by Samantha Schell I’m coming up on 11 years in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and over the course of that time frame, from fighting professionally in MMA, competing in Jiu-Jitsu all over the country, and even being an academy over, I have learned countless things. Some of them were hard lessons, some were good learning opportunities, and many were easily avoidable. The least I can do is try and pass on any nugget of knowledge that I can. White belt tears When I was brand new to the sport, I constantly felt quite overwhelmed with the influx of all of the new information I was being inundate ..read more

Modern gladiators battle for glory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour Rome 2024 From April 12th to 14th, the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour Rome 2024 sets its stage in the heart of the birthplace of one of history’s most renowned empires. Amidst such iconic surroundings, athletes of varying ages and ranks eagerly enroll, ready to showcase their prowess as warriors in the land that has long glorified sports and competition. On the tournament’s second day, the seasoned fighters of the Master 1 category step into the arena, poised to make their mark in Rome’s storied history. With lucrative ..read more

The life of a professional Jiu-Jitsu athlete is challenging. From weight cutting to strict diets to rigorous training sessions to weird injuries, Elisabeth Clay knows first hand her life is not easy. None of these challenges compare to her newest adventure: motherhood. Interview by Charlotte McKinley Photos provided by Gnarly Sports Nutrition On March 11, 2023, Clay announced her pregnancy via an Instagram post highlighting her baby bump. Before the world knew, Clay had told her professor and a couple of her female friends at the gym the week before. “Everybody else found out on Instagram ..read more

by Samantha Schell As a jiujiteira and combat sport athlete, it comes as no great secret that we put our bodies through an incredible amount of strain in order to keep up with the demands of training and competition. From little, nagging pains in our fingers, toes, and lower extremities, to cuts, bruises, abrasions, and muscle strains. Then you start getting into the more permanent injuries of bone breaks, torn ligaments, herniated discs, and deep fractures. All the supplements in the world can’t mend every injury we have going on. I take all of the recommended anti-inflammatory supplements an ..read more

by Samantha Schell There is an epidemic permeating all of us Jiujiteiras that is a tale as old as time; imposter syndrome. We seem to always be questioning every facet of our journeys and whether or not we “deserve” the rank and responsibilities bestowed upon us from our coaches and professors at our respective academies. I don’t think a day goes by where I scroll the Jiu-Jitsu pages on social media and see someone airing out their grievances or questioning their level in this sport. It’s tough to be a woman in a combat martial art; there is no easy way around it, that’s for sure. It can be di ..read more

Securing the fastest victory of the tournament, Ffion’s extraordinary skill and dominance proclaim her as the women’s champion of the second edition of the prestigious event hosted in Abu Dhabi On Friday, January 19th, the thrilling second edition of the Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship took place. The formidable ADXC cage and its fierce competitors descended upon the Mubadala Arena in the heart of the UAE. Following its triumphant debut in November, the tournament made a return, illuminating the arena with a spectacular display of lights and hosting memorable clashes among prominent figures in ..read more

Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club asserts its dominance in both Adults and Under-16 divisions, while Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club excels in the Under-14 category, and Al Wahda leads in the Under-18 division. Over $100K in prizes were distributed to the champions. Over two thrilling days, intense competition unfolded among participants at the Mother of the Nation Jiu-Jitsu Cup in Abu Dhabi. Hosted at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City over the weekend, the event witnessed elite female athletes showcasing their skills across various divisions, including Adult, Under-18, Under-16, and the newly introduced ..read more

The competition stands out as the foremost local Jiu-Jitsu tournament, showcasing the rise of talented female athletes in the Emirates and paving the way for their success on the international stage. The seventh edition of the Mother of the Nation Jiu-Jitsu Cup is scheduled to be held at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City on December 16 and 17. Female athletes from various clubs and academies across the nation are gearing up to compete in four categories: Under-14, Under-16, Under-18, and Over-18. H.E. Yousef Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said, “The Mother of th ..read more

by Samantha Schell If every flower in the garden concerned itself with how fast others were blooming, its petals will never flourish. Not only excellent advice when it comes to progress in Jiu-Jitsu, but with life in general. Comparison is the thief of all joy, and if you’re constantly measuring your progress and success by scrutinizing those around you, you are never going to feel like you measure up. The sooner you can focus on your own personal journey, the more content you will be. I say all of this because there seems to be a bunch of discussion lately around belt promotions and time inve ..read more

In a remarkable and empowering announcement today, Maggie Grindatti, a renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion, officially declared her retirement from the competitive grappling scene. Acknowledged for her unwavering determination on the mat and a string of notable achievements, Maggie has chosen to redirect her energy toward her latest venture, Champion Fit. This new endeavor is a strength and conditioning initiative dedicated to guide and empower athletes. Maggie’s final competitive appearances will take place at the upcoming IBJJF NoGi Worlds this weekend. Story by Evelyn Sutton Maggie Grind ..read more