Head Coach Danielle Gallo Becomes the 2025 Purple Belt No Gi World Champion

2025 Purple Belt Adult Rooster Weight World Champion: winner by all submissions.

A short reflection from Coach Danielle:

Four and a half years ago, I learned about a thing called Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and way too early into my white belt career, I declared that I would become a world champion in it. Most people laughed or scoffed, but a small, select group believed in me long before they had any reason to. 

I wanted to achieve this goal with every fiber of my being. I visualized myself on that podium, without exaggeration, EVERY SINGLE DAY for years. I yearned for this like never before, and it took countless sacrifices. When my body wanted to stay in bed, skip a training session, or give up when the odds were stacked against me, I pushed myself to do the hard thing. Keep fighting. Stay relentless. Stay inevitable. 

This year, I was under an insane amount of stress with a MAJOR life transition in acquiring this gym and starting a business, and an injury that took me out for half the year and that doctors told me would need a very serious surgery. I was INCHES away from pulling out of this year's bracket, but I always tell my students, BJJ is the practice of getting up one more time than you fall. And look what happens when you give yourself the shot! You might just be surprised at what you can achieve when your back is against the wall.

And while it is ultimately just you out there on the tournament mats competing against your opponents, you can't achieve this thing without a whole village behind you. So i share this victory with:

Aidan Oates, my fiance, business partner, training partner, and best friend, whose selflessness makes him every bit as much of a world champion as me. I could not exist without you. Thank you for making us "inevitable."

Beatrice Jin, who was my inspiration before she was my friend/ training partner. Thank you for throwing rocks in the river with me, bolo-ing me for the last few years, and creating a space for women in this sport. You are a rare gem of a friend 💖

Emily Jones, who beats the sh*t out of me twice a week and pushes me to become better in every way. I could not have done it without you, and I am ecstatic to see what's in store for you next 💙

Maia Matalon & Tim Dawson of High Noon BJJ, who have been so extraordinarily generous with their time and coaching. And my OG coach, Jen Zanotti of True Style BJJ, who is always taking my panicked phone calls 💜

My vicious friends at the Women's Open Mats at Kogiaon Academy, tiny terrors Brielle Pavur and Mel Pavur, Gwen and Jackie, and Andrea Tang who proved herself a good luck charm.

Juell Anthony, my strength and conditioning coach, for whipping my body into shape by adding more weight to the barbells when I'm not looking 😂😂

The beautiful and special community of people at this gym, Underworld BJJ. Everything I do is for and because of you all. 

As I end this year the #1 globally ranked female athlete at my belt and weight, I can't help but feel grateful for the people that put their faith in me every day: as a training partner, as a coach, and as a friend. None of this is possible without a whole lot of people who lift you up on the hard days, and I hope our community at Underworld BJJ can continue to be that beacon of light for every member of our family.