Jazmin Hamuy: Empowering Women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

In the competitive world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), where physical prowess meets mental fortitude, women are taking the spotlight, like Jazmin Hamuy, who is a distinguished black belt athlete and certified referee.

Hamuy embodies the true essence of martial arts, not just through her impressive competitive record, but through her profound philosophy on overcoming adversity and championing the growth of women in the sport. As she gears up for the IBJJF World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Las Vegas, running from September 3 to 5, Hamuy's journey from an aspiring beginner to a seasoned competitor and role model offers invaluable lessons for anyone seeking success on or off the mats.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is male-dominated, with men outnumbering women at a rate over 4:1 (roughly 85-90% men). While men hold 40-50% more muscle mass and superior strength, especially in the upper body, women’s competition often displays high-intensity, technical action. Female black belt divisions frequently show high submission rates, sometimes exceeding 46% at major events, according to recent reports.

Hamuy's journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a compelling narrative of athletic excellence, intellectual engagement with the sport, and inspiring advocacy. As she steps onto the mats in Las Vegas, she carries not just the weight of her personal ambitions, but also the hopes of a community she actively strives to uplift, especially its women. Her resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment make her a formidable competitor and an undeniable role model, proving that with enough heart and persistence, dreams rooted in hard work can indeed become reality.

Her advice to aspiring women BJJ athletes is clear and empowering: "First of all, never let a male-dominated environment intimidate you,” she said. “Believe in yourself, trust your abilities, and claim your space."

This isn't just about showing up; it's about owning one's right to be on the mat. "I know sometimes it feels like we have to work three times as hard and ‘earn’ things that should already be our right—but being on the mat is your right, and you need to own it," she notes. Hamuy promises that once this space is claimed, "the mat becomes an amazing space, full of growth and opportunity. And I promise you, it’s one of the best decisions you can make."

Hamuy’s enduring relationship with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu spans over 12 years, a journey that began with a high volume of training, focused on absorbing every technique and nuance of the complex martial art. "When I first started jiu-jitsu, my training volume was a lot higher than it is now," Hamuy recalls. This initial phase of intense immersion is typical for nascent practitioners, laying the foundational skills essential for progression. However, as she ascended through the ranks, her approach evolved. "As you move up in the belts, you start learning how to train smarter," she explains. This shift from sheer volume to intelligent, strategic training marks a crucial turning point in any serious athlete’s career, allowing for optimized performance, injury prevention, and continuous refinement of technique.

The Unbreakable Spirit: Handling Defeats and Setbacks

One of the most defining aspects of Hamuy’s career is her unique perspective on losses and setbacks. In a sport where individual performance is constantly under scrutiny, the sting of defeat can be demoralizing, even career-ending for some. But for Hamuy, it’s simply part of the journey. "I don’t think anyone likes to lose, but after 12 years of jiu-jitsu, I know that defeats—and even tough streaks—won’t make me quit," she asserts with conviction. This isn't just a mantra; it's a lived experience etched into her competitive history, which includes securing first place at the American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship and the Houston International Open in 2023, along with significant victories at the European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship and the Campeonato Sul-Americano de Jiu-Jitsu. Yet, she has also faced the challenge of coming in third at the World IBJJF No-Gi Championship in 2021 and the Jiu-Jitsu CON International in 2023.

Her strategy for navigating tough moments is refreshingly straightforward: "You have to come back stronger, focus on the positives, and keep moving forward. You never know when your day will come, but if you give up, it never will." This philosophy is deeply intertwined with what she believes sets her apart from other competitors. "I’m very resilient and persistent," she states. "I try to apply the compound effect in everything I do, and I also work a lot on my mental side." Her resilience has been a cornerstone, allowing her to weather the storm when many of her peers from the same generation abandoned their jiu-jitsu dreams. "I’ve had tough moments too, but I believe that if I’m living my dreams today, it’s because of my resilience."

