This week, Shama sits down with Maddie Morales! a 13 years old at Fighting Chance Academy, Maddie hasbeen training Jiu Jitsu with her dad at I was 6 years old at Fighting Chance Academy in Kerrville, Texas. "He opened the gym because he has always been a huge martial arts nerd and so that my sister and I had a place to learn how to defend ourselves…

In this episode we talk about the realties and experiences of training in your 70’s Guests: Elaine Wynn, Lily Pagel and Marion Gimbel Hosted by: Shama Ko Learn more about Girls in Gis: Homepage: https://www.girls-in-gis.com Events: https://www.girls-in-gis.com/events/ Shop: http://www.girls-in-gis.com/shop/ Donate: http://www.girls-in-gis.com/donat…

In this episode we talk about all things related to being in your 60’s and training Jiu Jitsu. Guest: Betty Broadhurst, Kim Blake & Karen Burns Hosted by: Shama Ko Learn more about Girls in Gis: Homepage: https://www.girls-in-gis.com Events: https://www.girls-in-gis.com/events/ Shop: http://www.girls-in-gis.com/shop/ Donate: http://www.girls-in-gis…

On this episode of Ask aBlack Belt, Shama sits down with Nattie Boss! Based in Texas, Nattie Boss is a holistic performance coach and registered dietitian for athletes. She is the owner of Body By Boss, LLC. Her company uses a trauma-informed approach to support BJJ athletes in healing trauma, expanding consciousness, optimizing health, and enhanci…

This week Shama sits down with, Alex Enriquez! Alex began her BJJ journey in 2009. She is a black belt at Atos Atlanta under Professor Bruno Frazatto. She also has six years of experience in wrestling at Cambridge High School under Don St. James and Life University under Ashley Sword and Christian Flavin. Among her accomplishments are being a multi…

This week, Shama sits down with Joslyn Molina Joslyn Molina started doing jiujitsu when she was 5/6yrs old. She competed in her first Pankids in 2020 in California. She is a 3x gold pan champ now going for her 4th gold this year. She has won 7 Jitz Kings Kids superfights, 1 fight 2 win, 1 submission hunter pro. She just start competing at ADCC in J…

This week, Shama sits down with Landrie Joseph Landrie began her jiu jitsu journey in March of 2015, and continued her training under professor Bruno Mendes with Soul Fighters Martial Arts Training Center in Allen Texas. Landrie began competing at 5.5 and won Pan Kids at the young age of 7! She has stayed on the competition scene throughout the yea…

On this episode of Ask a Black Belt, GIG Ambassador, Kelly Moore sits down with 10th Planet black belt, Nora Mora. Training jiu jitsu since 2011 at 10th Planet, she's been running the women’s jiu jitsu program for 7 years at 10th Planet San Diego. Learn about her Jiu Jitsu journey and lessons she’s learned as she offers advice for those with Autism…

On this episode of Ask a Black Belt, Shama sits down with Nicholle Stoller, the first homegrown (white to black) female black belt under Shawn Hammonds. She is currently the head ladies' instructor for her team association's headquarters academy in Nashville, TN. Learn about her Jiu Jitsu journey and lessons she’s learned as she offers advice for t…

In this episode, our guest panel discusses training jiu jitsu when you're over 50. We discuss longevity in the sport, how menopause impacts training, the importance of diet for women in their 50’s, training strategies, and injury prevention Panel Guests: Michelle Wagner, Deanna Yohe and Gretchen Brocard Hosted by: Shama Ko Learn more about Girls in…

On this episode of Ask A Black Belt, Shama sits down with black belt champion, mother, wife and academy owner Victoria Maciel Antelante She talks about those that have inspired her, coming back after pregnancy and overcoming hardships Learn more about Girls in Gis: Homepage: https://www.girls-in-gis.com Events: https://www.girls-in-gis.com/events/ …

This week, Shama sits down with Divana Sandoval AKA “Divana The Beast”, a 12 years old and currently a yellow/black belt training out of GFTeam Orange, CA. Divana is extremely active and loves any sports she comes across but most she loves God! Divana takes sports seriously and is very competitive. She participates in Jiu-jitsu, Wrestling, Muay Tha…

