Why Ivanka Trump Swears by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

A Journey of Strength, Self-Defense, and Family Bonding

Ivanka Trump, daughter of former President Donald Trump, is no stranger to living an active and dynamic life. Between balancing her role as a mother of three and her love for outdoor sports, the 43-year-old has added a transformative practice to her routine: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). What started as her daughter Arabella’s interest in self-defense quickly turned into a family-wide commitment to this martial art, highlighting its benefits for both personal safety and physical fitness.

In this expanded exploration of Ivanka Trump’s journey with BJJ, we’ll dive into why this self-defense practice is not only empowering but also a life-changing addition for individuals and families alike.

The Spark: A Daughter’s Call for Self-Defense

It all began when Ivanka’s then 11-year-old daughter, Arabella, expressed her desire to learn self-defense.

“She came to me and said, ‘As a woman, I feel like I need to know how to defend myself,’” Ivanka shared in a podcast interview. Inspired by her daughter’s foresight, Ivanka enrolled Arabella in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes with the renowned Valente Brothers in Miami.

Arabella’s enthusiasm quickly became contagious. Soon, Ivanka, her two sons, and even her husband, Jared Kushner, joined the classes, turning self-defense into a shared family experience.

Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art rooted in leverage, strategy, and technique, making it an ideal choice for self-defense. Unlike other disciplines that rely heavily on strength or size, BJJ emphasizes using an opponent’s force against them, allowing practitioners to neutralize threats effectively regardless of their physical stature.

1. Empowering Confidence

Ivanka noted that BJJ gave her confidence and situational awareness she hadn’t previously experienced.

“Once you have the confidence that you can move out of a situation, there’s a real focus on elevating awareness,” she said. This confidence, she explained, makes you less likely to find yourself in a dangerous situation.

2. A Moving Meditation

Beyond its practical benefits, Ivanka described BJJ as “almost like a moving meditation,” likening its precise techniques to “three-dimensional chess.” The art’s deep ties to tradition and wisdom also appealed to her, adding a layer of mindfulness to her practice.

3. Family Bonding

What started as an individual pursuit turned into a family affair. Ivanka’s children and husband joined her in training, creating a unique way for the family to bond while learning essential skills together. “It’s good for everyone,” Ivanka remarked.

Training for Real-World Scenarios

BJJ’s focus on real-world application makes it particularly valuable for self-defense. As Rener Gracie, head instructor at Gracie University, explains, BJJ equips practitioners with muscle memory techniques that can be executed under stress.

Gracie emphasizes that BJJ doesn’t require strength, speed, or size—qualities that attackers often rely on to overpower their victims. Instead, it focuses on leverage and positioning, enabling even smaller individuals to protect themselves against larger opponents.

Core Skills to Master in BJJ

1. Escaping Holds: Techniques like the shrimp escape help practitioners free themselves from compromising positions.
2. Submissions: Moves such as the armbar and rear-naked choke allow for controlling or incapacitating an opponent.
3. Takedown Defense: Learning to defend against being taken to the ground is a crucial aspect of BJJ.
4. Situational Awareness: BJJ training emphasizes avoiding conflict whenever possible, with physical techniques as a last resort.

Transformative Fitness Routine

In addition to BJJ, Ivanka has revamped her overall fitness regimen since moving to Miami, focusing on strength training and functional fitness.

Strength and Conditioning

Ivanka incorporates foundational movements like squats, deadlifts, and pulls into her weekly strength training sessions. She emphasizes form and progression to build functional strength that complements her martial arts practice.

High-Intensity Interval Training

Ivanka integrates short, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions into her routine to maintain cardiovascular fitness, enhancing her endurance and agility.

Protein and Nutrition

Ivanka has also increased her protein intake, consuming 30-50 grams per meal to support muscle growth and recovery. This dietary shift and her exercise routine have yielded significant physical transformations.

Self-Defense Beyond the Dojo

Ivanka’s journey with BJJ isn’t just about fitness—it’s about equipping herself and her family with life-saving skills. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches practitioners how to navigate and de-escalate dangerous situations, focusing on awareness and avoidance over confrontation.

Life Lessons from BJJ

1. De-escalation First: Physical confrontation should always be a last resort.
2. Empowerment Through Preparation: Knowing how to defend oneself fosters confidence and reduces fear.
3. Adaptability: BJJ emphasizes thinking several moves ahead, a skill that translates to everyday problem-solving.

A Growing Trend

Ivanka Trump is part of a larger movement recognizing the value of self-defense training, particularly for women. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is gaining popularity as an empowering practice that combines physical fitness, mental discipline, and practical skills for personal safety.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Consider BJJ

Ivanka Trump’s adoption of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu highlights its accessibility and benefits for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re looking to boost your fitness, gain confidence, or protect yourself, BJJ offers a holistic approach to achieving these goals.

By stepping onto the mat, you’re not just learning a martial art—you’re building resilience, cultivating awareness, and fostering a sense of empowerment that extends far beyond the dojo. Whether you’re a busy parent, a professional, or someone seeking a transformative fitness journey, BJJ could be the key to unlocking your full potential.

So, are you ready to give it a try? As Ivanka would say, “It’s good for everyone.”

As always, be safe and be prepared.

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