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How Stormy Paxton is empowering women through Jiu-Jitsu

News Room — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 14:54:12 +0000

Stormy Paxton’s journey to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was anything but conventional. Before stepping onto the mats, she had built a respected career as a government marine ornithologist, earning publication credits for her work on pelagic ichthyoplankton. Her life revolved around science, research, and data, until Jiu-Jitsu entered the picture and changed everything.

What began as a physical challenge quickly evolved into a profound personal transformation. Through Jiu-Jitsu, Paxton discovered resilience, confidence, and a sense of liberation she had not experienced elsewhere. The impact was so powerful that she made a bold decision: to leave her scientific career behind and fully dedicate herself to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Today, Stormy Paxton trains and works under Professor Fabio Villela in Austin, Texas. Professor Villela is the owner of Gracie Barra Cedar Park, Gracie Barra Round Rock, and Gracie Barra Georgetown. Under the mentorship of Professor Fábio “Gigantinho,” Stormy played a key role in building and expanding the women’s Jiu-Jitsu programs across all three academies. Her efforts helped create structured, welcoming environments where women could train with confidence, purpose, and consistent support.

The programs Stormy helped develop go far beyond technical instruction. Many women arrive on the mats carrying emotional – and sometimes physical – trauma. Through Jiu-Jitsu, Stormy guides them toward reclaiming ownership of their bodies, establishing healthy boundaries, and rediscovering strength through challenge. On the mats, adversity becomes a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and personal freedom.

Stormy leads by example. She competes not only for personal achievement, but to inspire the students she coaches, specially women and children. Her competitive résumé is impressive: ranked #1 overall No-Gi blue belt in the world, ranked #1 in her division in the gi at purple belt, and a highly decorated purple belt competitor. Her titles include Pan American No-Gi Champion, Pan American Gi Champion, and World Champion. Following her world championship performance, Stormy was awarded her brown belt under Professor Fabio Villela, a milestone that reflected not only competitive success, but leadership and character on the mats.

Despite her accolades, Stormy Paxton’s true focus remains impact. Through consistency, discipline, and mentorship, she demonstrates what is possible when perseverance meets purpose. In a sport known for its difficulty, Stormy is building something lasting: stronger women, resilient communities, and living proof that transformation is earned one roll at a time.

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GFTeam breakout Jonny “Big Boy” wins two world titles and new belt from his daddy

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 15:33:42 +0000

Jonny Big Boy won two worlds title in a row

João Marcelo, the 19-year-old also known as “Jonny Big Boy,” is one of the newest promise in competitive BJJ. The young GFTeam athlete achieved this status with his recent performances at the World Pro and IBJJF Worlds, in Abu Dhabi and California, respectively, in the previous season.

Last December, João managed to win the World Pro and World Championship back to back, with nine consecutive matches won—five in the former and four in the latter.

“I had some trouble getting used to the time zone in Abu Dhabi. I also had a very long flight each way. I believe my good performance was due to the rest I got; I planned very thoroughly for the World Pro. People ask me about fighting under different rules between two tournaments, and I usually say that, because of my always forward-facing game, I didn’t change anything. I just followed my planning consisting of seeking the finish and scoring as much as possible,” João, who got four submissions out of nine fights, said in a recent interview.

After winning two world-level titles, João was made a brown belt by the hands of his dad, Marcelo, who’s been by his side on the mat since João was three.

“Being promoted by my dad is a big deal; he supports all my decisions, and I felt happy with Jiu-Jitsu. I have a lot of confidence in what he tells me, what he tells me to do, and our results are coming. I really like competing, because my dad used to take me to compete from a very young age; I don’t feel pressured. I like testing my game and fighting without pressure. Most of the time, I don’t think about the medal; I just think about fighting well! I’m determined to conquer my space in this new belt. I’m very happy with everything and I believe it will be reflected in my next competitions. I expect excellent results,” he said.

As well as the intense routine between classes at the gym and his competition training, João sets some time aside to go to Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. “I have a timetable that’s very well divided and well organized. When I go to school, I take my mind off jiu-jitsu and, obviously, I also think about the future. Having another profession is very important!” he said.

