A Moment in Time

Not one, but three young women in our community have accomplished what seemed impossible only a decade ago. If you follow the Jiu-Jitsu competition circuit you know what the buzz is all about. The superstar Jiujiteiras are Nathalie Ribeiro, Gabi Pessanha and Mayssa Bastos. All three are positioned to conquer the IBJJF Grand Slam in 2022 in the women’s black-belt division, a task of Herculean magnitude. These ladies are only one gold medal away of experiencing, what could very well be, the greatest moment of their professional careers.

To become an IBJJF Grand Slam champion you must win the four largest and most important tournaments of the year; Europeans, Pans, Brazilian Nationals, and finally Worlds. All of these events take place in the span of six months, from January to June, and there are no breaks or room for injuries or mistakes. You must compete, overcome every athlete in your division and win gold consistently back-to-back.

As athletes, their accomplishments are great, however what they mean for all women in Jiu-Jitsu is even greater, they inspire us and propel us forward. They are proof that women are in Jiu-Jitsu to stay, as experts on the mats, breaking records, making history, and creating legacy.

Through a myriad of trials and sacrifice, these ladies are now enjoying time in the sun. Nathalie, who graces our cover, is an example of resilience. After facing off Ffion Davies and losing to her four times, Tata finally defeated her nemesis and won her second world title at Pans — just one of the breath-taking performances she delivered this year.

Gabi Pessanha is an inspiration, born in humble beginnings with all odds stacked against her. If you are familiar with the slums (favelas) in Brazil, you can appreciate what an enormous obstacle she had to overcome to be in the United States and the significance of her accomplishment today at only 21 years old. Life in the favelas is dangerous, unstable and unpredictable, particularly where Gabi comes from, the infamous Cidade de Deus (City of God), a place where the police is afraid to go to, ruled by ruthless drug lords and where elementary school-aged children are criminals who shoot to kill. Jiu-Jitsu offered her a way out, a path to a better life and this young lady is creating a masterpiece with that opportunity.

And then there is Mayssa. A veteran of the competition circuit, Mayssa has been one of the most dominant competitors in her division since earning her black-belt in 2018. A well-respected and feared opponent, she fits her nickname “Pequena Notável” (Remarkable Little One) and has been nothing short of phenomenal this year.

Jiu-Jitsu empowers women by breaking gender inequalities and stereotypes. This is a moment in time to celebrate and be proud to be part of this movement. When one of us wins big, and takes women’s Jiu-Jitsu to higher evolution and greater recognition, we all win!

Glory awaits Nathalie, Gabi and Mayssa just around the corner at IBJJF World 2022 at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, CA.

– Evelyn Sutton