The Roots of Jiu-Jitsu and Women's Entry into the Art
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) traces its origins back to Japanese Judo, brought to Brazil by Mitsuyo Maeda in the early 1900s. Maeda, a master judoka, shared his knowledge with Carlos Gracie, laying the foundation for what would become BJJ. While the early days were male-dominated, women began finding their place in this grappling art through family ties and sheer determination.
One of the earliest documented female practitioners was Laura Gracie, sister of Carlos Gracie. In the 1930s, she trained alongside her brothers, defying the era's gender norms. Her involvement highlighted how family lineages opened doors for women in a sport that emphasized technique over brute strength—perfect for leveling the playing field.
As BJJ spread in Brazil, it remained underground and mostly familial. Women like Margarida Fortunato, who trained in the 1950s under the Gracie family, pushed boundaries. These pioneers trained in gis tailored for men, adapting to ill-fitting gear that underscored the lack of women-specific equipment at the time.
Breaking Barriers in the United States: Gene LeBell and the 1960s Shift
Across the border in the U.S., judoka and wrestler 'Judo' Gene LeBell became a pivotal figure. In the 1960s, LeBell taught grappling to women, including his sister Betty LeBell and actress Ann Marie. His Hollywood connections exposed BJJ techniques to a broader audience through movies and TV.
LeBell's influence extended to early female competitors. Women started competing in judo and submission wrestling, blending styles that foreshadowed modern BJJ. This period marked a transition from secretive family training to public demonstration, with women proving their mettle in mixed matches.
The 1990s Boom: Gracie Challenge and Ronda Rousey's Rise
The 1990s brought explosive growth thanks to the UFC's debut in 1993, where Royce Gracie showcased BJJ's dominance. This visibility drew women into the sport. The Gracie Challenge—open fights against anyone—saw female challengers, though rarely publicized.
Ronda Rousey emerged as a superstar. Training under Edith Crouch and later the Gracie Academy, Rousey won Olympic bronze in judo before dominating women's MMA. Her 11-0 UFC streak popularized BJJ globally, inspiring countless women to hit the mats. Rousey's story emphasized how BJJ's ground game translates to MMA success.
Other notables like Julie Kedzie and Gina Carano paved the way in MMA, using BJJ fundamentals. Tournaments began including women's divisions, with events like the ADCC Worlds featuring female brackets by the late 90s.
The 2000s Expansion: Tournaments, Academies, and Gear Evolution
The new millennium saw BJJ academies proliferate worldwide. Women's divisions grew in IBJJF and other tournaments. Talents like Kyra Gracie, a fifth-generation Gracie, won multiple world titles, blending tradition with competition.
Female-specific gis started appearing from brands like Hyperfly, Fuji, and Tatami, offering better fits with shorter cords and tailored cuts. Rash guards and spats became essential for no-gi training, preventing mat burns during intense rolls.
This era also saw black belt promotions for women accelerate. Leaders like Leticia Ribeiro and Beatriz Mesquita dominated, earning respect and opening coaching roles for women.
Modern Era: Stars, Inclusivity, and Global Reach
Today, BJJ boasts elite female athletes like Gordon Ryan's counterparts in the women's scene: Mia Funcion, Talita Nogueira, and rising stars in ONE Championship and UFC. Mackenzie Dern, with multiple IBJJF golds, transitioned seamlessly to MMA.
Social media amplifies visibility—Instagram reels of women submitting larger opponents shatter stereotypes. Academies now offer women-only classes, fostering safe spaces for beginners.
Gear has evolved too: Apollo MMA stocks women-specific BJJ gis, no-gi shorts, and mouthguards designed for comfort during long training sessions. Quality mouthguards protect teeth in sparring, while supportive sports bras pair with rash guards for all-day comfort.
Persistent Challenges Facing Women in BJJ
Despite progress, hurdles remain. Fewer high-level female competitors mean smaller prize pools and less sponsorship. Gym cultures can be intimidating, with some women facing harassment or unequal mat time.
Physical disparities in size/strength divisions spark debates—should divisions be stricter? Injury rates are similar to men, but access to top coaching lags.
Mental barriers persist: confidence in competing against men or pursuing black belts. Yet, programs like BJJ Globetrotters promote inclusivity.
The Path Forward: Empowerment and Innovation
The future shines bright. Youth programs introduce girls early, building pipelines to elite levels. Tech like online platforms (e.g., BJJ Fanatics) offer technique breakdowns tailored for women.
Advocacy groups push for equal opportunities. Events like the IBJJF Pans now feature stacked women's brackets.
For aspiring female grapplers: Start with a quality gi from brands like Hyperfly or Origin—ensure pearl weave for durability. Pair with grappling dummies for home drills. Focus on hip escapes and guard retention, BJJ's equalizers.
Cross-training in wrestling or Muay Thai enhances versatility for MMA. Join seminars by pioneers like Beatriz Mesquita for inspiration.
At Apollo MMA, explore our BJJ collection: gis in A1-A4 sizes for all body types, no-gi apparel, and recovery tools like foam rollers. Whether beginner or competitor, gear up to claim your spot on the mats.
Women's BJJ isn't just history—it's a revolution. From Laura Gracie's backyard rolls to sold-out tournaments, these athletes redefine what's possible. The path forward? More black belts, bigger stages, and unbreakable spirits.
---