Ambitious Goals and Refined Preparation

With a solid foundation forged through years of relentless training and mental conditioning, Hamuy now sets her sights on new horizons. "One of my main goals is to win the Masters World Championship in Las Vegas," she shares, articulating an immediate and tangible ambition. Looking further down the road, she hopes to compete again at the European and Brazilian Championships, showcasing a desire to reaffirm her dominance on international stages.

Her preparation for the upcoming World Master Championship is a testament to her commitment to improvement. "My preparation for the Master’s World Championship literally started last year," she reveals. This long-term, holistic approach is designed to transform her into an even more formidable competitor. "I hope to show a new version of myself—more confident, stronger, more tactical, fighting much smarter—and I’m working to cover every area so I can bring my best version to this new edition in Las Vegas." This intricate preparation highlights her understanding that victory at the elite level requires continuous evolution, integrating physical conditioning with strategic acumen and mental readiness.

A key part of her growth involves integrating feedback from coaches and peers. "I try to be very mindful and apply that same feedback to my self-talk and everything I do," Hamuy explains. Since her move to California, she recounts being "surrounded by people who have helped me grow a lot." This environment of positive reinforcement and expert guidance has been crucial. "I know breaking old patterns isn’t easy, but it’s about becoming more aware and taking it one step at a time—getting one percent better every day." This incremental approach to improvement, reminiscent of the compound effect she mentioned, underscores her methodical pursuit of excellence.

Beyond Competing: The Art of Refereeing and Community Impact

Jazmin Hamuy’s influence extends beyond her personal competitive aspirations. As a certified Black Belt Referee, she brings a unique perspective to the sport, demonstrating a deep understanding of its intricacies. "Refereeing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is actually very complex but also very interesting, because sometimes very small details can decide a match," she elaborates. She points to scenarios where a 0-0 score requires the referee to evaluate aggression, defense, initiation, and reaction. The IBJJF’s advantage system, which demands a movement to be "almost completed—around 90%—to count," further complicates snap decisions. "When you understand refereeing, you start to see matches differently and you’re able to analyze them much better," she explains, highlighting how this official role enriches her analytical skills as an athlete.

Through her multifaceted involvement, Hamuy aims to significantly impact the BJJ community, as a BJJ athlete at Academy Worldwide LLC.. "I want to show the world that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you want to be—if you stay committed to your dream, you can achieve it," she states, encapsulating her inspiring message of perseverance and self-belief.

Empowering Women: A Force for Change in Martial Arts

Perhaps one of Hamuy’s most profound contributions is her advocacy for women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She actively works to dispel common misconceptions, particularly the idea that women might hesitate due to fears of injury or appearing "too masculine." "The reality is that, depending on the level you practice at, jiu-jitsu can be very recreational and incredibly fun," she assures. While acknowledging that high-level competition carries risks like "crooked fingers or cauliflower ears," she frames these as conscious choices athletes make, emphasizing the broader accessibility and enjoyment of the sport. "I would definitely encourage more women to try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, not only for self-defense but also because it can be an amazing and enjoyable hobby."

Hamuy passionately highlights BJJ’s efficacy in self-defense for women. "Jiu-jitsu makes you feel very confident because, first of all, you learn that it’s not all about strength," she explains. The emphasis on technique, leverage, and specific movements like arm locks and chokes allows smaller individuals to subdue larger opponents. Moreover, it builds physical and mental strength, boosting self-confidence. She also points out the strategic advantage women can have with "many techniques that involve using the legs, where women are often much stronger, like chokes and joint locks." For Hamuy, BJJ is perfect for self-defense.

Looking to the future, Hamuy is optimistic about women's increasing presence in martial arts. "I think women are doing amazing, gaining more space and opportunities every day," she observes. While acknowledging that the path can be challenging, "sometimes it feels like we have to work three times as hard," she affirms that "we’re earning our place step by step."