We had the good fortune of connecting with Michele “Bella” Milo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michele “Bella”, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factors behind the success of She Devil Jiu Jitsu are trust, community, and empowerment.
Trust in each other and in the process fosters a supportive environment where members feel safe and encouraged. Our strong sense of community ensures that everyone feels welcome and valued, which is crucial in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Empowerment is at the core of what we do; we strive to build confidence and strength in women, both on and off the mat.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been watching my family do jiu jitsu for about 12 years now and training myself for 7. I founded She Devil Jiu Jitsu club, a women’s only Jiu Jitsu club in 2021. What sets us apart is our inclusive and supportive environment where women of all levels can train without intimidation. Not many schools offer women-only programs, and we take pride in being a safe haven for women to learn and grow.
Several factors set She Devil Jiu Jitsu apart: Inclusivity and Support: We foster a welcoming environment where women of all backgrounds and skill levels feel included and supported. Our community is built on trust and mutual respect, ensuring that everyone feels valued and encouraged. Free Training: We offer our classes free of charge, breaking down financial barriers and allowing more women to experience the transformative benefits of Jiu Jitsu.
Empowerment: My mission is to empower women both mentally and physically. I aim to build confidence and self-sufficiency in our members, helping them find strength and resilience through Jiu Jitsu. Safe Space: Recognizing the unique challenges women face, especially those with prior traumas, I provide a safe and supportive environment where they can train comfortably and confidently. I’m incredibly proud of the community we’re building, celebrating our three-year anniversary this month. Watching women gain confidence and strength through our club has been immensely rewarding.
The journey hasn’t been easy. It took considerable effort and follow-up to build a group that trusts and supports each other. One key lesson I’ve learned is to avoid the drama that can come with group dynamics and to keep pushing forward, even when attendance is low. My passion for Jiu Jitsu keeps me motivated to share this art with others. What do I want people to know about me and She Devil Jiu Jitsu Club?
I am a strong woman, both mentally and physically, and I am dedicated to fostering strength in women who may not come from such environments. My goal is to cultivate strong, self-sufficient women through She Devil Jiu Jitsu.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh gosh, that really depends on my friend’s idea of a good time! Personally, I love exploring local attractions, downtown areas, and talking with locals. We’d definitely find a local dojo to train Jiu Jitsu, followed by discovering great spots to eat and go hiking. It’s all about experiencing the local flavor and getting a little training in, of course.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to my professors, Mike Geery and Leonard “Butch” White, along with all my Jiu Jitsu brothers and sisters who have supported me and kicked my butt along this path. Their mentorship and encouragement have been instrumental in my journey and the formation of She Devil Jiu Jitsu. Professor Mike persistently encouraged me to start a women’s only training class. Initially, I was hesitant because I didn’t feel ready to teach and was worried about separating women from the main classes. However, I noticed that some women at the dojo wanted to train but were held back by past traumas, making it difficult for them to work with men. This realization highlighted the need for a safe, women-only space, leading to the creation of She Devil Jiu Jitsu.

Website: https://shedeviljiujitsuclub.wixsite.com/shedeviljiujitsu

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shedeviljiujitsu/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-milo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shedeviljiujitsu/

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