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Ivanka Trump Follows Daughter Into Jiu-Jitsu World, Embraces the Gentle Art
The martial arts world just added another high-profile practitioner to its ranks. Former First Daughter Ivanka Trump has revealed her unexpected journey into Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and the story behind her introduction to the gentle art is as relatable as it gets for many martial arts parents.
In a surprising twist that has the BJJ community buzzing, Ivanka shared that her entry into the world of grappling came through the most influential person in her life – her daughter Arabella.
From Driving Daughter to Dojo to Stepping on the Mats Herself
“I most recently got into jiu-jitsu, courtesy of my daughter, Arabella,” Ivanka explained in February. “I started driving her to these classes… and I thought, ‘I’m just going to sit here for an hour and watch her. Maybe I should try it.'”
What began as simple parental duty transformed into a personal passion – something many MMA fans and practitioners can relate to. The martial arts journey often starts from the sidelines, watching our kids train, before we find ourselves drawn to the mats.
This revelation showcases a side of the Trump family we rarely associate with the political dynasty – not power suits and boardrooms, but gis and submission holds.
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Jiu-Jitsu’s Growing Appeal to High-Profile Figures
Ivanka joins a growing list of celebrities, executives, and public figures who have discovered Brazilian jiu-jitsu in recent years. The martial art has experienced enormous growth since the early UFC days proved its effectiveness, but the current boom extends far beyond combat sports enthusiasts.
Tom Hardy, Russell Brand, Demi Lovato, and countless tech executives have all publicly praised jiu-jitsu not just for its physical benefits but for the mental clarity and stress relief it provides – something undoubtedly valuable to someone from Ivanka’s high-pressure background.
For many practitioners, the mats become a place where status and background fade away, replaced by the shared struggle of learning this complex physical chess game. Perhaps that’s part of the appeal for someone constantly in the public eye.
The Parent-to-Practitioner Pipeline
Ivanka’s story highlights one of BJJ’s most effective recruitment methods – parents who initially bring their children to train only to find themselves hooked on the art.
I’ve seen this phenomenon countless times in academies across the country. The parent sits watching class after class, gradually becoming intrigued by the technical problem-solving, the community atmosphere, and the visible improvements in their child’s confidence and discipline.
Soon enough, they’re asking about beginner classes and experiencing the same transformative benefits as their children.
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The Benefits Beyond the Mats
While Ivanka hasn’t yet shared detailed thoughts on how jiu-jitsu has impacted her life beyond the physical aspects, longtime practitioners understand the profound effects the martial art often has on practitioners’ mindsets and approaches to challenges.
| Common Jiu-Jitsu Benefits | How It Translates Off the Mats |
|---|---|
| Stress Relief | Mental clarity in high-pressure situations |
| Problem Solving | Improved strategic thinking in business and life |
| Humility | Being comfortable with learning and occasional failure |
| Community | Building relationships based on shared struggle |
For someone from Ivanka’s background – Harvard Business School, the Trump Organization, and the White House – the humbling experience of being a beginner on the mats might provide a refreshing counterbalance to environments where expertise and authority are expected.
Will We See More of the Trump Family on the Mats?
With Arabella already training and Ivanka joining in, one can’t help but wonder if jiu-jitsu might spread further through the Trump family. Many BJJ academies emphasize family training, with parents and children developing alongside each other in this challenging art.
While we don’t yet know if Ivanka is pursuing regular training or if it was just a one-time experience, her openness about trying the sport could inspire other parents who find themselves sitting on the sidelines of their children’s martial arts journeys.
The Takeaway: Jiu-Jitsu Continues Its Mainstream Rise
Whether you’re a fan of the Trumps or not, Ivanka’s entry into jiu-jitsu represents another milestone in the martial art’s journey from obscure Brazilian export to mainstream activity embraced across all walks of life.
From UFC champions to tech billionaires to former White House advisors, the gentle art continues to prove its universal appeal – offering physical challenge, mental development, and a supportive community to anyone willing to step on the mats and leave their ego at the door.
Have you ever found yourself trying a martial art because of watching a family member train? Or are you currently sitting on the sidelines of your child’s classes wondering what it would be like to try it yourself? Maybe it’s time to follow Ivanka’s lead and find out.
Source: JitsMagazine
