The Gracie Barra academy in Brazil has made history by producing the first
female Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coral belt (black and red belt). Her name is Yvone
Magalhães Duarte and has been making history since she became the first
woman to earn a BJJ black belt in a developing sport dominated by men.
At the beginning of the sport, the Gracie clan had decided not to teach women, however, Yvone moved to Rio de Janeiro to train with Osvaldo Alves – a disciple to none other than Carlos Gracie Sr. – who created one of the first female Jiu Jitsu teams ever recorded.
In 1985 Rickson Gracie had launched the first female tournament much to his
father’s disapproval, where Yvone came out as champion and five years later in
1990 she became the first woman to earn a black belt.
Now Yvone makes history again as the first woman to ever wear a coral belt in
the history of the sport at age 58.
“I’ve lived Jiu Jitsu in many ways; as an athlete, as a mother, and as a teacher.
Today I see Jiu Jitsu as a way to empower women, make them safer and more
confident. That has turned into my mission.” – Yvone said
We honor and congratulate Yvone Duarte on this historical achievement and
thank her for paving the way.
