Pati Fontes
Founding Member
"True confidence is built from the ground up—knowing that even when your back is against the wall, you have the technical skill and mindset to control the fight."
Background & Expertise
Pati is a highly decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Lucas Leite, competing out of the world-class Checkmat team. Renowned in the global grappling community for her dangerous, highly technical guard play and aggressive styling off of her back, she is one of the most successful strawweight competitors of her generation. Her background includes:
- Multi-Time IBJJF World No-Gi Champion
- IBJJF World Champion (Gi)
- Fight 2 Win Strawweight Champion
- EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational) Finalist
Pati excels at showing women how to effectively neutralize larger, heavier threats using strategic guards and active defense. She adapts her world-class knowledge of fighting off her back directly into the context of self-defense, giving women the realistic tools needed to survive, control, and escape worst-case ground scenarios.
Empowerment Philosophy
Pati’s approach to self-defense stems from a deep belief that positioning dictates survival. She knows that many women fear being forced to the ground or trapped underneath an attacker. Her mission is to completely dispel that fear by turning the guard into a position of absolute power. By teaching women to fight dynamically off of their backs and seamlessly integrating those ground tactics with modern firearm safety, Pati helps women reclaim their personal space and security with conviction.
Beyond the Mats
Physical Fitness: Off the mats, Pati is incredibly passionate about physical conditioning and loves to work out. She leverages her background in functional fitness to build explosive strength, endurance, and physical longevity.