Ivanka Trump has been sharing her journey with jiu-jitsu, a self-defense practice she and her family have embraced. In a recent Instagram post by The Valente Brothers, who are martial arts trainers, Ivanka was seen showing off her skills with trainer Gui Valente. Interestingly, it was her daughter Arabella who first got the family involved in the classes.
Gisele Bündchen, a supermodel and the mother of Joaquim Valente’s child, has also been vocal about her jiu-jitsu training. She once mentioned, “I feel stronger, more confident and empowered since I started practicing self-defense.” In her view, it’s a crucial skill for everyone, but especially for women.
According to Fox News Digital, the Valente brothers—Pedro, Gui, and Joaquim—explained in an interview why jiu-jitsu is beneficial for both physical and mental health. Joaquim Valente shared, “We have students starting as young as 3 years old and as old as 87 continuing their training.” The practice is designed to be accessible to everyone.
For children facing bullying, jiu-jitsu offers a way to build self-confidence and protection skills. Joaquim noted, “Saturday, we call it family day here at Valente Brothers.” Families come together to train, making it a bonding experience.
This martial art has its roots in medieval Japan, originally practiced by samurai warriors. It gained popularity in the U.S. during the 20th century, with even President Teddy Roosevelt taking part in training. The Valente brothers have been teaching this art form for over 30 years, focusing on both self-defense and wellness.
Their teaching method is centered around a “7-5-3 code” philosophy, aiming for spiritual, mental, and physical wellness. They train people for various situations, such as being put in a headlock or preparing for a punch. Gui Valente also discussed the health benefits of jiu-jitsu, pointing out that their father, a plastic surgeon, found great value in it.
Pedro Valente emphasized that learning self-defense is a necessity. It’s a practice that can be integrated into busy lives, providing a powerful system of self-defense taught in a safe manner. The brothers describe jiu-jitsu as an “exercise of the mind,” making it an effective mindfulness practice.
The 7-5-3 philosophy includes learning simple techniques, like escaping a wrist grab or a chokehold. Joaquim Valente pointed out that these skills are essential for self-protection. Learning how to fall safely is another critical technique in jiu-jitsu.
Avoiding confrontation is highlighted as the best self-defense strategy. As Gui Valente stated, “We want to think about self-defense even before the fight happens.” Teaching risk management and situational awareness is crucial in their approach.
Pedro Valente also stressed the importance of maintaining emotional balance in dangerous situations. “The best self-defense is always avoidance,” he said. It’s about avoiding unnecessary conflicts and staying calm under pressure.
The Valente brothers aspire to see jiu-jitsu become more widely taught in schools as part of physical education programs. In the Miami area, instructors are already teaching in some schools. Gui Valente expressed that it complements academics and boosts children’s self-esteem.
They believe that jiu-jitsu, alongside working with psychologists and therapists, addresses common challenges kids face today. The brothers also noted that jiu-jitsu has helped students with weight loss and nutritional awareness. Gui Valente stated, “You work every single muscle in your body and in different ways,” highlighting the comprehensive physical benefits of the practice.
