Behind the Mats: Adele Fornarino and Ana Rodrigues Host Groundbreaking Women’s Jiu-Jitsu Seminar at Hyperfly HQ

The women’s jiu-jitsu scene just reached new heights in Southern California last weekend. I was lucky enough to witness two of the sport’s most respected practitioners, Adele Fornarino and Ana Rodrigues, lead an exceptional seminar at the renowned Hyperfly headquarters in San Diego.

Let me tell you – this wasn’t your typical training session.

Elite Female Talent Showcasing the Evolution of Women’s BJJ

Walking into Hyperfly HQ, the energy was electric. Female practitioners of all belt levels gathered, creating a buzzing atmosphere of anticipation. With women’s participation in combat sports growing exponentially over the past decade, events like this represent a significant milestone in the BJJ community.

Fornarino, an Australian black belt with multiple IBJJF titles, and Rodrigues, a Brazilian powerhouse known for her aggressive guard game, complemented each other perfectly as instructors. Where Adele demonstrated technical precision, Ana showcased creative, competition-tested approaches.

Technical Breakdown: What Made This Seminar Special

Unlike many seminars that simply run through random techniques, this event followed a coherent progression that built throughout the day. The duo focused on:

• Advanced guard retention specifically tailored for smaller practitioners
• Submission setups that don’t rely solely on strength
• Strategic approaches to competition preparation
• Q&A sessions addressing women-specific training concerns

What stood out most was how Fornarino and Rodrigues addressed the unique challenges women face in BJJ. “We’re not just teaching techniques,” Fornarino explained during a water break. “We’re showing how these movements can be optimized for female body mechanics.”

Hyperfly’s Growing Commitment to Women’s Jiu-Jitsu

Hosting at Hyperfly HQ wasn’t a random choice. The brand has increasingly positioned itself as a supporter of women’s jiu-jitsu, with expanded gi and no-gi lines designed specifically for female practitioners.

According to attendees, the San Diego facility provided the perfect environment for this gathering. The spacious mats allowed for detailed instruction while maintaining the intimate feel needed for personalized coaching.

“Having this at Hyperfly really validates what we’re trying to build in women’s jiu-jitsu,” said one purple belt attendee. “It shows major brands are taking female practitioners seriously.”

Community Building Beyond Techniques

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the seminar wasn’t found in the techniques themselves, but in the connections formed. Between drilling sessions, practitioners exchanged training experiences, competition stories, and strategies for navigating gyms as minority participants.

Rodrigues emphasized this aspect during the closing remarks: “The techniques will help your game today, but the relationships you build here will support your jiu-jitsu journey for years.”

What’s Next for Women’s BJJ in Southern California?

If this seminar is any indication, the women’s jiu-jitsu scene in Southern California is thriving. Rumors circulated that this might become a recurring event, with plans to bring in other female black belts for future sessions.

For those who missed this landmark gathering, both Fornarino and Rodrigues hinted at additional collaborations planned for later this year. The success of this event seems to have already sparked interest from other major BJJ brands looking to support similar initiatives.

The Bigger Picture: Why Events Like This Matter

Beyond the techniques and training, seminars like this represent crucial progress in combat sports. When I started covering BJJ almost a decade ago, women-focused events were rare exceptions. Today, they’re becoming valuable fixtures in the community.

As the sport continues to evolve, these spaces provide not just technical development but also the mentorship and community support essential for keeping women engaged in martial arts long-term.

Did You Miss Out? Stay Connected

If you’re interested in attending future women’s jiu-jitsu events in Southern California, follow both Fornarino and Rodrigues on social media for upcoming announcements. Given the enthusiastic response to this seminar, I’d expect tickets for their next collaboration to sell out quickly.

Have you attended a women’s-focused BJJ seminar before? Drop a comment below about your experience or what you’d hope to learn at events like this.

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