Gisele Bündchen's BJJ Purple Belt And 7 Ways Jiu-Jitsu Transformed Her Life And Love In 2025

Gisele Bündchen's life, once defined by the runway and a high-profile marriage, has been fundamentally reshaped by the discipline of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). As of December 12, 2025, the supermodel's commitment to the martial art has not only earned her a coveted BJJ purple belt but has also become the central pillar of her new chapter, intrinsically linking her personal transformation to her professional life. The most recent and significant update is the evolution of her relationship with her BJJ instructor, Joaquim Valente. After years of training at the Valente Brothers academy in Miami, the relationship has moved far beyond the mat, culminating in the reported welcome of their first child together in February 2025, a bombshell announcement that has dominated headlines and confirmed the profound impact Jiu-Jitsu has had on her life post-divorce from Tom Brady. This is the definitive story of how the philosophy and practice of BJJ changed everything for the global icon.

Gisele Bündchen: Complete Biography and Profile

Before becoming a dedicated martial artist, Gisele Bündchen established herself as one of the most successful and recognizable figures in fashion history. Her career redefined the supermodel era.

• Full Name: Gisele Caroline Bündchen
• Date of Birth: July 20, 1980
• Place of Birth: Horizontina, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
• Career Highlights: Victoria's Secret Angel (1999–2006); credited with ending the "heroin chic" era of modeling; consistently topped Forbes' list of highest-earning models for over a decade; author of the memoir Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life.
• Notable Relationships: Married to NFL quarterback Tom Brady (2009–2022); currently in a high-profile relationship with Jiu-Jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente.
• Current Status: Supermodel, environmental activist, author, and dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner.

The Path to the Purple Belt: Gisele’s BJJ Journey

Gisele Bündchen’s foray into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was not a fleeting celebrity trend; it was a deeply personal choice rooted in a desire for self-improvement and self-defense. Her journey began in earnest around 2021, and her commitment quickly became evident.

Finding the Valente Brothers Academy

The introduction to BJJ came through her son, Benjamin. Seeking a martial art for her children, she was recommended the Valente Brothers academy, a highly respected school founded by Pedro, Gui, and Joaquim Valente, who are direct descendants of the Gracie lineage.

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She began training with Joaquim Valente, one of the three brothers and a highly skilled black belt. The initial goal was simple: to learn self-defense and build self-confidence for herself and her children. However, the philosophy of the art quickly resonated with her on a much deeper level.

The Purple Belt Milestone

In a testament to her dedication, Gisele Bündchen was promoted to the rank of BJJ purple belt in late 2023 or early 2024. This is a significant milestone in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, typically taking a serious practitioner several years of consistent training. The purple belt indicates a high level of technical proficiency, a deep understanding of the sport's principles, and the ability to effectively execute complex techniques. This achievement solidified her status as a serious martial artist, not just a casual participant.

The rigor of BJJ, which involves intense grappling and submission techniques, is a stark contrast to the glamour of the runway. She has publicly shared videos demonstrating her skills, showcasing her ability to spar and execute moves with precision and intensity.

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7 Ways Jiu-Jitsu Transformed Gisele's Post-Divorce Life

Gisele Bündchen has been vocal about how the philosophy, lifestyle, and value system of BJJ provided her with a foundation during a major life transition. The martial art served as more than just a workout; it became a tool for emotional and spiritual growth.

1. A New Foundation for Self-Confidence: Bündchen openly credits BJJ with boosting her self-confidence. The ability to defend oneself and succeed in a physically demanding environment translates directly into a feeling of empowerment in all areas of life.
2. Mental Clarity and Focus: Like many martial arts, BJJ requires intense focus. When grappling, the mind must be fully present, offering a powerful form of active meditation that provides a break from the stresses of her public and private life.
3. The Philosophy of Resilience: Jiu-Jitsu is often called "the gentle art" because it teaches a smaller, weaker person to defeat a larger, stronger one through technique and leverage. This philosophy of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds became a powerful metaphor for her navigating a high-profile divorce and starting over.
4. A Shared Family Activity: The entire family, including her children, loves to train BJJ. This shared passion has created a strong, positive, and active bonding experience, especially as they settled into their new life in Miami.
5. A New Romantic and Emotional Connection: The most transformative impact is her relationship with Joaquim Valente. Beginning as a student-teacher bond, the connection deepened over a shared passion for the art, leading to a romantic relationship that offers her independence and emotional fulfillment.
6. A New Social Circle and Lifestyle: Training at the Valente Brothers academy introduced her to a new community outside of the fashion and celebrity world. This jiu-jitsu lifestyle emphasizes discipline, respect, and humility, values she has embraced wholeheartedly.
7. Empowerment Through Self-Defense: For a high-profile woman, knowing self-defense is crucial. BJJ provides practical, real-world skills that ensure she feels secure and capable, a significant shift in her personal sense of security.

The Future: Bündchen, Valente, and the BJJ Legacy

The news of Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente welcoming a child in 2025 marks a definitive "new era" for the supermodel. Their relationship, which began with a shared love for the Brazilian martial art, has now cemented a family unit centered around the principles of BJJ. The Valente Brothers name is now intertwined with one of the most famous women in the world, bringing unprecedented global attention to the martial art.

As she continues her training as a BJJ purple belt, Gisele Bündchen is a living testament to the power of martial arts to heal, empower, and transform one's life. Her story highlights that BJJ is not just a sport but a comprehensive lifestyle that offers strength, mental fortitude, and a new perspective, proving that even a global supermodel can find her truest self on the mat.

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