João says he’s going to prioritize the main IBJJF tournaments this season. Fighting at the Brazilian Nationals is also among his goals.

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Ismael Santos and his dream of spreading Jiu-Jitsu around the world

Graciemag Newsroom — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 15:00:55 +0000

Ismael and both golds earned at the Chicago International Open 2021. Photo: Reproduction

Currently in first place at the brown belt ranking of the IBJJF, the largest and most respected Jiu-Jitsu organization in the world, Ismael Santos is one of the young prospects in the gentle art’s competitive scene. Under the tutelage of black belt Marcelo Ribeiro, he has joined a select group of athletes in the Xchange project, which supports young talents to participate in championships in the United States, to provide an international level experience for a new generation of competitors.

To tell his story, the 2021 Pan American champion chatted with GRACIEMAG and spoke about his dream of popularizing Jiu-Jitsu in American soil, his experiences on the USA and how these contributed to his maturation inside and outside of the mats. A real gem that, with its knowledge of the sport and the competitive scenario at a professional level, has plenty of baggage to use the sport to further the premises of health and self-confidence to future students. Check the lines below!

GRACIEMAG: How did you get to know Jiu-Jitsu? Already joined thinking about competing?

ISMAEL SANTOS: I was introduced to Jiu-Jitsu through a friend who was already training. I was already aware of the benefits of sport, so I joined him to learn about self-defense and live a healthier life. Also, I could expend excessive energies on the mat and, consequently, become more centered and focused on my studies. I started competing at age 13, still at white belt, and after three months of training, I was champion for the first time. At 15 years old, at blue, I was champion again, this time at the CBJJ Brazilian Team Nationals, by GFTeam. I won state and regional titles until, in 2015, I received the title of best youth blue belt in the state of Ceará.

Ismael, alongside professor Marcelo, boasts gold medal won at the Pan. Photo: Reproduction

At what point did you understand that you would become a professional?

I think the moment Jiu-Jitsu changed for me was at age 14, when I took my first trip to São Paulo. I received a lot of encouragement from my teacher Elinor Batista, who saw my potential early, encouraged me to pursue this future and do my best to be successful. Suddenly, for the first time, I was leaving my state to compete. That was very important for me. From there, I adjusted my mentality and felt in my heart that this would be my mission in life, that my destiny would be on the mats, showing Jiu-Jitsu to the whole world.

How does your family understand your profession in sport? Did you have their support at the beginning?

I am very grateful to my family as I’ve always had their support. In addition to encouraging me to follow my dreams, they always taught me to work hard, never give up and achieve my goals through merit. I learned a lot from seeing my father, who lost one of his legs when I was ten years old and still walks to work every day, and my mother, who never lost her smile despite living a difficult life and without running water in the interior of Ceará. If I got where I am, it’s all thanks to them.

Ismael heads the IBJJF’s brown belt ranking. Photo: Reproduction

And the mission to win the United States? How was the invitation?

I met Professor Marcelo Ribeiro through the project he has in Brazil, to help athletes compete and manage their careers in the United States. I arrived in the US for the first time in 2020, still as a purple belt. Because of the pandemic, I couldn’t compete and went back to Brazil. In 2021 he invited me again to spend a season at his family’s house and visit new places, practice my English and, of course, compete. I came back, worked hard and now I’m number one in the IBJJF brown belt ranking.

What has changed in your Jiu-Jitsu and has it changed in your life by joining the project at RMA?

I feel I evolved in different ways. In my personal life, I have matured because of the experience of getting to know a new culture and being so far away from my family. As a professional, the training routine and traveling to compete helped me to have a more professional point of view towards my career. Above all, I am grateful to Professor Marcelo, who recognized my efforts and allowed me to participate in this project.

With this new experience in the bag, what are your next plans for Jiu-Jitsu?

I intend to keep working hard and giving my best in all training and championships. I want to reach the ranking of the best black belts on the IBJJF and make other people see, as I do, the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu. My goal now is to be very successful and, through my results as an athlete, inspire adults and children to come to the mat and learn that Jiu-Jitsu can change lives.

