5’7”    
Career Disclosed Earning Approximately $1.5 Million
Fought Out of Brazil
Foundational Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Favorite Technique An armbar from a closed guard
Belt Rank 6th-Degree Black Belt
Awarded by Carlos Gracie Jr.
Head Coach Carlos Gracie Jr.
Lineage Mitsuyo Maeda -> Carlos Gracie Sr. -> Carlos Gracie Junior -> Kyra Gracie
Team/Association Gracie Barra/Gracie Elite

9.1. Discovering the Phenomenal Life History of Kyra Gracie

The stunning Kyra Gracie was born into a legendary family of Jiu-Jitsu fighters, but she carved her own path in the sport. As a young girl growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Kyra was surrounded by her uncles, all black belts in Jiu-Jitsu, and she began practicing the sport at an early age. Despite some resistance from family members who saw Jiu-Jitsu as too rough for a woman.


Kyra persisted, training with her uncle Carlos Gracie Jr. and becoming a black belt at 21. She also trained in boxing and Judo, and her fame grew as she became one of the most recognizable athletes in Jiu-Jitsu. Despite offers to act, Kyra remained dedicated to the sport, even training with the top BJJ academy Atos. Through her passion and dedication, Kyra became a prominent figure in the grappling world, proving that a Gracie woman can be just as tough as any Gracie man.

9.2. Accomplishments of Kyra Gracie in BJJ

  • 4X IBJJF World Champion
  • 7X Brazilian National Champion
  • 5X Pan American Champion
  • 3X ADCC World Champion
  • First woman to be inducted into the ADCC Hall of Fame

10. Bianca Barbosa Basilio

Bianca Barbosa Basilio
Photo Credit: @biabasiliojj
Name Bianca Barbosa Basílio
Nickname Bia Basílio
Date of Birth 2nd February 1996
Nationality Brazilian
Born São Paulo, Brazil
Age 27 years
College/University N/A
Profession Martial Artist
Weight Class Division 58 kg, 141 lbs
Height N/A
Career Disclosed Earning N/A
Fought Out of Bahrain, Brazil
Foundational Style Brazilian Jiu-Jisu
Favorite Technique Well-Rounded
Belt Rank Black Belt
Awarded by Caio Almeida
Head Coach Caio Almeida
Lineage Carlos Gracie -> Helio Gracie -> Carlos Gracie Jr -> Ryan Gracie -> Gabriel Vella -> Caio Almeida -> Bianca Basílio
Team/Association Almeida & Team Bahrain

10.1. Bianca Barbosa Basilio - Gorgeous Female Grappler

Born on February 2nd, 1996 in Franca, São Paulo, Brazil, Bianca Basílio was destined for greatness from a young age. With a background in gymnastics, honed for over three years at the Dom Bosco center, she had the discipline and strength required to conquer any challenge.


When she was 12 years old, she stumbled upon Jiu-Jitsu and quickly found her calling. Guided by the legendary Diogo Almeida and later, his brother Caio Almeida, Bianca's dedication and talent soon put her on the map.


At just 15 years old, Bianca won her first world title in the blue belt juvenile division, solidifying her desire to become a professional athlete. Her unwavering dedication to the sport soon paid off, as she racked up consecutive medals at the world's top grappling events.


In December 2016, she was awarded her black belt by Master Caio Almeida, cementing her status as a true force in the world of jiu-jitsu. Regarded as one of the most dedicated athletes on her team, Bianca's relentless hard work and unrelenting spirit have earned her a place among the legends of the sport.

10.2. Accomplishments of Bianca Barbosa Basilio in BJJ

  • 5X IBJJF Pan Champion
  • 3X IBJJF World Champion
  • 6X CBJJ Brazilian Nationals Champion
  • 1X IBJJF European Open Winner

11. Grace Gundrum

Grace Gundrum
Photo Credit: @gracegundrum
Name Grace Gundrum
Nickname Silent Assassin
Date of Birth 22nd May 2002
Nationality American
Born China
Age 20 years
College/University Lehigh University’s College of Engineering
Profession Martial Artist
Weight Class Division 48 kg, 107 lbs
Height 5 feet
Career Disclosed Earning N/A
Foundational Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Favorite Technique Dead Orchard Armbar
Belt Rank Black belt
Awarded by Eddie Bravo
Head Coach Eddie Bravo
Lineage Carlos Gracie -> Hélio Gracie -> Carlos Gracie Jr -> JJ Machado -> Eddie Bravo -> JM Holland / Zach Maslany -> Grace Gundrum
Team/Association 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu

11.1. A Journey Through Grace Gundrum's Life

Born in China on May 22, 2002, Grace Gundrum was destined for greatness from a young age. Her journey to becoming a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu began when she was just 4 years old, starting with karate. When her older brother quit his martial arts classes, Grace redeemed them by joining the academy's grappling workgroup, a decision that changed her life forever.


