Claudia Linzmaier is a BJJ black belt with many years of experience on the mat who embodies strength, confidence and compassion. Now she hopes to pass on her skills to the local community by launching a women-only BJJ class designed to empower women through movement, self-defence and personal growth.
Claudia is a competitor on an international scale and has won some major competitions in Europe and worldwide. She has been competing since she was a white belt and has brought home wins with each belt she has earned.
Claudia was born in the UK but lived in the US and Germany before moving to the Algarve in January. She began her martial arts journey with Muay Thai in Thailand and later in Germany, but quickly found her love for Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), dedicating herself to it after recovering from a serious injury. Her professor, Jan Basso, Kingdom Jiu Jitsu, GF Team Frankfurt (the head coach in BJJ is given this title), encouraged her to believe she could step back on the mat, and she did!
Self-defence and strategy
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art and self-defence system that focuses on leverage, technique and strategy rather than size or brute force. It was originally developed to allow smaller, lighter individuals to defend themselves effectively and has become one of the most respected martial arts worldwide. For women, in particular, its principles offer practical tools for real-life self-defence situations, especially in close-contact scenarios.
Claudia explains, “I began my jiu-jitsu journey over a decade ago, entering a world that was, at the time, largely male-dominated. Training often meant being the only woman in the room.” The practice teaches you resilience, patience and how to face your demons and fears and learn to stay calm under pressure. “Over time, these lessons go far beyond physical techniques. BJJ becomes a way to build confidence, self-trust and mental strength.”
Earning a black belt in BJJ typically takes over a decade of consistent training. It requires discipline, humility and perseverance. For Claudia, the black belt represents not only technical expertise but a responsibility to teach and give back.
“BJJ changed how I see myself and what I believe I am capable of; it gave me a strong body and mind, and I would love to see other women experience the same.”
Beyond self-defence, the physical benefits of jiu-jitsu are wide-ranging. Training improves strength, mobility, coordination and cardiovascular fitness, while also enhancing body awareness and balance. It is also adaptable to different ages and body types, making it sustainable rather than short-term.
Equally important are the psychological benefits. Learning how to stay composed in difficult situations on the mat translates into everyday life. Students often report increased confidence, better stress management, and a stronger sense of personal boundaries.
A safe training space
Claudia is introducing an open program that is open to all levels, from complete beginners to experienced students. No prior fitness background is required. The focus is on creating a safe, respectful environment where women can learn at their own pace while being appropriately challenged.
The class is not about proving toughness or encouraging aggression. Quite the opposite, Claudia says: “Vulnerability is key to evolving. Empowerment to become more oneself, more aware, more present, confident and capable.”
By bringing women’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes to the community, Claudia hopes to offer more than just a martial arts class. Her vision is to create a space where women can grow physically and mentally, support one another on and off the mats, and discover their own strength and inner warrior.
Lessons
Wednesday 10.30 am–12 pm, BJJ at Fusion Iberlagos
Saturday 10 –11.30 am, BJJ at Fusion Iberlagos