Along with Marcelo Ribeiro and his RMA training partners, Ismael celebrates yet another victory. Photo: IBJJF/Giselle Villasenor Photography
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Checkmat breakout star Thamires Monteiro talks Pan 2021 gold

Graciemag Newsroom — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 19:30:34 +0000

Photo: Personal Archive

Women’s jiu-jitsu has been growing fast, and one effect of this is noticeable in IBJJF events. From the blue belt up to the brown – where Thamires Monteiro competes – women are more professional and standing out more.

A few weeks ago, Thamires shone at the 2021 Pan, held in Orlando, Florida. The young Checkmat star defeated three opponents to bag the gold medal in the lightweight division. In the final, she scored ten points on Joanna Christine (Tac Team BJJ).

“I did three fights in the division; no points or advantages were scored against me in the course of the competition,” Thamires said in a recent interview. “I was able to put my whole game into action. I was one step ahead of the other girls.”

She trains at Checkmat La Habra, in California, alongside her husband, the black-belt Jackson Douglas. The 23-year-old Thamires dreams of becoming a strong black-belt. She trains under Lucas Leite, who is charged with shaping her way of fighting. At the Pan, for example, her way of conducting matches was quite clear – always scoring as much as possible until reaching a submission.

“The training is fully focused on competition: specific training and brawling,” she said with a laugh. “I love guard-passing; it’s my favorite game! But it’s been a while since I started challenging myself on the bottom, and it’s going well… I confess I even like it!”

Thamires then shared some thoughts on the growth of women’s BJJ: “I believe we’re on the right path to gaining our due recognition, but changes take time. Each passing year, the quantity of girls in competitions goes up, which really helps bring visibility to women’s BJJ. Big events like Fight to Win, BJJ Stars, BJJ Bet are including girls in their events. Of course it’s still one or two women’s fights to a card with five men’s fights, but it’s getting better. The more women we have in the competitive jiu-jitsu scene, the more visibility we’ll have and, consequently, the more opportunities. I hope.”

In the course of her career, Thamires has won gold medals in the American Nationals (weight and absolute), Brazilians Nationals and Pan.
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Absolute champion overcomes chest injury to win No-Gi Pan for 3rd time

Graciemag Newsroom — Fri, 28 May 2021 14:30:27 +0000

João was the best athlete at brown belt. Photo: Personal archive

João Costa, 27, had to overcome the pain of a chest injury when he was still in his second fight in the absolute brown belt division of the No-Gi Pan, which wrapped up last weekend in Dallas, Texas. The student under Roberto Cyborg would go on to fight twice more in his pursuit of the gold.

“I strained the left side of my chest in the middle of the fight,” said the Campinas native in a recent interview. “It hurt, but I was coming off a sequence of four fights prior, due to having won the heavyweight division. I got much stronger mentally after overcoming this challenge, and in the following fights I won with tenacity, intelligence and disposition.”

João went on to say how it felt to defeat his rival Adam Bradley (Atos) for the second time, since this wasn’t even their first No-Gi Pan final together. “Due to the fact that I had fought the same opponent at the No-Gi Pan of last year, it was the fight that left the biggest mark on me, because I already knew my opponent and knew it would be a tough fight. The fact that he went on about it online also made me hungrier for the win. I don’t like this type of thing; I’ve always respected all my opponents, but with him it was a little different. Because of this rivalry, a very good energy was created during the fight, where everybody was yelling and getting very excited from both teams.”

Now a three-time champion of the IBJJF’s No-Gi Pan, João also revealed the strongest aspects of his game, which is honed alongside the elite athletes of Fight Sports in Miami, Florida. “I like trading takedowns standing up; I feel that my wrestling is currently very sharp,” he said, adding: “I like passing but if I need to play guard, I’m ready. People train very hard here, and I feel that I’m evolving with every session. I’m excited for the future.”

