The Inspiring Evolution Of Natalie Day: From Daydreamer To Jiu Jitsu Black Belt

Empowerment on and off the Mat

In the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, few stories resonate as profoundly as that of Natalie Day. A mother, entrepreneur, and the first woman to receive a black belt under the legendary Mauricio Gomes, Natalie’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, empowerment, and the transformative impact of martial arts on life’s various arenas.

Her story is not just about fighting opponents on the mat but also about tackling the challenges of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal growth with grace and strength.

Life has a way of weaving intricate paths that unexpectedly bring us into contact with extraordinary people who profoundly influence our journey. This was precisely my experience when I had the distinct pleasure and honour of encountering Natalie Day at the MBJJYoga Fest 2023.

Known for her ground breaking achievements in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, her role as a mother, entrepreneur, and empowerment, Natalie’s story had always fascinated me.

Little did I know that a casual dinner would evolve into an inspiring journey, offering me a glimpse into the life of a woman who has gracefully mastered the art of balance, resilience, and strength.

Natalie was incredibly gracious when we first met, sharing snippets of her life and journey with a humility that belied her monumental achievements. As we talked over dinner, I was struck by her warmth, her wisdom, and the passionate way she spoke about Jiu Jitsu not just as a sport, but as a vehicle for personal transformation and empowerment.

I couldn’t stop there. Inspired by her story and her impact, I ventured into interviewing someone for the first time. My goal was clear: to share her inspiring narrative with more people and to illuminate the path for more women, not only in Jiu Jitsu but in all walks of life.

Grace and Power on the Mat

The opportunity to attend Natalie’s seminar in Mallorca was an experience that can only be described as out of this world. Watching her in action was a study in contrasts—powerful yet delicate, firm yet welcoming.

Natalie moved with a precision and grace that captivated everyone in the room, embodying the very essence of empowerment she advocates. Her ability to connect, instruct, and inspire was evident in every gesture, every technique she demonstrated.

It was a powerful reminder of the impact a dedicated mentor can have on an individual’s journey in martial arts and beyond.

What struck me most about Natalie was her innate ability to make everyone feel seen and valued. Chatting with her on and off the mat, I felt as though I was conversing with an old friend.

Her openness and genuine interest in those around her were refreshing, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect. This connection, rare and precious, underscored the importance of community and support in the journey of personal and professional growth.

My encounter with Natalie Day was more than just an interview or a seminar; it was a profound lesson in living life with purpose, passion, and perseverance. Her story is a testament to the power of martial arts to transform lives, not just through physical prowess but through the cultivation of mental strength, resilience, and a deep sense of empowerment.

Natalie’s journey encourages us to challenge our limits, to embrace our struggles, and to emerge stronger, more empowered individuals.

The Gentle Art of Teaching

Natalie Day’s introduction to Jiu Jitsu was driven by a desire for self-improvement and defense, a decision that would lead her down a path of ground breaking achievements.

The honor of being the first woman to receive a black belt under Mauricio Gomes is not just a personal achievement but a milestone for women in the sport, symbolizing the breaking of gender barriers and the establishment of a legacy for future generations of female fighters.

Teaching Jiu Jitsu presents its own set of challenges and rewards, and Natalie has navigated these with exceptional skill. Her insights into the differences between coaching men and women highlight the importance of understanding and leveraging the unique strengths and perspectives that each brings to the mat. This nuanced approach not only enhances her effectiveness as a coach but also fosters a more inclusive and supportive training environment.

For Natalie, Jiu Jitsu is more than just a sport; it’s a vital component of self-defense, especially for women. Beyond the physical techniques, she emphasizes its significance as a tool for mental health and empowerment. The mental fortitude and confidence gained through training have been crucial in helping her navigate the challenges of life, including the demanding roles of motherhood and entrepreneurship.

A Source of Strength in Tough Times

Life throws its share of punches, and Natalie Day has faced her share of adversities. Yet, she credits Jiu Jitsu with providing her the strength to face these challenges head-on. The discipline, resilience, and problem-solving skills honed on the mat have been invaluable in helping her overcome personal and professional obstacles, underscoring the sport’s role in building a resilient spirit.

