Meet our Team

Jiujiteira Magazine is only possible thanks to the dedicated work of our team of contributing writers and photographers across the country who are passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and experts in their field. Each one of them is fully dedicated to empowering and educating women in Jiu-Jitsu. Feel free to reach out and send them your feedback, questions and suggestions on articles.

We want to hear from you!

If you would like to contribute content for the magazine, we are a growing team always looking for talented people full of personality and no ego. Send us your resume and samples of your work to be considered:

[email protected]

Contributing Writers:

Evelyn Sutton

Evelyn Sutton is the publisher and founder of Jiujiteira Magazine. With over 30 years of experience, she brings her editorial and Creative Director knowledge to create a publication that serves the community of women who compete, train, teach and promote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Contact: jiujiteiramagazine.com

David Sutton

David Sutton is the head coach and owner of Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Team in Melbourne, FL. With over 18 years in martial arts and a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, David is responsible for a successful kids, adults and womens’ program at his gym. Contact him at: bjjmelbournefl.com

Samantha Schell

The “Wolf Queen” is a BJJ black belt under team Rubao Carioca at Schell Shock BJJ in Fuquay Varina, NC. She’s a professional atomweight MMA figher and writes a weekly blog: WolfQueenMMA.com. In her spare time she enjoys cooking and baking. Reach her via DM on Instagram: @wolfqueenmma

Chris Fletcher

Chris Fletcher has her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa and owns Combat Arts Physical Therapy in Spokane, Washington. She is a purple belt under Newborn Cascao Jiu Jitsu, and is happy to answer your questions regarding musculoskeletal injuries. Email Question s

Blanca Marisa Garcia

Blanca Marisa Garcia is an award-winning professional photographer with over 30 years of experience. A purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Blanca is a prominent member of the BJJ community, working closely with athletes and promotions such as EBI, Medusa, High Rollerz, and media Jiujiteira Magazine and Gracie Magazine. Email

Almine Barton

Almine Barton is the creator of Hips & Grips Jiu-Jitsu & Climbing Camps for women. A purple belt under Professora Amanda Loewen, Almine is a licensed acupuncturist & certified fitness trainer who has been treating & training pro athletes for 23 years. IG: @alminebarto

Lea Park

Lea is a Gracie Barra black belt formerly out of Seattle, WA. She has over 10 years of experience writing for numerous Hawaii MMA publications, MMA Sucka, and Grapplers Planet. Most notably, she was the Creative Director for ALLDAYBJJ.com and is the proud owner of Choke Aloha, a Hawaii inspired lifestyle Jiu-Jitsu brand.

Yvone Duarte

MESTRA YVONE DUARTE is the first woman to earn a black-belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the first and currently only to be awarded the legendary coral-belt in BJJ by IBJJF. A living legend in the sport, Yvone resides in Brasil, where she is currently finishing her studies in Psychology and is an advocate for women empowerment.

Sophia McDermott

Sophia McDermott (Drysdale) is Australia’s first female BJJ black belt. A Pan Am and World Champion, she is a certified trainer and nutrition specialist with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Sophia owns Girls On Top, an interactive BJJ platform for women sophiaFIT.com, website

Katie Egan

Katie is a brown belt training out of Seattle, WA at Foster Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a One Jiu Jitsu affiliate as both an athlete and an assistant coach. She has notable wins on Nogi Worlds, Nogi and Gi Pans, Master Worlds, Europeans, American Nationals and F2W. She is a referee for IBJJF, F2W, and Grappling Industries and runs Women Who Roll.

Charlotte McKinley

Charlotte McKinley is a purple belt affiliated under Jean Jacques Machado. She enjoys armbars, books, and people. Charlotte has a passion for blending her writing and love of Jiu-Jitsu. She is a full time student, works with the youth classes at Alpha Jiu Jitsu and Fitness and is a social media guru. @bjj_charlotte

Patrish Murphy

Patrish Murphy is a blue belt who trains out of Soca BJJ under legendary Alexandre “Soca” Freitas and Professora Samantha Freitas. Patrish is a part of the R1NG team that competes in IBJJF tournaments. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from SUNY Old Westbury. Patrish has three young children a five-year-old boy and her twin girls who are one. She hopes, through writing, to inspire other women to continue their journey through Jiu-Jitsu, competing, and motherhood. Email

Alicia L Pavia Sandoval

Alicia Sandoval is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, competitor and instructor on the legendary Carlson Gracie Team. She is the first woman to be awarded a black-belt directly from Master Carlson Gracie Jr. She owns Carlson Gracie Team Arizona with her husband. Contact her: carlsongracieteamaz.com

Brittany Allison

Brittany Allison is a graduate of the clinical psychology doctoral program at FIT. A resident at Henry Fort Hospital in Michigan and white belt in Jiu-Jitsu, Brittany hopes to help women in their BJJ journey by offering her clinical advice. Send questions: [email protected]

Vhilena Nelson

Vhilena Nelson is a professional hair stylist and owner of
His & Her Mobile Hair Salon in Melbourne, FL. A blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu, Vhilena competes in BJJ and is a local advocate for women in the sport. You can contact her at: hisandhermobilehaircare.com