Fight Like a Mother: Self-Defense Through BJJ with Shelisa Diaz

In this episode, I’m excited to welcome my first female guest — and longtime training partner — Shelisa Diaz. Like me, she’s a one-stripe white belt, and while she may not look it, she’s proudly training BJJ well into her 40s. We dive into everything from cauliflower ear (yes, she thinks she might be getting it!) to the realities of injuries and why learning to tap is especially important for practitioners over 40. Shelisa also shares her go-to moves on the mats — from sweeps to submissions — and why taking the back might just be her specialty. Beyond the techniques, we explore the deeper rewards of training: the physical release, the mental resilience, and the therapeutic side of jiu-jitsu that keeps us coming back. This is a fun, insightful conversation that proves jiu-jitsu is for everyone — and it just might inspire you to start your own journey.