Natalie’s journey is a beacon of women’s empowerment. By sharing her story and teaching Jiu Jitsu, she inspires women to embrace their strength, assert their power, and pursue their goals with confidence. Her work extends beyond the dojo, contributing to a broader movement of empowering women to stand up for themselves in all areas of life.

The Very Beginning

So, let me take you back to the start of Natalie Day’s jiu-jitsu journey. Picture this: she’s 31, just starting into the world of jiu-jitsu for the first time, while her kids are already chopping and kicking their way through karate classes with a local sensei. They were all in on karate, especially her eldest, who found her way to the dojo as a way to stand up to bullies at school.

Now, Natalie, she’s got this incredibly demanding job as a social worker, focusing on helping vulnerable adults navigate the complexities of housing. Her work is as challenging as it is rewarding. Then, one day, everything changed.

She was on a routine visit to a client’s home when she walked into a nightmare scenario. A family member, under the influence and desperate for money for drugs, was causing a scene, trying to coerce her client into handing over cash. The tension in the room was palpable, a mix of financial desperation and emotional turmoil.

Things escalated quickly, and before she knew it, Natalie found herself in a life-threatening situation. She was held hostage, pinned to the floor, her throat under pressure. But here’s where fate stepped in – the entire ordeal was caught on her badge camera.

The police were on their way, negotiating her release, but in those harrowing moments, Natalie had a profound realization. Despite all the training for such situations, nothing had prepared her for the reality of it. She needed to be able to defend herself, to ensure she’d never feel so powerless again.

Reflecting on that terrifying ordeal, Natalie shared a powerful insight: “I thought I was gonna die. The most fundamental thing was that I didn’t even try to fight back. I didn’t have the fire inside of me to say: I am going to fight for my life.

This is how it is going to end.” It was a wake-up call of the most urgent kind. She decided right then and there that it was time to take her safety into her own hands. That moment wasn’t just about survival; it was about finding the will to fight, to assert her right to safety and life. And that’s exactly what led her to step onto the mat and start her journey in jiu-jitsu.

Natalie, curious and maybe a bit inspired by her kids’ karate chops and high kicks, decided to have a chat with their karate instructor. She was like, “Hey, do you think this karate thing could work for me too?” But the instructor, he was pretty upfront. He told her, “Honestly, karate’s awesome, but it’s all about the punching and kicking. Against a big guy, it might not be your best bet. But, good news, we’re kicking off some jiu jitsu classes soon, part of our MMA lineup. That could really be your jam.”

Switching gears from being the cheerleading mom on the sidelines to actually stepping onto the mat herself? Yeah, that was a big leap for Natalie. She mustered all her courage and dove headfirst into MMA. Gave it a solid six months. But, you know, it wasn’t quite her cup of tea. There was this one guy in class, way too intense, and getting roughed up, especially in the head? Not exactly what she signed up for, especially with mom duties waiting at home.

Then, as if by some stroke of luck, the classes split, and jiu jitsu got its own spotlight. Suddenly, Natalie found herself in this amazing community of women, many of whom had also transitioned from karate. It was like finding her tribe, a place where she felt challenged yet at home, all at the same time. And just like that, she knew she’d found her thing.

Giving Up?

Natalie’s journey through jiu jitsu, especially when she hit blue belt, was like a rollercoaster with its fair share of ups and downs. She found herself at a crossroads, training at her home club and also cross-training at another place that was packed with some seriously competitive women.

These women weren’t just about jiu jitsu; they brought their A-game from judo, MMA, and even from being fitness or yoga instructors and triathlon athletes. Their strength was just off the charts. Imagine walking into that environment as a 32-year-old mom who had never really thrown herself into anything quite like this before. For 18 months, Natalie felt like she was just getting hammered, every session a new challenge.

The journey home after training was often a tearful one. She’d spend 45 minutes driving back, trying to pull herself together before picking up her kids and then heading back again for their classes. It was a cycle of training, crying, and pretending everything was okay. And at another gym where she was the only woman, the challenge continued, facing off against male students who didn’t hold back.

Despite these tough times, Natalie’s self-esteem took a hit, but something inside her refused to give up. She knew she was becoming an incredible instructor, pouring her heart into teaching and dedicating a whole year to mastering the art of instruction. Even though she struggled technically on the mat, her teaching skills were soaring.