The time João has spent with Roberto Cyborg, as expected, has resulted in many lessons learned. “One of the most important lessons, certainly, was about mindset,” João said. “He is the strongest person, mentally, that I have ever met. This made all the difference in my career. The way of looking at life, the way of overcoming an injury… Many things. What’s done is done; there’s no point in crying about it. What’s important is to continue working however you can.”

João finished up by commenting on the rise in the popularity of no-gi Jiu-Jitsu seen in the past couple of years. On whether the no-gi side of the sport can become more popular than classical BJJ, he said, “I don’t think the gi is going to lose its shine, but for sure no-gi is soaring right now. The competitions are growing more and more, so yes, it’s a possibility.”
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Bárbara Pires tips for women beginners in Jiu-Jitsu

Graciemag Newsroom — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:16:35 +0000

In addition to the world championships, Bárbara has nine South American and six national titles. Photo: Personal archive

Brown belt by Checkmat and two-time Jiu-Jitsu world champion, Bárbara Pires is no stranger to the challenges of Jiu-Jitsu and overcome, at the beginning of her career, the rupture of four ligaments in her knee, an injury that resulted in two surgeries and an uncertain window of return to the mats.

Despite the setbacks, she believes that the greater the difficulty, the greater the victory. With this mindset, Barbara gives six tips to help female athletes to adapt better to Jiu-Jitsu and overcome the obstacles of starting in the gentle art. Check it out below!

1. Have your goals defined: “Don’t allow yourself to be unmotivated. When I arrived at the academy saying that I wanted to be a world champion, many people laughed and doubted me. Today I have a solid career as an athlete, became a two-time world champion, and was able to visit places I never imagined, all thanks to Jiu-Jitsu. Determine your goals and fight for them, whether it’s a competition or any other aspect of Jiu-Jitsu.”

2. Enhance your uniform: “The uniform for women goes a little beyond normal. Wear shorts or high-waisted pants under the kimono. It is also important to use a tight top without plastic or metal parts so that it does not hurt you during training. Finally, separate a shirt without a neckline, preferably lycra, to take to the mat. It may sound silly, but you will train more comfortably and protected, allowing you to keep your focus on Jiu-Jitsu.”

3. Haircare: “Hold your hair tight, as it can break a lot depending on how you train. I like to make a high ponytail and then a braid so that the hair is not sticking to the skin, causing it to break less. Avoid clamps or metal fasteners, as they can hurt you and your training colleagues.”

Barbara in action without a gi. Photo: Reproduction

4. Nails and makeup: “Cut your nails so they don’t go past your fingertips. Long nails can hinder your training progress and pose a risk to your colleagues. It is also important to take off your makeup before training, as it will smudge and may end up dirtying the mat and the gi of other students. You can put it back after training.”

5. Choose your team and your teacher wisely: “You must be in a place that makes you comfortable, otherwise it won’t last long. Look for options that are nearby, watch and participate in an experimental class and, mainly, research about your teacher. You must know as much as possible about your future academy so that you can gain confidence to start your journey in Jiu-Jitsu.”

6. Don’t give up: “The start in Jiu-Jitsu can be difficult and even a little frustrating, but persist and you will start to see results. In addition to allowing you to blow off some steam from day-to-day pressures, Jiu-Jitsu stimulates the production of endorphins, gives you the self-confidence of knowing how to defend yourself and, like all physical activity, increases your self-esteem.”
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Alex Sodré on winning five bouts to become brown-belt world champion

Graciemag Newsroom — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 14:56:12 +0000

Alex Sodré.

Alex Sodré (Nova União), 21, is the new light featherweight brown-belt world champion. A student under Rodrigo Feijão, Sodré had to tame five opponents to get his gold medal last weekend. In the final he defeated Canada’s Eric Cong (Jiu-Jitsu For Life Team) by one advantage on top of a 2-2 tie on points.

Sodré gave an interview following his victory. “The final was hard,” he said, “but what made it easier was that I was ahead on the scoreboard the whole fight, and that left me calm throughout. I didn’t need to expose myself too much, because the fight was under my control the whole time. I swept and scored an advantage. Then I yielded a sweep but was able to win.”