This week, Shama sits down with first-degree Black Belt and school owner (Vien Jiu Jitsu), April Parks. April is an educator and mom of four. Born and raised in Syracuse, NY April has always been driven by sports and competition With a background as a Division 1 Track athlete behind her April ventured onto the mats for the first time in 2011, and n…

This week, Shama sits down with 12 year old orange belt, Charlotte Stollar. She trains out of Independent MMA and Fitness, a Roberto Traven affiliate, in Villa Rica, GA. Charlotte is a sixth grader at Central Middle School in Carrollton, Ga, where she has maintained a 4.0 GPA while participating in band, chorus, cross country, wrestling, and track,…

in this episode of AABB, Shama chats with black belt competitor and instructor, Alexa Yanes of Rodrigo Pinheiro BJJ in San Antonio, Texas! She began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 8 years ago and always knew Jiu Jitsu was something she loved to do, but had no idea where it would take her. Yanes started competing as a white belt for the fun of it, but…

This week, Shama sits down with Atos Blackbelt and IBJJF gold medalist, Heather Woods! Raised in Boise, Idaho, Heather started traveling at 19 and put on a gi for the first time during a trip to Brazil nearly 10 years ago. Since that day, Heather has traveled and trained all over the globe, eventually earning her blackbelt from the legendary World …

This week, Shama sits down with 17 year old blue belt Annabell Kline! She trains under Ray and Rachel Casias at Tennessee Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, a Zenith affiliate. She began her Jiu Jitsu journey at the age of 14, with the intention to learn a form of self defense alongside her younger brother, who had been getting bullied in school. After a…

This week, Shama sits down with newcomer, Isabella Delgado. Isabella Delgado is a 9 years old from Caracas, Venezuela. She has lived in the United States for 4 years, specifically in Kissimmee, Florida. She has been practicing Jiujitsu for a year and from the first time her dad took her to train, She fell in love with Jiu Jitsu and it has become an…

This week, Florida GIG ambassador and founder of The Mighty Dames, Torrie O'neil sits down with up-incoming young grappler,Taylor Ellis. Taylor Ellis is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt under Kevin Williams at Raptor BJJ. Her jiu jitsu journey has been fast and furious. Her natural ability and athleticism has led Taylor to quickly rise through the r…

In this episode, our guest panel discusses New Year Resolutions and how to maintain our goals throughout the year. Hosted by: Shama Ko Guest: Darla Sedlacek, Celeste Cronin, and Nattie Boss. Learn more about Girls in Gis: Homepage: https://www.girls-in-gis.com Events: https://www.girls-in-gis.com/events/ Shop: http://www.girls-in-gis.com/shop/ Dona…

In this chat, Shamma sits down with Canadian female black belt and founder of Women That Fight, Courtney Pratt. Courtney is one of Canada’s pioneers in providing opportunities for women in BJJ. Learn more about Girls in Gis: Homepage: https://www.girls-in-gis.com Events: https://www.girls-in-gis.com/events/ Shop: http://www.girls-in-gis.com/shop/ D…

This week, Shama sits down with yellow belt out of Essential Jiu Jitsu, Raina Donatella Tumminello Raina Donatella Tumminello is out of Essential Jiu Jitsu in White Plains NY under 2x ADCC Champion JT Torres. Raina started training at age 6 and has been training Jiu Jitsu for 5 years. She is an avid competitor. Among her many accomplishments she is…

This week, Shama chats with Welsh submission grappler, mixed martial artist, and a multiple-time world champion Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) competitor, Ffion Davies. A Wales Judo National team member when she was a junior, Davies holds a black belt in both BJJ and judo. She is also an ADCC champion, multiple-time European champion, and UAEJJF Grand S…

In this episode, our guest panel consists of women in our community helping make a difference but supporting women's jiu jitsu in their own ways. Hosted by: Shama Ko Guest: Stacey Councilman, April Parks and Ev Sutton April Parks is a Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu, multiple time World/Pan IBJJF Champion (gi & no gi) at both Adult and Masters. She is a pr…