Then, there was this one session that turned everything around. After a particularly grueling round with a skilled MMA fighter, where she managed not to tap, the room erupted in applause. That moment was a turning point for Natalie. Sure, the girl she sparred with wasn’t thrilled, but for Natalie, it was a revelation. She realized that jiu jitsu was teaching her about herself, about resilience, and about the joy of personal growth. She learned the hard way that comparing yourself to others can steal the joy right out of your journey.

Reflecting on her path, Natalie shared, “I didn’t want to go back to how my life was before jiu jitsu…it was empty.” Through all the tears, the challenges, and the moments of self-doubt, jiu jitsu filled her life with purpose, community, and a sense of achievement she hadn’t found anywhere else.

The Black Belt

Natalie shared with me that stepping into the role of a black belt actually felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Contrary to what many might think, she didn’t succumb to the pressure of having to prove herself worthy of the belt. She found that kind of pressure to be more of a self-imposed burden that others might struggle with, but not her.

In the year leading up to her black belt, Natalie went all out with her jiu-jitsu, immersing herself in training, competing, and teaching. She didn’t just focus on the physical aspect; she embraced a holistic approach, enhancing her spiritual, mental, and physical well-being, which included paying attention to her nutrition and practicing breathwork.

This comprehensive investment in herself paid off beautifully during a competition that she describes as the most amazing experience of her life. She was so in tune with herself, so high on life’s vibrations, that she found herself dancing and feeling euphoric while waiting for her match.

Winning her first match not only gave her the European title but also validated her hard work and dedication. Although she lost her second match in the Absolute category, she counts it as her favorite because it challenged her to execute some technical moves perfectly, even if she didn’t win on points.

Three months later, the emotional and beautiful ceremony where she received her black belt from Mauricio Gomes was a testament to her readiness and the effort she had put into her journey. She felt no doubt about her level or her deserving the belt. Natalie is aware that she might not be at the same level as some other black belt females, but she’s not bothered by comparisons.

She’s on her own unique journey, fully aware of her limitations and proud of her achievements, considering her age and physical capabilities.

Becoming a black belt marked the beginning of a new chapter for her, a journey that never really ends. Natalie also touched on the challenges of being a female coach in a world where assumptions run rampant—people often see her just as a “mom” or assume her involvement in the sport is through her husband, Mauricio, or that she’s merely assisting him, not recognizing the seriousness and dedication she brings to her role.

For Natalie, the black belt symbolizes the culmination of a profound journey, one that involves constant learning, the death of the ego in every class, and the strategic choices made to flow and avoid injuries. It’s a testament to her dedication, not just to jiu-jitsu but to the path of self-improvement and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

The Benefits Of Jiu Jitsu

Natalie opened up about a time when her mental health took a serious hit due to some tough life events. It was during this period that jiu-jitsu became her anchor, a way to find some balance amidst the chaos.

She shared how, no matter how rough her day was or how challenging the month seemed, she never once regretted stepping onto the mat for training. There’s something about the physical and mental discipline of focusing on jiu-jitsu that helped her regulate her emotions and find a sense of stability.

She talked about the importance of human connection in the sport—the physical closeness, the sense of community, and the primal aspects of grappling with someone else. For Natalie, these elements are crucial not just for the sport but for mental well-being too.

She pointed out how, in today’s world, we’re moving away from these primal connections that used to be a fundamental part of human society. We’re missing out on the basic, physical tasks and the sense of belonging to a group or tribe that our ancestors had.

Especially for women, Natalie believes jiu-jitsu offers a unique opportunity to shed self-consciousness about appearances—like worrying about how your hair looks—and embrace the sweat and closeness of grappling.

It’s a space where inhibitions fall away, and you’re encouraged to be present in the moment, fully engaged with your training partner. This, she feels, is a powerful antidote to the epidemic of mental health issues we face today, offering a return to some of the primal elements that bring us closer to our human roots and to each other.

