Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has long been a male-dominated field, but pioneers like Yvone Duarte have reshaped the landscape, proving that women belong at the highest levels of competition and leadership. As the first woman to earn a black belt in BJJ, Duarte has dedicated her life to breaking barriers and empowering women through martial arts. Two years ago, she reached another historic milestone by receiving the prestigious Coral belt, an honor awarded only after 31 years as a black belt. Today, she is the highest-ranked woman in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the only woman in Brazil to hold the Coral belt, recognized by the CBJJ and IBJJ. Her journey is one of perseverance, determination, and an unrelenting commitment to the martial art she loves.
Duarte’s introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began in the 1980s when her brother introduced her to the sport. From that moment, she dedicated herself to training, quickly recognizing the physical, emotional, and psychological benefits of BJJ. Over the years, she has not only excelled as a competitor but has also championed gender equality in the sport, advocating for women’s divisions in championships and increased opportunities for female practitioners.
In the following Q&A, Duarte shares her experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future of women in martial arts, offering valuable insights from her groundbreaking journey.
Q&A with Yvone Duarte
What martial art(s) do you practice, and when did you start your journey?
“Jiu-Jitsu. I started in the 80s.”
What first inspired you to start training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and what has kept you dedicated over the years?
“My brother literally took me by the hand and led me onto the mat. From then on, I began to receive the benefits intrinsic to those who practice Jiu-Jitsu with assiduity and discipline in a good school, such as: improving quality of life, whether physical or emotional; self-confidence; and increasing the feeling of security.”
Can you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in BJJ, and how you overcame them?
“When I started, there were no championships for women. This was a barrier that I managed to overcome by demanding equity and equality for women who already practiced BJJ.”
How has BJJ shaped your life outside of training—whether in confidence, leadership, or personal growth?
“Jiu-Jitsu is a powerful tool, especially for people who feel socially vulnerable, whether due to ethnic-racial conditions, gender issues, or status quo issues. As a teacher, I try to restore self-esteem and the capacity for personal transformation, using self-defense and martial arts as agents of change.”
What is one defining moment in your journey that has had a lasting impact on you?
“Jiu-Jitsu transforms us from the inside out. Although the plasticity of the movements—sweep, arm bar, RNC—draws our attention, the great transformation really happens in the mind. This is a gradual process; you must take your time. It’s like watching a river. It starts small, passes through forests and lakes, slows down, becomes a waterfall, returns to its course, and one day reaches the sea, turning into an ocean. One day, you will become a master—just don’t rush the river, it runs on its own and follows its path.”
Have you noticed a shift in the acceptance and recognition of women in martial arts over the years? What changes still need to happen?
“We have to look around. Have women’s rights in general advanced today? What new achievements and guarantees have we secured? What happens in sports is strongly influenced by the environment. I have seen a series of setbacks in this regard. While we have made progress in guaranteeing the participation of women, there are still no women leaders in decision-making positions. We have not yet achieved equity, parity, or equality in sponsorships and scholarships. We have many barriers to overcome.”
What advice would you give to young girls or women who are hesitant to start martial arts?
“I would say that it is good to know alternatives that promote self-esteem, security, and physical and mental health. It’s also good to have a tool that allows us to overcome our adversities. Jiu-Jitsu is that alternative and that tool.”
Who are your biggest influences or mentors in BJJ, and how have they shaped your journey?
“I think the courage to learn from mistakes, combined with humility and discipline, are fundamental values. I lived with great masters, like my brother, Pascoal Duarte, who instilled these principles on the mat, along with a great deal of humor, joy, and friendship.”
How do you see the role of women evolving in martial arts, both in competition and as instructors or leaders?
“We still have many challenges and barriers ahead. However, I believe that today, women know more about their rights and seek to secure those that are not yet guaranteed. I am confident that they will soon occupy prominent positions—not as quota holders, but as leaders by merit, through rights they fought for and earned.”
What legacy do you hope to leave in the martial arts world?
“Honestly, I don’t think about that. But I promise that I will start thinking about whether I have any contribution to make in this regard.”
What’s one lesson BJJ has taught you that you think every woman should know?
“Self-knowledge for self-defense.”
Empowering Women Through Martial Arts
Yvone Duarte’s journey is a powerful reminder that martial arts are not just about physical skills but also about resilience, empowerment, and self-discovery. She has shattered barriers, proving that women belong at the highest levels of competition and leadership in BJJ. Her fight for equity and recognition continues to inspire women worldwide.
Martial arts offer a path to confidence, discipline, and self-defense, giving women the tools they need to navigate life with strength and assurance. If you’ve ever hesitated to step onto the mat, let Yvone Duarte’s story be your inspiration. Take that first step—like she did—and discover the power within you.
