A small setback, but the fight goes on

Recently I had an unexpected emergency appendectomy — not exactly the kind of training I had planned for this season! It means I won’t be competing this October as I’d hoped, but this isn’t a cancellation — just a postponement. My sights are now set on competing in the spring.

In the meantime, I’m so grateful for my BJJ team. Since surgery, teammates and coaches have been checking in on me, supporting my recovery, and reminding me I’m not alone in this. I’ve even been back at the academy (just watching for now!) so I can keep learning and not lose touch with the technique and rhythm of training. That sense of belonging has meant everything during recovery.

This is why I’m fundraising: because my BJJ school is more than a place to train. It’s a family, an inclusive, queer-affirming community that lifts each other up on and off the mats. When I was struggling financially and mentally, they gave me a scholarship so I could keep going — and now I want to give back so others can feel the same support.

The competition may be delayed, but the mission is the same: to keep our mats open, welcoming, and strong for everyone. Thank you to everyone who’s already supported me — your encouragement means the world. And if you’d like to sponsor me, it’s never too late to join the journey.

Together, we fight — and together, we rise.

#CommunityMatters #QueerCommunity #LGBTQIA #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJFamily #Resilience #ChosenFamily #InclusiveSpaces #SafeSpaces #Fundraiser #TheFightGoesOn

I’m competing — and giving back! ✨

Hi, my name is Maddie and on October 19th, I’ll be stepping onto the mats to compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — but this time, it’s about more than just winning a match.

Over the last year, my BJJ school has been a lifeline for me. When times were tough — financially and mentally — they stepped in and supported me with a scholarship to keep training. This helped me rebuild my mental health, stay active, and find a supportive community that truly feels like family.

Now, I want to give something back. I’m raising money to support my BJJ academy so they can continue to help others like me — people who need an outlet, a safe space, and a team to belong to.

If you’d like to sponsor me for my competition, every penny will go towards helping my academy provide scholarships, training opportunities, and a place of belonging for those who need it most.

If you can donate — thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you can’t, a share or a word of encouragement means the world too.

Let’s do this — together.

#BJJ #MartialArts #Community #MentalHealth #GivingBack