Today on BJJ Girls, we bring you an inspiring conversation with Alexa Yanes, a black belt, referee, and multi-champion. Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a martial art; it’s a lifestyle that transforms the mind, body, and even the destiny of those who choose to walk this path. Alexa shares how Jiu-Jitsu has led her to a life full of travel, seminars, events, and more. Dive into the full interview below:
BJJ Girls: How did you discover Jiu-Jitsu, and how long have you been training?
Alexa: I started Jiu-Jitsu when I was 19. After high school, I was just working, and there was a gym near my house. A friend convinced me to try it, and that’s how it all began.
BJJ Girls: We know you’ve achieved several accolades in AJP tournaments. Tell us about that experience and how you think this federation helps promote and grow Jiu-Jitsu worldwide.
Alexa: I’ve had a wonderful experience with AJP. I got to travel to many places because they’re a huge organization hosting tournaments in cities that don’t typically see many events. They have a ranking system that offers prizes throughout the year, which motivates competitors to stay active and earn money both in tournaments and rankings.
BJJ Girls: How many countries have you visited because of Jiu-Jitsu? Share some of your travel experiences with us.
Alexa: I don’t think I can even count them! 😅 I’ve traveled to compete, train, and meet Jiu-Jitsu friends. That’s the beauty of the sport: you meet people worldwide and have reasons to visit new places. It’s humbling to train in simple conditions in Mexico or Brazil, but at the same time, I’ve stayed in luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi for competitions. Every experience is valuable. No matter where I go, I always discover a new city and carry Jiu-Jitsu with me.
BJJ Girls: You’re also a referee for IBJJF and other events. How do you think this role supports your teaching, seminars, and even competition skills?
Alexa: I’ve been refereeing for six years now, starting as a brown belt. I really enjoy the IBJJF points system, though I appreciate other rules and events as well. I love having structure and preserving the roots of the sport. For me, points serve a purpose, encouraging athletes to keep advancing and promoting true Jiu-Jitsu. Watching and analyzing advanced matches helps me apply this knowledge to any fight I observe. When you understand Jiu-Jitsu as a game of progression, it becomes easier to teach students how to advance positions and neutralize opponents, shaping them into complete fighters.
BJJ Girls: What does your training routine look like? (Including Jiu-Jitsu, extra activities like strength training, and even your diet.)
Alexa: I actually have two routines: the “at home” routine and the “while traveling” routine 😅.
When I’m home, it’s easy and structured. I wake up and go for a light run in the morning, hit the gym for strength training, and then train Jiu-Jitsu at noon. After training, I have the rest of the day to work and organize my life. My diet is lighter in the morning, and I have a bigger meal at lunch to fuel me through the day.
When traveling, I plan my days around the events. I prioritize the events and try to schedule time for eating, training, and working out. Every place is different, so planning ahead is key to not wasting time or missing opportunities.
BJJ Girls: What are the main challenges in the sport and an athlete’s career?
Alexa: The biggest challenge comes from the mind. Whatever the issue, it starts with your mindset: diet, confidence, discipline, money. Challenges arise when there’s a problem, so you need to be open to finding solutions. When your mind is focused, problems seem less significant. That’s why it’s so important to have a good team, gym, and environment, as well as to focus on your ultimate goal and trust the process. Without that, challenges always seem bigger.
BJJ Girls: What are the greatest benefits Jiu-Jitsu has brought to your life?
Alexa: Jiu-Jitsu is such an active sport, and I love the lifestyle it promotes. It motivates me to be healthier, stronger, and to take care of myself so I can keep training. When your body is healthy and active, your mind becomes stronger because it recognizes what you’re overcoming. As you achieve your goals, you gain confidence to take on more challenges. All the benefits are interconnected, and it’s amazing how focusing on self-improvement can transform your life.
BJJ Girls: What did you do before Jiu-Jitsu?
Alexa: I was just going to school and working full-time. I’ve always enjoyed an active lifestyle, staying busy and on the move. I kept that routine even when I started Jiu-Jitsu at 19. It was a crucial phase to decide what I wanted to do with my life, and I guess I made the right choice 😅.
BJJ Girls: What’s your favorite game style and submission?
Alexa: My first successful game plan was playing guard. I built confidence in that style as a blue belt. Now, after being exposed to so many different athletes, I like to absorb a little bit of everything. I think my game is pretty complete now. I enjoy finding quick submissions, but I also love progressing with sweeps, passes, and back takes to finish. It depends on my mood! Hahaha
BJJ Girls: What are your main titles?
Alexa:
Black Belt:
- IBJJF Pan-American Champion
- Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Champion
- Abu Dhabi World Pro Finalist
- IBJJF Asian Champion
Colored Belts:
- IBJJF No-Gi World Champion
- American National Champion
BJJ Girls: Who are your biggest inspirations in the sport?
Alexa: I don’t like focusing on specific individuals, but I draw inspiration from many people. Of course, I admire the mindset of champions, but I prefer to take inspiration from what’s close to me. If my students expect a lot from me, I feel the need to improve. If my coach gives me advice, I’m motivated to follow through because someone believes in me. That’s my biggest inspiration: finding motivation in simple and diverse ways.
BJJ Girls: What do you think about the development of women’s Jiu-Jitsu, and what is still needed for it to grow more?
Alexa: It’s grown immensely since I started, and I believe it will continue to grow. It’s amazing to see fight cards or superfights with many high-level women. We’re getting there. Each year, we see divisions with a few standout athletes, but I want us to reach a point where every division has 40–50 women, with 10–15 at an elite level. That will make things more interesting and exciting, like in the men’s divisions, where you never know who will win.
BJJ Girls: Leave an inspiring message for those who want to pursue a Jiu-Jitsu career like you.
Alexa: It’s possible to live off Jiu-Jitsu. You don’t need to compete all the time, but you do need to put in the effort. The ultimate goal is to become a better person. Nothing in life comes easy, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. Don’t focus on money, because if your actions are based on that, you’ll miss many opportunities. Money will always come back in another way. When you have a goal, focus on it, and everything else will fall into place.
Can I just say I loved this? Hahaha Thank you, Alexa! She shows us that Jiu-Jitsu is far more than the mat; it’s a tool for personal transformation and a passport to the world. Her dedication, positive mindset, and passion for the gentle art are inspiring for anyone who wants to follow this path. Stay tuned—the English version will be up soon!
