Ivanka Trump, former senior adviser to President Donald Trump, trains at Valente Brothers jiu-jitsu academy in Miami, Florida.
President Trump and daughter Ivanka take in the crowd at Super Bowl LIX
President Donald Trump was spotted next to his daughter Ivanka at Caesars Superdome upon arriving at the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 9.
Margo Martin
- First daughter Ivanka Trump is a blue belt in jiu-jitsu, a self-defense martial art, and a student at Valente Brothers.
- Gisele Bundchen received her purple belt from the Valente Brothers academy in December 2023.
- Gisele Bundchen and Joaquim Valente have been dating since 2023 and welcomed a baby together in February 2025.
Ivanka Trump knows jiu-jitsu − and loves it.
The dojo where she trains, Valente Brothers academy in Miami, Florida, tagged the first daughter in a March 21, 2025, video on social media platforms, X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram. The social video, which shows President Donald Trump’s eldest daughter engaging in stunning “takedowns” and self-defense techniques from the martial art, has gotten millions of views online.
Ivanka Trump is definitely one of the dojo’s most famous students.
Another familiar face and name? Supermodel (and Valente Brothers jiu-jitsu student) Gisele Bundchen.
Here’s what we know.
Does Ivanka Trump do jiu-jitsu? Where does Ivanka Trump train in martial arts?
Ivanka Trump said she started training in jiu-jitsu because of her daughter Arabella Kushner.
In a podcast with host Lex Fridman, Ivanka Trump said, “At 11 she told me that she wanted to learn self-defense. She wanted to learn how to protect herself. As a mom I was so proud. At 11, I was not thinking about defending myself. I loved that she had that desire and awareness.”
Friends in Miami recommended the Valente Brothers studio with Gui Valente, Pedro Valente and Joaquim Valente, who is dating Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen. (The couple have been dating since 2023 and welcomed a baby in February 2025.)
The jiu-jitsu training with the Valente Brothers started with Arabella Kushner, who encouraged her mom to try it. Ivanka Trump further explains to Fridman that her sons Joseph and Theo Kushner eventually joined, followed by her husband, Jared Kushner. “We’re all doing jiu-jitsu,” Ivanka Trump said.
What belt is Ivanka Trump in jiu-jitsu?
Ivanka Trump is a blue belt in jiu-jitsu. In most martial arts, there is no specific timeframe of when you achieve different ranks or belts − and not all of them use a belt system (Kung fu, mixed martial arts, for example). Mostly, it depends on the dojo, the system and the proficiency of the student.
In the Instagram Reel from the Valente Brothers, Ivanka Trump shows off self-defense techniques during a grab and responses to attacks (see below).
In the Lex Fridman podcast, the former senior adviser to President Donald Trump explains why she loves jiu-jitsu: “For me, there’s something really empowering knowing that I had some basic skills to defend myself. … It gives you a sense of confidence and also gives you kind of a sense of calm, knowing how to de-escalate rather than escalate a situation. As part of the training, you develop more natural awareness when you’re out and about.”
Gisele Bundchen has shared similar thoughts about her martial arts training.
Does Gisele Bundchen train in jiu-jitsu? What belt is Gisele Bundchen?
In December 2023, Gisele Bundchen posted photos and video on Instagram highlighting her promotion to purple belt in jiu-jitsu (she was previously a blue belt). Like Ivanka Trump, Gisele Bundchen practiced jiu-jitsu with her children, Benjamin Brady and Vivian Brady, whom she shares with ex-husband Tom Brady.
Posts on Instagram show the supermodel crediting the Valente Brothers for her martial arts training: “Thank you for teaching us this incredible art that helps us on and off the mat. Obrigada por nos ensinarem essa incrivel arte que nos ajuda dentro e fora do tatame.”
Gisele Bundchen received her purple belt in jiu-jitsu, around the time of her daughter Vivian Brady’s 11th birthday. The accomplishment was celebrated in a ceremony hosted by the Valente Brothers Academy.
What is jiu-jitsu? How is jiu-jitsu different from karate or Kung fu? Is jiu-jitsu like mixed martial arts?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu, commonly referred to as BJJ, is a martial art that focuses on self-defense, grappling and submission holds. But, like the Valente Brothers posted on their Ivanka Trump social video, “Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art. Rooted in tradition and guided by the 753 Code, it builds physical confidence, mental clarity, and emotional balance.”
Ivanka Trump retweeted the video on X with the emoji of a martial arts uniform, commonly referred to as a “gi” (sounds like “key” with a G).
She’s also talked about “the code.” Martial arts are more than techniques and self-defense − practitioners will usually mention it’s a way of life, complete with exercise, nutrition, rest, mental health and positivity. In the podcast with Lex Fridman, who also practices jiu-jitsu, Ivanka Trump said the 753 Code “is a framework much like religion is in our house and can be for others. It’s a framework to discuss things that happen in life large and small,” and jiu-jitsu is perfect for the mind, body and soul.
Video of Ivanka Trump studying jiu-jitsu, martial arts training at Valente Brothers dojo. Why Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump takes jiu-jitsu
Video, photos of Gisele Bundchen training jiu-jitsu, where she met her boyfriend Joaquim Valente, the father of her baby
Sangalang, a trending writer for USA TODAY Network, is a Go-dan or fifth-degree Black Belt in Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.
