11/06/2026
Meet Mia
I first met Mia when the highest ranked woman in the country was a brown belt. I would work for a year to arrange AGIG camps so that collectively we could afford to fly Sophia McDermott out from America (the first Australian national to hold a black belt) to teach the camp, but also importantly, to roll with me and Hope Douglass. This regular exposure to a black belt female athlete was so rare and so important for my personal journey. It informed so many of my decisions for our community, helped me set goals, helped me see what was needed and how we might achieve it.
And Mia witnessed all of that.
I remember two toddlers mat side. One Soph’s & one Hope’s. While their mothers trained hard and focused on their respective goals while also raising kids.
Mia witnessed all of that.
I remember Hope’s first international competition at black belt and the win (and katana) she collected.
Mia was with her in the bullpen.
Mia has been with us and beside us and part of us since the beginning. Countless open mats, countless camps. Every competition. As both contributor and participant.
She’s lived and breathed AGIG her ENTIRE life and now she can help guide its direction and bring to you events and inclusion from the perspective of someone that understands our current scene, where we’re going and importantly, where we have been.
The fact that she is a daughter of one of the women that has grown this community means so much to me. It’s so symbolic and so representative of just how epic women in BJJ are.
Aside from that she’s currently fully stepping into her own space and direction as an athlete. If you haven’t had the chance to roll yet I really hope you do soon. Kid is a monster.
Proud of everything about this.
Welcome Mia. Love you you badass.
xJess