About becoming champion, he said, “It’s an inexplicable feeling, because I prepared myself a lot for this competition. When I became champion, it took a long time to sink in. I felt very accomplished at that moment.”

As cool as he was during the final, there were some tough moments throughout his campaign. “I did a total of five fights, and in each one I had a bit of difficulty,” he said. “However, the one I had the hardest time was the semifinal, against Pablo Mantovani. It was a very hard fight for me, with a score of 10 each, given the intense sweeping action. We ended up in a tie, and the ref gave me the win.”

After securing his title, the brown-belt champion sat in the stand to watch the black-belts’ light featherweight final, where Mikey Musumeci (Atos) beat João Miyao (Cícero Costa). “It was a very strategic fight,” Sodré said of that match. “The champion kept the rules in mind for the whole fight, and that made all the difference in the fight. It’s not new to me to see myself doing a final at black belt, especially at light featherweight. I felt in that moment that I could be there soon, and doing a very good fight with both athletes.”

[Based on a press release.]
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BJJ Worlds: Rudson Matheus wins double gold at the brown belt

Graciemag Newsroom — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 00:52:28 +0000

Rudson Mateus. Beatriz Lina

Rudson Mateus, of team Caio Terra, shone this weekend with double gold at the brown belt. First among medium heavyweights, he beat six opponents, including Gustavo Batista (Ns Brotherhood) in the final.

In the open division, Rudson had another four matches. First he outplayed Gutemberg Pereira (GFTeam), who was super-heavyweight champion this weekend and ranked among the favorites. Then he defeated heavyweight champion Vinícus Gazola (Alliance). After that, it was time to face ultra-heavyweight Casey Hellenberg (Ribeiro JJ) and secure a spot in the final. Finally Rudson beat Perttu Tepponen (Hilti BJJ) to wrap up his memorable campaign.

Stick around for more coverage of Brazilian jiu-jitsu’s biggest day.
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BJJ Worlds: Rudson Matheus wins double gold at the brown belt

Sun, 04 Jun 2017 23:59:40 +0000

Rudson Mateus. Beatriz Lina

Rudson Mateus, of team Caio Terra, shone this weekend with double gold at the brown belt. First among medium heavyweights, he beat six opponents, including Gustavo Batista (Ns Brotherhood) in the final.

In the open division, Rudson had another four matches. First he outplayed Gutemberg Pereira (GFTeam), who was super-heavyweight champion this weekend and ranked among the favorites. Then he defeated heavyweight champion Vinícus Gazola (Alliance). After that, it was time to face ultra-heavyweight Casey Hellenberg (Ribeiro JJ) and secure a spot in the final. Finally Rudson beat Perttu Tepponen (Hilti BJJ) to wrap up his memorable campaign.

Stick around for more coverage of Brazilian jiu-jitsu’s biggest day.
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Worlds day 2: Jonnatas Gracie, Andressa Cintra, Maggie Grindatti shine with double gold

Graciemag Newsroom — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 14:07:08 +0000

Lightweight Jonnatas Gracie won the absolute division and got his brown belt from André Galvão. Instagram

This Friday another legion of athletes packed the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach at the 2017 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship. The second day of competition featured blue-, purple- and brown-belts.

Three athletes stood out from even the champion tier by bagging two gold medals: Andresa Cintra (Checkmat) at brown, Jonnatas Gracie (Atos) at purple and Maggie Grindatti (Fight Sports) at blue.

Jonnatas, who receive the name Gracie from his BJJ-loving dad, gave an example of technique cancelling a disadvantage in size. First he won seven matches in the 104-strong lightweight division — the final saw him beat Lucas Nascimento (Alliance).

Then he took on the absolute field, of athletes mostly bigger than himself. Jonnatas beat one by one and reached the final against ultra-heavyweight Vitor Marques (Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu), whom he also defeated. Jonnatas had earned his double gold — and then Atos leader André Galvão promoted him to brown-belt on the spot.

