Coach & Women’s Program Director

Tonia began her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2019 after originally searching for female wrestling. What she found instead was something that challenged her, empowered her, and quickly became part of her lifestyle.

With a background in Karate, Taekwondo, and some kickboxing, Tonia brought prior martial arts experience to the mats — but Jiu-Jitsu offered a new depth of strategy and self-discovery that kept her hooked. As a mom of three boys, she understands resilience, patience, and strength in a very real way — qualities that show up both in her training and her coaching.

On the mats, Tonia enjoys the control and effectiveness of the rear-naked choke and is most comfortable working from open guard and butterfly guard — positions that reward timing, awareness, and connection.

What she loves most about coaching is watching especially the women in the room unlock their inner strength and confidence. There is something powerful about seeing someone realize they are capable of more than they thought — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Helping create that shift is what drives her.

She describes her coaching style as supportive, goal-oriented, and empowering. Tonia pushes her students to grow while ensuring they feel safe, respected, and encouraged every step of the way.

To anyone nervous about starting, she offers a simple mindset shift:

“Nerves equal excitement. Reframe those butterflies as anticipation instead of fear.”

For Tonia, Union JJ is a supportive home away from home — a place that blends rigorous training with camaraderie, mutual respect, safety, and personal growth. It’s an environment where people are challenged to improve while being surrounded by teammates who genuinely care.

What makes Union JJ different? The vibe and culture. The atmosphere is welcoming, the energy is uplifting, and the community is strong.

Outside the gym, Tonia is a lover of music and creative expression, and she finds peace and inspiration in the outdoors. She values connecting with nature — whether through time outside, creative projects, or simply slowing down and grounding herself. That balance between strength and serenity is something she carries onto the mats.

At Union JJ, Tonia represents empowerment in action — strong, grounded, and committed to helping others grow into their most confident selves.