In this episode, our guest panel discusses training jiu jitsu when you're over 40. Panel Guests: Melissa Lozano Barberino Almine Barton Hosted by: Shama Ko Melissa Lozano Barberino is a brown belt under Travis Tooke. She works as a Travel Advisor and personal trainer. She is a single mother and trains BJJ almost daily. She is a ten year survivor of…

Isabella Scallion AKA “Bellazilla Gorilla” @bellasara_jj on Instagram, is a 7 year old gray and white belt training out of Atos Jiu Jitsu HQ in San Diego. Bella has been training since she was 4.5 years old but was forced to take a year off due to Covid. Bella is a full time Warrior Kid who works hard at everything she does and spends a minimum of …

This week, black belt Alex Barcelona shares some of her insights on motherhood, how to manage life wearing many hats and offers advice for athletes to achieve their goals. Originally, recorded on January 27, 2022 Learn more about Girls in Gis: Homepage: https://www.girls-in-gis.com Events: https://www.girls-in-gis.com/events/ Shop: http://www.girls…

This week, black belt Jena Bishop sat down with Shama to chat about her journey, offered some advice, and shared what drives her and the mark she wants to leave behind. Originally, recorded on November 5, 2021 Learn more about Girls in Gis: Homepage: https://www.girls-in-gis.com Events: https://www.girls-in-gis.com/events/ Shop: http://www.girls-in…

This week, Girls in Gis- Florida ambassador Torrie O'neil chats with rock star competitor Bri Robertson. In the conversation Bri shares from Michigan with her family so that her three brothers could have greater opportunity pursuing their passion: hockey (now two of them play in the National Hockey League) and growing up with a background of family…

This week, Shama speaks to Hillary Witt of Inverted Gear who offers advice to parents living the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle, advice for all practitioners, and her involvement in the Panda Nation. Originally, recorded on December 26, 2020 Learn more about Girls in Gis: Homepage: https://www.girls-in-gis.com Events: https://www.girls-in-gis.com/events/ Shop…

Lisa is a first-degree black belt under Jay Pages/CTA who began her BJJ journey in 2008. She is a mother, an avid competitor, co-owner at Jay Pages Jiu-Jitsu with her husband of 16 years. She also runs a women's program at their gym and has been leading it since she was a purple belt. Originally recorded on June 11th, 2021 This is your chance to as…

In the episode, black belt Olga Lyashevska gives us a window into what Brazilians Jiu Jitsu was like 15 years ago in Europe, discusses her journey and the challenges she faces encouraging women and girls to try BJJ in Ireland. Originally recorded on January 1st, 2021 This is your chance to ask questions about techniques, culture, and life from one …

In the episode, black belt Erin Johnson opens up about her journey, offers advice for cultivating a positive gym culture, and discusses the changes she wants to see in Jiu Jitsu Originally recorded on February 11th, 2022 This is your chance to ask questions about techniques, culture, and life from one of the world's leading female black belts! Lear…

This week, we catch up with rising star, Sophie Sharp, for a fun-filled conversation where she shares her dreams and offers some valuable advice for kids and adults alike. The future top-level black belts are the children and young adults training now. Join us as we learn more about one of the top girls of the next generation. Recorded February 5th…

On this episode, Shama sits down with 10x world champion black belt, Bia Mesquita! Bia talks about her jiu jitsu journey, lessons she has learned along the way and her future goals. Originally recorded on January 6th, 2021 This is your chance to ask questions about techniques, culture, and life from one of the world's leading female black belts! Le…

In this episode, 15 year old blue belt Chloe Walker of the UK shared tidbits of her Jiu Jitsu journey and offers some great advice for women and girls alike The future top-level black belts are the children and young adults training now. Join us as we learn more about one of the top girls of the next generation. Recorded October 30, 2021. Learn mor…

On this episode of AABB, Sharicka sits down with us to offer advice from her BJJ experiences, lessons she has learned and things she would like to see change in the BJJ community. Instagram: @missus_o_does_bjj ***Parental advisory. Explicit language.*** Sharicka Long-O'Neill is a highly accomplished competitor with many IBJJF Masters Worlds Gold me…

