Born in El Salvador and strong-armed into moving to London, Ontario at the age of 7, MJ found herself in a high-stakes grappling match with seven siblings. Growing up in a lively, competitive household, she naturally developed a passion for roughhousing. She quickly mastered key survival skills—like perfecting duck-unders to evade flying chancletas and crafting elaborate distractions to lure siblings away from the cookie jar just long enough to snag an extra treat.

Despite her childhood training, it wasn’t until age 30 that MJ stepped onto the mats and discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A late start for sure, but once she hit the ground, she never looked back. Now recently promoted to purple belt, MJ is ready to roll through a lifetime of chokes, takedowns, and endless sparring sessions.

Quick Facts:

• Most played childhood video game: Duck Hunt

• Pineapple on pizza? I'd rather not—but you can always pick them off. Waste no pizza.

• Is a hotdog a sandwich? After some thoughtful debate: a hotdog is its own category—closer to a wrap than a sandwich. Burgers, though? Definitely sandwiches.

• Most memorable movie: Sin City

• What era would you time travel to? 12th Century CE

• Kindred spirit: Tiger