North Bay native Jo Maisonneuve has continued to be a force to be reckoned with in the Jiu-Jitsu community.
Based out of The Ottawa Academy Of Martial Arts under the supervision of Professor Hammer (Matt Hache), a second degree Renzo Gracie black belt she has spent countless hours teaching and training. Her drive and dedication have won her multiple gold medals and most recently a championship belt.
See: 'Jiu-Jitsu saved my life' says local fighter. Aims for MMA career
In May, Maisonneuve, a blue belt, had the chance to compete at the World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship 2019, where she walked away with a bronze medal.
She will also have an opportunity in December to participate in the No-Gi World Championship. Her success has proven how successful small-town athletes can be, inspiring local athletes to continue training in a sport they have a passion for.
Since the incredible victory at World’s, she has continued working towards pushing her skills to the next level competing in amateur mixed martial arts where she continues to hold a 3-1 MMA record. Competing in both MMA and Jiu-Jitsu she has been pushing her body to its limits. A regular day for Jo can consist of teaching classes, doing private lessons, training for countless hours a day, and strength and conditioning.
This month has proved her endless training and heart for the sport of mixed martial arts has been worth it.
She had been on the roster to fight unopposed for her first pro fight this month, as it didn’t come so easy with countless of opponents dropping out. While being three weeks away from the event time was ticking to find an opponent, on August 2, she got the message she has spent her entire life waiting for.
On August 24 at the EY Centre in Ottawa Jo will be stepping into the cage as a professional MMA fighter for the first time. A dream comes true.
It doesn’t stop there. When it rains, it pours. Jo has not only signed her first professional MMA contract but also her second. September 28, she will be flying to Lethbridge, Alberta with Professor Hammer and a close support system to compete.
Her goal of 2019 has most definitely been achieved and many more milestones have been accomplished. This is just the beginning for this hometown athlete.
To keep up with Jo and her journey, you can follow her on Instagram @jiujitsu_jo or like her athlete Facebook page.
