We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophia Nordeno and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophia, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
To stay patient and have faith in an organically grown business instead of investing time in things that will only last for a short period.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started to practice martial arts as a teenager, lost to any self esteem or self efficacy. As I kept training and competing I grew stronger in myself physically and mentally. When the opportunity to move to San Diego from Sweden to be a professional jujutsu and grappling fighter presented itself, leaving my full time job as a physiotherapist I made a promise too myself to fully dedicate myself too help others too feel as empowered as I do through martial arts. It’s been a slow process and a lot of sacrifices to build my reputation as a fighter and instructor. I truly believe that practicing martial arts will build as much caracter as muscles and that has been my way of teaching – learn to respect and trust your own abilities. I’m proud today of my reputation and that people know me as MissGrappling.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You should check out all the amazing martial arts schools in San Diego! Most of them have free classes for visitors or open mats were all schools can come and train togehter! Make sure to visit my home academy Honu Bjj. Don’t forget to rest in between classes at the beaches in pacific beach or Ocean beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Thanks to the Brazilian jiujutsu community I have had great opportunities handed to me that I have been able to nourish and grow. Without all the great people and leaders I been fortunate too be around nothing of this would have been a possibility.

Instagram: Missgrappling

Facebook: Missgrappling

Image Credits
Pic by William Towar

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