Four matches. Three victories. Two medals. One unforgettable day for Valeria Nunez, owner, operator, and head kids' Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Tradition Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
On October 17, 2026, Valeria competed at the IBJJF Fort Lauderdale International Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship, earning gold in the Female Master 2 Black Belt Absolute Division and silver in the Light Division.
Her day included a closely contested loss, a successful rematch against the same opponent, and a gold-medal victory to finish the tournament. It was a performance that reflected not only her technical ability, but also the dedication and perseverance that have defined her Jiu-Jitsu journey.
For the families and students of Tradition Jiu-Jitsu Academy, the achievement carries additional meaning. Valeria isn't simply an accomplished competitor. She's an instructor who continues challenging herself while helping the next generation of students develop confidence, discipline, and a love for Jiu-Jitsu.
Silver Medal in the Black Belt Light Division
Valeria began the tournament in the Female Master 2 Black Belt Light Division, competing against experienced athletes who had also spent years developing their Jiu-Jitsu skills.
Match 1: Valeria Nunez vs. Edlin Serrano
At 10:34 AM, Valeria faced Edlin Serrano of Lira Jiu-Jitsu in her opening match.
Valeria secured a victory by points, advancing to her next match and getting her tournament off to a strong start.
Match 2: Valeria Nunez vs. Katherine Lynne Rangel
At 11:15 AM, Valeria stepped onto the mats against Katherine Lynne Rangel of Rilion Gracie Texas.
The match ended in Katherine's favor by referee's decision, giving Valeria the silver medal in the Light Division.
While the result was disappointing, Valeria still had another opportunity to compete later that afternoon in the absolute division.
Gold Medal in the Black Belt Absolute Division
Unlike the Light Division, where competitors must meet specific weight requirements, the absolute division brings athletes together without those weight-class restrictions.
For Valeria, it meant returning to the mats several hours after her morning matches, ready to compete against experienced black belts once again.
Match 3: Valeria Nunez vs. Katherine Lynne Rangel (Absolute)
At 3:40 PM, Valeria faced Katherine Lynne Rangel for the second time that day.
Only hours earlier, Katherine had won their Light Division match by referee's decision. This time, Valeria came away with the victory, defeating Katherine by points and advancing to the absolute division final.
It was an important moment in her tournament, demonstrating the ability to regroup after a difficult result and approach the next challenge with renewed determination.
For someone who teaches children the importance of perseverance, it was also a powerful example of practicing what she teaches.
Match 4: Valeria Nunez vs. Janine Mello da Costa (Absolute)
At 4:08 PM, Valeria faced Janine Mello da Costa of Start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the championship match.
This was Valeria's fourth match of the day and second absolute division match in less than 30 min.
She secured another victory by points, claiming gold in the Female Master 2 Black Belt Absolute Division.
With three wins across four matches, Valeria finished the tournament with two medals and a memorable performance in just her second competition as a black belt.
We also want to recognize Edlin Serrano, Katherine Lynne Rangel, and Janine Mello da Costa for their performances. Competing at the black belt level requires years of dedication, and each athlete contributed to a competitive day of Jiu-Jitsu in Fort Lauderdale.
From Costa Rica to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Valeria's journey began in Costa Rica, where she was born and raised.
In 2010, while playing college rugby, she began training at a gym to improve her strength and conditioning. It was there that she was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Initially hesitant to take on another sport, Valeria quickly developed a passion for Jiu-Jitsu that eventually led her to leave rugby behind and dedicate herself to training.
By 2014, she had begun teaching children's and women's Jiu-Jitsu classes, discovering how rewarding it was to help others build confidence, learn new skills, and overcome challenges.
To strengthen her abilities as an instructor, she earned her personal trainer certification and completed multiple functional training courses.
In 2017, Valeria was promoted to brown belt under Roger Coelho. Two years later, she relocated to the United States, continuing her journey both on and off the mats.
Motherhood, a Return to Training, and the Black Belt
In 2020, Valeria stepped away from Jiu-Jitsu to focus on raising her children.
By the end of 2023, she returned to training as a mother of two, joining Brazilian Top Team and continuing her development under accomplished black belt competitor Gabriel Procópio Fonseca.
Balancing family responsibilities, coaching, and her own training was demanding, but Valeria remained committed to her goals.
In January 2026, she achieved one of the greatest milestones of her career when she received her black belt under Gabriel Fonseca.
Just nine months later, she stood on the podium at the IBJJF Fort Lauderdale International Open with gold and silver medals.
For Valeria, earning her black belt wasn't the end of her journey. It was another opportunity to continue learning, competing, and challenging herself.
Why The Experience Matters For Her Students
At Tradition Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Valeria brings more than a decade of experience to her role as lead kids' Jiu-Jitsu instructor.
Her background combines technical knowledge, personal training education, and active competition. But what makes her approach particularly meaningful is her understanding that Jiu-Jitsu teaches lessons extending far beyond the mats.
Children encounter challenges throughout their development. They struggle with unfamiliar techniques, make mistakes, and sometimes become frustrated when progress takes longer than expected.
Learning how to respond to those moments is an important part of growing up.
Valeria understands this firsthand.
Her performance in Fort Lauderdale provides a clear example. After losing a match by referee's decision, she returned several hours later, faced the same opponent, and earned a victory.
Rather than allowing one result to define her day, she continued competing and finished as an absolute division champion.
That's the kind of perseverance she encourages in her students.
Learning From an Instructor Who Continues to Learn
Being a successful competitor doesn't automatically make someone an effective children's instructor. Teaching kids requires patience, communication, and an understanding of how young students learn.
Valeria brings both sides of that experience.
She began coaching children in 2014 and continues developing her own skills through regular training and competition. As a mother of two, she also understands the importance of creating an environment where children feel supported while learning discipline, respect, and confidence.
Her philosophy is captured in a statement she frequently shares:
“You have to be a black belt inside and outside the mats.”
For Valeria, Jiu-Jitsu is about more than techniques, submissions, or tournament medals. It's about developing qualities that carry into everyday life.
That philosophy guides her approach to teaching the next generation of students at Tradition Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
Train With Valeria Nunez at Tradition Jiu-Jitsu Academy
For families in Tradition, Riverland, Telaro, and surrounding Port St. Lucie communities, Tradition Jiu-Jitsu Academy offers children the opportunity to learn directly from an experienced black belt instructor who continues testing herself in competition.
As head of the academy's youth program, Valeria works with children across different ages and experience levels, helping them develop their Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals while building confidence, discipline, and respect.
The academy offers several youth programs, including Mini Troopers (ages 2–4), Little Troopers (ages 5–8), Junior Troopers (ages 9–15), and additional youth and homeschool classes.
Parents interested in introducing their children to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are invited to experience the academy firsthand.
Your child's first week is free, giving your family an opportunity to meet Valeria, experience the training environment, and see whether Jiu-Jitsu is the right fit.
Congratulations, Professor Val!
From discovering Jiu-Jitsu as a college rugby player in Costa Rica to becoming a black belt, mother, instructor, and IBJJF gold medalist, Valeria's journey is a testament to dedication and perseverance.
Her performance at the 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Open is an achievement worth celebrating, not only for the medals she earned but for the example she continues setting for her students.
Congratulations, Professor Valeria, on an outstanding performance!
