We are Shanti + Marina

We were training partners throughout the first five years of our BJJ journey. During that time, we trained and competed, and it became apparent that women's needs were often overlooked on the mats. Most advice on training, nutrition, and performance was designed with men in mind, failing to account for the unique needs and experiences of women.

In 2016, we founded Women Who Fight to change that. Since then, we have built a global community of women and allies dedicated to supporting women in martial arts. Through our Podcast, Substack and Events around the world, we bring people together to share knowledge, foster connection, and create opportunities for women to thrive in the sport.

Today, we are both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts and remain deeply committed to elevating women and girls in the grappling arts. Our mission is to expand access, create meaningful opportunities, and build a stronger, more connected community for the next generation.