Beyond the Barbecue: Ivanka Trump Hits the Mats for Memorial Day Weekend BJJ Training

While most Americans were firing up grills and cracking open cold ones this Memorial Day weekend, Ivanka Trump was tapping into a different kind of American tradition—the grind doesn’t stop, even on holidays.

The former First Daughter was spotted hitting the mats for another intense Brazilian jiu-jitsu training session with world-class instructor Gui Valente, proving that her commitment to the gentle art is anything but casual.

From White House to White Belt: Ivanka’s BJJ Journey

Trump has been quietly building her BJJ credentials for some time now, training consistently at the prestigious Valente Brothers academy in Miami. For those unfamiliar with the BJJ world, getting mat time with Gui Valente is like having Michael Jordan teach you jump shots—it simply doesn’t happen without serious dedication.

The Valente family carries one of the most respected lineages in BJJ, with direct connections to the legendary Helio Gracie. Their traditional approach focuses on self-defense effectiveness rather than sport competition—perhaps appealing to Trump’s practical mindset.

Insert image: Ivanka Trump in gi training with Gui Valente

More Than Just a Celebrity Hobby

While we’ve seen plenty of celebrities dip their toes into martial arts for photo ops, Trump’s commitment appears to run deeper. Sources close to the academy suggest she’s been putting in consistent work for over a year now, training multiple times weekly.

“BJJ isn’t something you can fake,” says longtime practitioner and MMA analyst Daniel Robinson. “The mats don’t care who you are or who your father is. The fact that she’s still training consistently after the initial buzz suggests she’s found something valuable in the practice.”

The Business of BJJ: Celebrity Impact on Martial Arts

Trump joins a growing list of high-profile figures embracing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, including actors Tom Hardy and Russell Brand, comedian Joe Rogan, and even Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who recently competed in his first tournament.

This celebrity interest has coincided with explosive growth in BJJ schools nationwide. According to industry reports, BJJ academy openings have increased by approximately 21% annually since 2018. When influential figures publicly embrace the sport, it typically triggers waves of new participants.

Why Memorial Day Training Matters

There’s something symbolically appropriate about Trump’s choice to train during a holiday traditionally associated with remembrance and respect. Brazilian jiu-jitsu’s core philosophy emphasizes humility, perseverance, and respect—values that resonate with the holiday’s deeper meaning.

For serious practitioners, BJJ is less about the Instagram posts and more about the daily commitment to improvement. By choosing the mats over typical holiday activities, Trump signals that her relationship with the art form has evolved beyond novelty.

The Female BJJ Movement

Trump’s high-profile training comes at a pivotal time for women in BJJ. Female participation has grown substantially, with women now representing approximately 30% of practitioners nationwide—a dramatic increase from just 10% a decade ago.

Champions like Mackenzie Dern, Gabi Garcia, and Ffion Davies have elevated the profile of women’s jiu-jitsu, creating a more welcoming environment for newcomers regardless of background or political affiliation.

The Politics of the Mats

What’s particularly interesting about the BJJ community is how it often transcends political divides. On the mats, practitioners regularly set aside differences that might otherwise create friction in everyday life.

“One of BJJ’s greatest strengths is its ability to build community across dividing lines,” explains BJJ black belt and sociologist Dr. Maria Hernandez. “Whether you’re a former political figure, a schoolteacher, or a construction worker, everyone starts as a white belt and earns their progress through the same process.”

This aspect may offer Trump a refreshing environment where she’s judged purely on technical merit and training ethics rather than family name or political history.

Looking Forward: Will We See Ivanka Compete?

While many BJJ practitioners eventually test their skills in competition, it remains unclear whether Trump has competition aspirations. The Valente Brothers philosophy emphasizes self-defense rather than sport competition, though many of their students do participate in tournaments.

For now, her consistent training suggests a long-term commitment to the art rather than a passing interest—something that earns respect within the BJJ community regardless of one’s tournament record.

The Takeaway for MMA Fans

As MMA continues its rise into mainstream awareness, Brazilian jiu-jitsu’s profile benefits accordingly. High-profile practitioners like Trump help normalize the idea that grappling isn’t just for cage fighters but has practical and personal development applications for everyone.

Whether you’re an Ivanka fan or critic, her commitment to training represents something universal about martial arts: the mats don’t discriminate, and genuine effort earns respect regardless of who you are outside the academy doors.

What do you think about celebrities embracing BJJ? Has their influence affected your local gym? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!