The Mum, The Coach, The Businesswoman

Natalie shared a bit about her family’s journey with martial arts, which is both heartwarming and inspiring. Her older daughter dabbled in karate and jiu-jitsu for a while but eventually decided it wasn’t for her, though Natalie holds onto the hope that she might find her way back to the mats one day. Then there’s Iris, Natalie’s unstoppable force. She’s been passionate about jiu-jitsu since she was six, a commitment that had Natalie driving an hour each way just for training.

And then there’s Andrej, not Natalie’s son by birth but very much her jiu-jitsu son. He started training with Natalie at nine, a migrant from Macedonia with no English and a lot of anger. His first day, he took that anger out on the class, but he was all in from the start. With time, and under Natalie’s guidance, he not only mastered his skills on the mat but also began to grasp English, thanks to being allowed to assist in classes.

By eleven, he was competing, and Natalie, recognizing his potential and dedication, started an apprentice program to teach him the ins and outs of running a jiu-jitsu business alongside building his athletic career. Andrej has grown into an exceptional student and athlete, now teaching and competing with a bright future ahead. Natalie works closely with his parents to ensure his success, both in jiu-jitsu and life.

Iris, on the other hand, is making waves in the adult division at just sixteen, a prospect that fills Natalie with both pride and fear. Her discipline and focus are unmatched, and she’s determined to train every day. Natalie coaches her with the same intensity she brings to all her students, ensuring Iris wants for nothing in her pursuit of excellence. Having Andrej as a training partner and coach has been invaluable, not just for Iris’s development but also for their friendship.

Natalie feels incredibly blessed to have such a supportive and dedicated circle around her. She admits that watching Iris compete can be tough, especially when things don’t go as planned. Seeing her daughter face submission or injury is a challenge, but Natalie knows it’s all part of the sport they love. It’s a delicate balance between being a coach and a mom, but it’s one she navigates with a lot of love and a little bit of heartache, always ready to support her kids through every up and down.

However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Watching Iris compete and sometimes face defeat or injury has been incredibly hard for Natalie. There was a point where the emotional toll was so high that Natalie nearly begged Iris to stop competing. But Iris, resilient and driven, didn’t give up.

Her perseverance paid off, as she began to win and improve, thriving in the sport she loves. This experience, while brutal, has only strengthened their bond and commitment to jiu-jitsu, showcasing the power of resilience and the deep connections formed through shared challenges and triumphs. Iris has an European champion and Junior World Champion and keeps growing every day. Natalie adds that the gut drop feeling happens every time Iris steps on a mat and that she knows this feeling will never go away.

The parallels Natalie drawn, especially the one about her conversation with Mauricio Gomes watching Roger from the sidelines, really struck a chord with me. It’s fascinating, yet so heartwarming, to hear how that protective feeling never fades, no matter how old your child gets or how accomplished they become.

It’s a testament to the depth of a parent’s love and the unique challenges of balancing those roles of coach and parent. Mauricio’s choice to step back from coaching Roger into adulthood because it was just too much, it really highlights the emotional complexities involved in watching someone you deeply care for compete at such high levels.

Final Thoughts

Natalie Day’s journey through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not just a narrative of personal achievement; it’s a blueprint for empowerment, resilience, and the profound impact of martial arts on individual lives.

Her story, from the harrowing experience that led her to the mat, through the challenges of balancing motherhood, coaching, and entrepreneurship, to her triumphant rise as a black belt under Mauricio Gomes, encapsulates the essence of BJJ as more than a sport—it’s a pathway to discovering one’s strength, potential, and the ability to overcome adversity.

Natalie’s legacy extends beyond her achievements on the mat. By sharing her story, she inspires a new generation of martial artists—women and men alike—to pursue their passions, face their fears, and embrace the journey of personal growth and empowerment.

Her work in breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of female fighters contributes to a broader movement of empowerment

through martial arts, challenging stereotypes and redefining what it means to be strong.

Natalie Day’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on and off the mat. It’s a narrative that resonates with anyone seeking to find their strength, assert their power, and navigate the challenges of life with grace and resilience.

As we reflect on Natalie’s journey, we are reminded of the potential within each of us to overcome adversity, to empower ourselves and others, and to leave a lasting legacy through our actions and achievements.

Her story is not just about empowerment through martial arts; it’s about the universal quest for self-improvement, community, and the indomitable spirit of the human heart.

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