Club: Parity Martial Arts – Southampton, England South
Belt: Black belt
My name is Joanne Wellstead, and I am a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, coach, and founder of Enyo Grappling and the Enyo Foundation. I began my BJJ journey in 2015 at Phoenix MMA in Southampton, where I quickly realised that jiu-jitsu wasmore than just a martial art for me — it was a passion and a path. In 2025, Ibachieved my black belt, a milestone that reflects not only my dedication to the sport but also the incredible community that has supported me along the way.
As Head Instructor of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Parity Martial Arts, I teach both mixed and women-only classes. I know from personal experience how intimidating stepping onto the mats can feel, especially for women in a male-dominated environment. That’s why I’ve worked hard to create spaces that are welcoming, supportive, and inclusive. Alongside teaching jiu-jitsu, I also incorporate Yoga for BJJ, focusing on mobility, strength, and longevity, so that my students can enjoy the sport safely and sustainably.
I founded Enyo Grappling because I saw a gap: women’s matches are often some of the most technical and exciting in the sport, yet women rarely had the same platforms, visibility, or professional opportunities as men. Enyo became the UK’s first all-women professional submission-only invitational. My goal has always been to give women a stage to showcase their skills — whether they’re seasoned black belts or emerging talents hungry to prove themselves. By curating fair and competitive matchups, Enyo has been able to shine a spotlight on incredible athletes while inspiring the next generation.
To build on this, I created the Enyo Foundation, a charity dedicated to breaking down barriers for women in BJJ. Through the foundation, we provide support with travel, training, and competition costs, and we invest in women’s programmes across gyms in the UK. I want every woman who wants to try jiu-jitsu to have that chance, without financial or cultural obstacles holding them back.
Beyond competition, community is at the heart of everything I do. For over six years, I’ve organised women’s open mats, offering safe spaces to train, connect, and grow together. Many of these events also raise money for causes close to my heart, such as perinatal mental health, because I believe BJJ should not just make us stronger athletes, but also stronger people.
My vision for women’s BJJ is simple: equity, opportunity, and visibility. I want women to be recognised, celebrated, and supported at every stage of their journey. Whether it’s stepping onto the mats for the first time, competing on a professional stage, or inspiring the next generation, my mission is to ensure that women in BJJ have the platforms, tools, and community they need to thrive.
Qualifications/ relevant professional experience
- Co-owner of a gym with my husband, where we run inclusive training programs with a strong emphasis on women’s-only classes.
- Founder of Enyo Grappling, the UK’s first women’s-only professional grappling show.
- Founder of the Enyo Foundation, which focuses on supporting and developing opportunities for women in combat sports.
- For over 10 years, I’ve been running women’s open mats, building communities that empower women through grappling and create equal opportunities in the sport.
Social Media
Instagram – @josiekelseybjj @enyograppling @enyo_grappling_foundation