Ivanka Trump Rolls with Gisele’s BJJ Coach Joaquim Valente | MMA News

Ivanka Trump Shows Off Her BJJ Skills, Trains with Joaquim Valente

The martial arts world got quite the surprise yesterday when former First Daughter Ivanka Trump revealed she’s been secretly honing her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills with none other than Joaquim Valente, the same instructor who’s been linked to supermodel Gisele Bündchen.

In a move that’s got the MMA community buzzing, Trump shared several training photos on social media with the caption: “Don’t mess with me, I know Jiu-Jitsu now! #BJJLifestyle #NeverStopLearning”

From White House to White Belt

While we’ve seen celebrities embrace combat sports before, Ivanka’s dive into the world of BJJ comes as something of a surprise. According to sources close to Trump, she’s been training consistently for several months, typically hitting the mats three times a week at Valente’s exclusive Miami training facility.

“I’ve always believed in challenging myself physically and mentally,” Trump told reporters after her training session yesterday. “Jiu-jitsu teaches you discipline, patience, and how to protect yourself. These are valuable skills for anyone, especially women.”

Sporting a white belt with what appeared to be two stripes, Trump demonstrated several fundamental techniques during a brief media availability, including a surprisingly solid armbar from guard and a textbook triangle choke setup.

The Valente Connection

Joaquim Valente, who’s gained significant media attention since being photographed with Gisele Bündchen following her divorce from NFL legend Tom Brady, runs the prestigious Valente Brothers jiu-jitsu academy in Miami with his siblings.

The Brazilian instructor, known for his traditional Gracie jiu-jitsu lineage, has built a reputation for training high-profile clients, though he rarely discusses them publicly.

When asked about Trump’s progress, Valente offered a measured response: “Ivanka has shown tremendous dedication to learning proper technique. Like all my students, she approaches training with respect for the art and a willingness to be challenged.”

MMA Community Reacts

The revelation has sparked varied reactions across the MMA world. UFC commentator Joe Rogan hasn’t officially commented yet, but several prominent BJJ practitioners have weighed in on social media:

Former UFC champion Eddie Bravo posted: “Jiu-jitsu is for everyone. Politics aside, anyone stepping on the mats and putting in the work deserves respect. #JiuJitsuUnites”

Meanwhile, BJJ legend Gordon Ryan took a more humorous approach: “When your dad was president but you’re going for submissions instead of elections. That’s dedication! 🤣”

The Growing Trend of Celebrity BJJ

Trump joins a growing list of celebrities embracing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including actors Tom Hardy, Keanu Reeves, and Demi Lovato, who earned her blue belt in 2021.

The martial art has seen explosive growth in recent years, particularly among women seeking effective self-defense skills alongside a challenging workout.

What’s Next for Ivanka’s BJJ Journey?

Sources close to Trump suggest she’s taking her training seriously and has already committed to participating in a charity grappling exhibition later this year.

Whether this is a passing interest or the beginning of a deeper journey into martial arts remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain – the former First Daughter isn’t afraid to step out of her comfort zone and onto the mats.

I don’t know about you, but I’m genuinely curious to see if she’ll stick with it long enough to earn her blue belt. As any BJJ practitioner knows, that’s when the real journey begins!

Want to Follow in Ivanka’s Footsteps?

Curious about trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu yourself? The sport continues to grow in popularity across Florida, with several reputable academies in Brevard County offering classes for beginners of all ages.

Have you tried BJJ or another martial art? Drop a comment below with your experience or thoughts on Ivanka’s new training regimen!

Source: TMZ Sports, March 21, 2025