Galvão later went online to praise Jonnatas:

I’m super proud of this guy so happy for him… Amazing performance. 19 years old becoming the best Purple Belt of 2017 winning light weight division & the absolute. Jonnatas trains at Atos since last year. His dedication is impressive.

Best Purple Belt of the World ?? || my student @jonnatas_gracie won double gold today Worlds 2017 defeating 3 Ultra Heavy Weights in a row (1st, 2nd & 3rd Place from Ultra Heavy Purple). I’m super proud of this guy so happy for him…amazing performance. 19 years old becoming the best Purple Belt of 2017 winning light weight division & the absolute. Jonnatas trains at @atosjiujitsuhq since last year. His dedication is impressive. I’m so happy right now hahahaha! Congrats Jonnatas and all his team mates from San Diego Ca. We did it!!! Praise God… ?? #Discipline #HardWork #Dedication #AtosHQ #JonnatasGracie #Champion #Jiujitsu #BJJ || Melhor faixa roxa do mundo ?? || Meu aluno @jonnatas_gracie ganhou o ouro duplo hoje Worlds 2017 derrotando 3 pesadíssimos um@atras do outro (1º, 2º e 3º lugar do Pesadíssimo Roxa). Estou super orgulhoso desse cara tão feliz por ele … performance incrível. 19 anos, tornando-se o melhor faixa roxa de 2017, ganhando o peso leve e o absoluto. Jonnatas treina no @atosjiujitsuhq desde o ano passado. Sua dedicação é impressionante. Estou muito feliz por ele hahahaha! Parabéns Jonnatas e todos os seus companheiros de equipe de San Diego Ca. Nós fizemos isso!!! Glórias a Deus … ?? #Disciplina #Hardwork #Dedicação #AtosHQ #JonnatasGracie #Champion #Jiujitsu #BJJ

A post shared by Andre Galvao Official (@galvaobjj) on Jun 2, 2017 at 11:26pm PDT

Women’s

Andressa Cintra also mowed down her competition. The brown-belt won medium heavyweight and absolute gold, both against fellow Checkmat fighter Samantha Cook.

At blue, Maggie Grindatti was the big winner. In order to beat the medium heavyweight field, she won three fights before defeating Rebecca Faris (MXT Fight Academy) in the final. Then she won four fights in the open division, including the final against Chloe Mcnally (Unity Jiu-Jitsu).

Teams

At the end of day 2, Atos led the men’s race with 64 points, trailed by GFTeam at 37 and Cícero Costha at 27. Checkmat was leading the women’s race with 50, followed by Gracie Barra at 43 and Alliance at 34.

You can click here to get the complete results so far.
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Espen Mathiesen talks Pan title, new challenges

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 13:01:06 +0000

Espen Mathiesen. Instagram

In the brown belt, future champions start giving us hints of what they might end up achieving in the sport. It’s the case of Espen Mathiesen, a Kimura Nova União athlete who handily dominated the brown belt lightweight division of the IBJJF Pan, held in March in California.

But, prior to that event, young Mathiesen had already shown his talent opposite dangerous black-belts such as Delson Pé de Chumbo, Diego Borges and Isaque Bahiense in the Copa Pódio Lightweight GP.

In an exclusive interview with Graciemag.com, Mathiesen speaks about the experience of fighting against black-belts, analyzes his Pan title, goes over his mental training, and gives some valuable advice to BJJ practitioners. Enjoy it below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NedUtaWVJg&t
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See how brown-belt Gustavo “Braguinha” swept and beat Xande Ribeiro

Graciemag Newsroom — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 21:33:42 +0000

A brown-belt of NS Brotherhood, Gustavo “Braguinha” Batista again pulled a surprise out of the bag. This time it happened at the Argentina National Pro, held last weekend.

A pupil of Leandro Lo, Braguinha was assigned to the black belt absolute, which was short on fighters. After a few matches, he saw himself face to face with absolute world champion Xande Ribeiro.

With a sweep audibly celebrated by the public, the hungry brown-belt won the two points that granted him the win over Ribeiro. Watch it all in the video below.

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