Interview with Lauren Barone: The Woman Behind Philly Phenoms, a Pro Grappling Franchise for Athletes
Lauren Barone is a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, entrepreneur, and the visionary behind Philly Phenoms, a sci-fi-inspired pro grappling franchise designed to create real opportunities for hardworking athletes, especially women. In this exclusive interview, Lauren shares her journey from hobbyist to leader, how she balances her projects, and why representation on the mats matters more than ever. 1. What was the moment you realized you were hooked on jiu-jitsu? Growing up a fan of martial arts definitely laid the foundation for me. Starting classes at the same time as my husband helped a lot too. Having a built-in training partner made the early days easier and more fun. 2. Why did no-gi become your preferred style? I still have a lot of respect for the gi and enjoy it now and then. But the pace and freedom of no-gi really match how I like to move and solve problems. 3. Your ‘Thicc Girl Jitsu’ message is super empowering. What inspired it? As a heavyweight competitor, I fully embrace the nickname and have fun with it. I hope that confidence and silliness help others feel more comfortable owning who they are on the mat. 4. What have you learned from training with 10th Planet and Nomad Grappling Team? Nomad Grappling Team, who sponsors me, has supported me so much throughout my journey. Training with 10th Planet has also been amazing, especially diving into leg locks and different grappling systems. 5. Philly Phenoms is all about athlete opportunity. What’s the mission behind it? I wanted to help hardworking athletes get onto the pro grappling stage. I’ve already suggested names for women’s matches, and I’d love to see a full women’s PGF bracket in the future! 6. How do you balance being both an athlete and an entrepreneur? My schedule has definitely changed while juggling multiple projects. Hiring a small team has helped a ton. I rely heavily on structure, checklists, and being organized. 7. Which of your projects feels the most you, and why? Philly Phenoms is the most me. Owning this new franchise is incredibly exciting. As a sci-fi fan, I love the theming and I’m always brainstorming fun ideas to hype the brand and spread the message. Empowerment in Motion It’s worth noting that “Thicc Girl Jitsu” and Philly Phenoms are two distinct but equally powerful expressions of Lauren Barone’s presence in the grappling world. “Thicc Girl Jitsu” is her personal brand, rooted in confidence, inclusivity, and humor. It’s a body-positive message for women who don’t see themselves represented in the traditional jiu-jitsu image. Philly Phenoms is her professional franchise, themed around science fiction. As a proud sci-fi fan, Lauren built a grappling team that blends athletic performance with creativity and storytelling. It’s not just a team, it’s a movement. We thank Lauren Barone for taking the time to share her journey with us. More importantly, we thank her for what she is building within the jiu-jitsu community. Whether she is creating new platforms for athletes, challenging outdated body norms, or bringing fresh energy to the sport, her work is a clear example of what empowerment looks like on and off the mats. Lauren’s approach blends performance, personality, and purpose. As she continues to grow Philly Phenoms, she’s also inspiring a new generation of confident, unapologetic grapplers. She is not just grappling opponents, she is grappling expectations and changing the game.
Interview: Shama Ko on the Power of Community and Building Girls in Gis
When Shama Ko first stepped onto the mats, she never imagined she’d one day help lead a national movement for women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. But that’s exactly what happened. As the founder and program director of Girls in Gis, a nonprofit that hosts women’s BJJ events across the U.S., Shama has created a space where thousands of women have trained, connected, and grown together. We sat down with her to talk about community, growth, and what makes this project so powerful. BJJ Girls Mag: For those who don’t know, what is Girls in Gis and how did it start? Shama:Girls in Gis is a community for women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It started in 2009 as a simple open mat for women to train together in Texas. Back then, it was rare to find other women on the mats. I wanted to create a space where women felt comfortable, supported, and empowered — and that’s how it began. BJJ Girls Mag: What was the turning point where you realized this could be bigger than a local event? Shama:Honestly, the turning point was seeing how women showed up for each other. After the first few events, we noticed that women were driving hours just to attend. They were craving that sense of community. That’s when I knew we had something special, something that was missing in the sport. BJJ Girls Mag: What makes a Girls in Gis event different from a typical class or seminar? Shama:Our events are 100% focused on connection and community. They’re not just about technique, although we definitely share great instruction. There’s no hierarchy, no competition. Everyone is welcome, from day-one white belts to high-level black belts. It’s about sharing the mats and lifting each other up. BJJ Girls Mag: Do you think women experience Jiu-Jitsu differently than men? Shama:Absolutely. Women often come to BJJ with different goals: self-defense, confidence, healing. Many also carry trauma or hesitations that can make the academy setting intimidating. That’s why community spaces like Girls in Gis are so important. We make room for those emotions, and we normalize the journey. BJJ Girls Mag: You’ve helped thousands of women step onto the mats. What advice would you give someone who’s nervous about starting BJJ? Shama:Be patient with yourself. You don’t have to be strong, fast, or fearless to begin. Just start. Find a space where you feel safe and supported, that’s everything. And don’t be afraid to ask questions or to take up space. You belong here. BJJ Girls Mag: How can women get involved with Girls in Gis or attend an event? Shama:They can visit our website girlsingis.com, we post all upcoming events there. We’re always updating our calendar and expanding to new locations. Most of our events are donation-based, so finances aren’t a barrier. We also have volunteer opportunities and ways to support even if you can’t attend. BJJ Girls Mag: What’s next for the project? Shama:Our focus is always on growing the community. That means reaching more women, building new partnerships, and continuing to provide a safe, inclusive space. We’re also working on more educational content and leadership development for women in BJJ. It’s exciting to see where this can go. This Is What Empowerment Looks Like Shama Ko’s story is proof that one idea, driven by compassion and purpose, can grow into something massive. Girls in Gis is not just an organization — it’s a movement. And it’s changing the face of women’s Jiu-Jitsu in the U.S. 💬 Have you ever attended a Girls in Gis event? Share your experience with us or tag @bjjgirlsmag_usa in your photos. 📍 Learn more at www.girlsingis.com