Hi, I’m Jaque Almeida.
My life journey has been marked by resilience, transformation, and self-discovery. I was born into a tumultuous environment, marked by the absence of my father, and faced adversity from a very young age. Despite the challenges I encountered, including a toxic relationship and professional setbacks, I never lost sight of my desire for personal growth and fulfilment.
The introduction to Jiu-Jitsu was a turning point that led me to a sense of empowerment and purpose. Through martial arts, I found the strength to break free from destructive patterns and toxic relationships and discovered my capacity for resilience and self-esteem.
The move to Ireland represented an encounter with both opportunities and obstacles. Therefore, I embraced new experiences and immersed myself in the local culture. Despite initial difficulties, I found comfort in my passion for Jiu-Jitsu and began training others, recognising my ability to empower women and guide them in overcoming their traumas.
My journey reached new heights when I decided to pursue my purpose wholeheartedly, leaving my job to focus on empowering women. A TEDx talk and notable victories, including the World Championship, among others, along with my resilience and determination, reaffirmed my belief in myself and my abilities.
However, my path had many challenges. Exhaustion and personal struggles tested me, leading me on a journey of spiritual and emotional healing. Returning to Brazil for a period was a transformative experience that allowed me to reconnect with my essence and confront past traumas with forgiveness and acceptance.
Receiving the black belt in Jiu-Jitsu symbolised more than just skill, but my evolution into a beacon of strength and guidance for others.
As I embark on the next chapter of my life, I do so with gratitude, excitement, and a profound sense of accomplishment, knowing that I have found my true calling. I am ready to make a positive impact on the world.
Message on a single page: “A woman can only lower her head if she is defending herself from a strangulation (within the tatami), otherwise, never” – Jaque Almeida
This is what I believe to be my true purpose, which I found when I first started out facilitating self- defense classes in Dublin, Ireland- and I watched as that community grew and grew as more ladies joined, each bringing their own stories. I knew this was exactly where I needed to be and that my purpose was to help others to empower themselves and grow their self esteem.