Grace's Jiu-Jitsu journey was shaped by her instructors Robert Villafane, JM Holland, and Zach Maslany, who became her primary source of grappling knowledge. When Eddie Bravo opened the 10th Planet Bethlehem gym in 2012, Grace followed and quickly became a reference in Jiu-Jitsu's submission-only circuit. She went undefeated from the time she was 12, beating several of the sport's top athletes in her age group.


Throughout her early years, Grace also dabbled in other sports such as basketball, field hockey, karate, kickboxing, and wrestling, which helped her develop a well-rounded athletic skillset. At 16 years old, she faced 4x adult black belt world champion Rikako Yuasa at the Quintet Grappling event and held her own, earning a draw.


Grace's impressive performances on the mats earned her the prestigious black belt on July 21, 2020, in a ceremony led by Eddie Bravo. At just 18 years old, she was the 2nd youngest female athlete to earn the rank and the youngest in the USA. Grace's journey is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and exceptional talent in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu. The silent assassin is famous for her Twister lock.

11.2. Main Life Achievements of Grace Gundrum in BJJ

  • F2W Strawweight Champion
  • Quintet Team Tournament Winner
  • Finishers Sub-Only
  • Onnit Invitational 7 Winner

12. Danielle Kelly

Danielle Kelly
Photo Credit: @daniellekellybjj
Name Danielle Kelly
Nickname N/A
Date of Birth 4th December 1995
Nationality American
Born United states
Age 27 Years
College/University N/A
Profession Martial Artist
Weight Class Division 52 kg, 115 lbs
Height 5’5”
Career Disclosed Earning N/A
Foundational Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Fighting out of Saddlebrook, New Jersey
Belt Rank 2nd-Degree Black Belt
Awarded by Karel Pravec
Head Coach Karel Pravec
Lineage Kano Jigoro → Tomita Tsunejirō → Mitsuyo Maeda → Carlos Gracie Sr. → Hélio Gracie → Rolls Gracie → Carlos Gracie Jr. → Renzo Gracie → Karel Pavec → Danielle Kelly
Affiliation Silver Fox BJJ

12.1. Brief Memoir of Danielle Kelly

Introducing Danielle Kelly, the gorgeous submission grappler who's taking the martial arts world by storm! With wins over top-notch fighters like Roxanne Modafferi, Cynthia Calvillo, and Carla Esparza, Danielle became a fierce force to be reckoned with. She has a 1st-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and she's ready to take on all comers.


Now, we are going to share the memorable victories of stunning Danielle Kelly. Danielle has been making waves in the Fury Pro Grappling circuit, where she secured a victory over Cathryn Millares and was scheduled to face Rose Namajunas. However, a positive COVID test forced Namajunas to withdraw, and Danielle took on Carla Esparza instead. Despite a clash of heads that opened up a cut above Esparza's eyebrow, Danielle emerged victorious and claimed the win.


In the Who's Number One Championships, Danielle put on a show, submitting Jessica Crane with a kneebar and earning herself an invitation to compete for the Women's Strawweight title. Although she lost to Grace Gundrum in the opening round, Danielle persevered, submitting Jessica Crane again and earning the Performance of the Night award.


Danielle's talent hasn't gone unnoticed, and she was snapped up by ONE Championship, where she's made a name for herself with a draw against Mei Yamaguchi and a win over Sambo World Champion Mariia Molchanova. With her scheduled match against Ayaka Miura on the horizon, Danielle is poised for even more success.


Whether it's in Submission Hunter Pro or the UFC Fight Pass Invitational, Danielle has proved that she deserves great appreciation on every ground.

12.2. Main Life Achievements of Daniella Kelly in BJJ

  • Rise Invitational 3 Champion
  • SHP No-Gi Champion

13. Conclusion

The 12 female Jiu-Jitsu fighters featured in this article are not only skilled martial artists, but they are also true beauties both inside and out. They have challenged stereotypes, broken down barriers, and inspired countless young grapplers to pursue their dreams in martial arts. These women have proved that beauty and strength can coexist and that anything is possible with determination, hard work, and a never-say-die attitude. Their graceful work, power, and beauty will continue to inspire future generations of female Jiu-Jitsu fighters and will surely leave an undeniable impact on combat sports.

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