In this episode of AABB, GIG-Texas Ambassador, Alia Garcia-Valadez, jumps into the hosting chair and chats with Emma Martinez ( @mexicanbjj_girl ), a black belt, gym owner/businesswoman, Mom & competitor out of GFT San Antonio. Emma Martinez has been training for 9 years almost 10. She is a black belt under Bruno Alves with Team GFT. She is also a …

Guest: Esther Garwood Esther Garwood started training at the age of 7 and has been training for 10 years. She is a purple belt under Romulo Caiado on the Carlson Gracie Team in Henderson, Nevada. She and her family recently opened Carlson Gracie Green Valley and She loves to compete as much as possible. The future top-level black belts are the chil…

In this Ask A Black Belt Segment, Claudia do Val opens up about her BJJ experiences, shares advice for women who feel unsafe in their academies, and comments on current events in BJJ Originally recorded on August 20, 2021. This is your chance to ask questions about techniques, culture, and life from one of the world's leading female black belts! Le…

Guest: Vanessa and Sevanna Aguirre Vanessa and Sevanna Aguirre are 15-year-old identical twins who have been Brazilian jiu jitsu practitioners since August of 2014. They train at least 5 days a week under Professor Queixinho at Ares BJJ Goodyear in AZ. They are both straight A students who love to travel and compete as often as possible. The future…

In this Ask A Black Belt Segment we sit down with 10th Planet Black Belt Dawna Gonzales-Gonzales ( @dawnagonzales10p) for an in-depth discussion on the rise of women in Jiu Jitsu, learn how Jiu Jitsu changed her life and what she’s learned along the way. Originally recorded on March 11, 2022. This is your chance to ask questions about techniques, c…

In this episode of NextGen, Shama speaks with Bella Burgan! Bella shares her experiences growing up in jiu jitsu, a few of her passion projects and ends with her advice to others in the sport. The future top-level black belts are the children and young adults training now. Join us as we learn more about one of the top girls of the next generation L…

In this episode of Ask a Black Belt, Shama speaks with a true legend in BJJ and IBJJF Hall of Famer, Hannette Staack! Staack takes us down memory lane shedding light on what it was like to be a female in BJJ. She also opens up about her experienced and lessons she’s learned along the way. Originally recorded on May 28, 2020. This is your chance to …

Ask a Black Belt W/Angie Vogel In this episode, Shama talks with Black belt Angie Vogel about her journey, normalizing women as BJJ instructors, and giving back. Originally recorded on October 29, 2020. This is your chance to ask questions about techniques, culture, and life from one of the world's leading female black belts! Learn more about Girls…

On this episode of NextGen, Shama speaks with Emily Leyva! Emily shares her experiences, offers advice, and gives us a window into the world of a champion in the making. The future top-level black belts are the children and young adults training now. Join us as we learn more about one of the top girls of the next generation Learn more about Girls i…

On our latest episode of NextGen, Shama speaks with Kayma Gaines. Kanya is a fifteen-year-old orange white belt at Gracie Humaita under Professor Andy Yount. She is an active competitor who one day dreams of being a black belt. She joined jiu jitsu because she was bullied to the point of depression. She says Jiujitsu saved her life and set her on a…

Ask a Black Belt with Rachel Morrison Casias Rachel talks about her Jiu Jitsu journey, the legacy she wants to leave in Jiu Jitsu, and how despite a diagnosis of young-onset Alzheimer’s, she has become an even bigger inspiration to us all. Originally recorded on March 12, 2021. This is your chance to ask questions about techniques, culture, and lif…

This week we are taking a look at our very first Next Generation Interview with Helena. In this inaugural episode, Green black belt Helena shares her experiences offers advice and shares Jiu Jitsu goals. The future is bright for this rising star. ⭐️⭐️ Recording on Instagram Live on December 18, 2020. The future top-level black belts are the childre…

Girls in Gis presents Ask a Black Belt w/ Fabiana Borges Guest: Fabiana Borges Shama was joined by Fabiana Borges! They discuss having a quality school as a female black belt, her journey in jiu jitsu, and more, including questions from the audience via the Girls in Gis Instagram. This is your chance to ask questions about techniques, culture, and …