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Ever told yourself it’s too late to start? Meet Melissa Fournier, a wife and mom who walked into a women’s jiu-jitsu trial at 50, got hooked on the mats, and then decided to compete just four months later.
We dig into what jiu-jitsu actually demands—submissions, leverage, and controlled pressure—and why technique beats brute strength at every level. Melissa opens up about training through fear, rolling with new partners, and learning to trust a respectful gym culture. With a shoulder injury, a volatile knee, and the normal bruises of live rounds, she still built cardio for four-minute bursts and focused on skill over weight cuts. The night before the tournament, she didn’t even know if she had a match. When one appeared, it was a woman 30 pounds heavier with multiple tournaments under her belt. Every advisor put the decision back in her hands.
What happened next is the heart of the episode: she introduced herself to her opponent, grounded the moment in humanity, and chose to “do it afraid.” The first round ended fast with an arm lock. The second stretched to two and a half minutes of grit and defended grips. She lost the bracket and won something bigger—no lingering what-if, no quiet regret. We talk about identity change, adult learning, the power of community, and how to set goals that push without breaking you. If you’re craving a late start, a career pivot, or just one brave habit, this story gives you permission and a simple plan: show up, stay curious, and stack small reps.
If this conversation sparked something, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review so more people can find us. Your next brave step starts now.

Follow Melissa on Instagram @eddienpnutsmom

Follow me on Instagram - @sparking.radiance