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Inspirit Jiu Jitsu Foundation raises funds for women athletes at VIDA dinner
May 18, 2026
By AI, Created 3:38 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Inspirit Jiu Jitsu Foundation raised money at its first VIDA for Her Benefit Dinner in Redondo Beach on May 9 to help underserved female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes cover costs for the 2026 IBJJF World Championships. The fundraiser backed three Brazilian competitors and marked a push to expand VIDA’s mentorship and scholarship work.
Why it matters: - The fundraiser helps remove cost barriers that can keep talented female athletes out of elite competition. - The money is earmarked for registration fees, travel and equipment for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors from underserved communities. - The effort also supports a larger goal: building a pipeline for women in martial arts through mentorship and scholarships.
What happened: - Inspirit Jiu Jitsu Foundation hosted its first VIDA for Her Benefit Dinner on May 9 in Redondo Beach, California. - The event brought together local leaders and community members to support young female athletes. - The dinner centered on raising funds for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners preparing for the 2026 IBJJF World Championships. - Guest speakers included Elicen Renz, Gabi Funchal and Cassia Moura. - The speakers focused on female leadership and the role Jiu-Jitsu has played in their lives.
The details: - Attendees voted on athlete profiles to determine who would receive the VIDA for Her prize. - Three Brazilian athletes were selected from 14 women: Mariah Martins, Isabella Faith and Beatriz Rodrigues. - Community donations will cover the selected athletes’ competition registration fees, travel expenses and equipment. - Local partners Benny Bee Wear, Pimenta Brazilian Catering and Inspirit Jiu Jitsu Academy supported the benefit. - Those contributions helped ensure ticket sales and donations went directly to the athlete fund. - The event highlighted VIDA pillars: Voice, Inspirit, Dauntless and Autonomy.
Between the lines: - Founder Michele Freitas framed the fundraiser as both financial aid and a signal of belonging for young women entering a high-cost sport. - The event suggests VIDA is moving beyond a neighborhood initiative and into a broader philanthropic effort. - The focus on women-only participation and female leadership shows the organization is building community around representation as well as competition.
What’s next: - Inspirit Jiu Jitsu Foundation plans to continue mentorship and scholarship programs throughout the year. - VIDA for Her will keep gathering women for empowerment in sport and in the broader community. - The Foundation aims to sustain support for female martial artists in the South Bay and beyond.
The bottom line: - The benefit dinner turned community support into direct funding for three athletes, while positioning VIDA as a longer-term vehicle for women’s advancement in Jiu-Jitsu.
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
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