Alaina “Machine” Hardie

Chief Nerd and Technology Wrangler
Super power: An unpassable guard.

I’ve been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling for nearly two years and in that time I have met many remarkable and inspiring women all over the world. This is an event for all of us, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.

Doris Harrison

Project Manager and Chief Asskicker

Grappling incorporates elements of self-defense, traditional martial arts such as judo, and more contemporary arts such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission wrestling. For women, it builds self-esteem and confidence; a healthy and powerful body; and camaraderie with other women. It provides a physical, mental and emotional challenge for women of all ages. Grappling is an increasingly popular sport, but most women find themselves training and competing in isolation, as the sport remains male-dominated.

Christine La

Holds the Purse Strings

It can be so disappointing spending months training hard for a tournament – drilling technique, strength training, visualizing, cutting weight, etc – only to find out on the day of the event that there is no one to compete against. Women from all around have experienced this. I am looking forward to finally having a tournament with a strong line-up of women in each division; to be able to truly test my skills against a multitude of women who are of equal size and skill level, and know that the person who ends up standing on top of the podium deserves to be there – and not because she was the only one who showed up!

Renee Pelletier

Leah Springate

Artistic Genius; Makes Stuff Look Good
Super power: Can triangle you from any direction.

My life has been transformed by jiu-jitsu. Learning how to fight has opened my mind; allowed me to see my potential and move towards realizing it. The Grapple Girls Open is a sign of respect to women in the sport and a sign of change.

Michaela “The N00b” Sandhu

Sponsorship, Hired Goon

I have only been involved in BJJ for 6 months, but I love it. It’s so great to be involved in a sport where your size can work for you – regardless of what that size is. The women I train with inspire me every day, and I hope the tournament inspires other women to come out and try a class.

Krista “The Monkey” Scott-Dixon

Workshop Organization, Web Geekery, Funding Snuffler
Favourite move: Taking the back.

Grappling has quite literally changed my life. It’s taught me to live free from fear, and to think about my body differently. And it’s introduced me to a community of incredible, strong women. Now I want to share this amazing experience.