(CLAIR | SIMI VALLEY, CA) – Taylor Pedersen is putting Simi Valley on the map in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The 25-year-old recently won gold at the 2025 European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Lisbon, Portugal, competing in the Adult Female Purple Belt Middleweight division. Facing some of the toughest grapplers in her weight class, Pedersen fought her way to the top, proving that hard work and dedication pay off.
Pedersen trains at Gracie Barra Simi Valley, where she’s both an instructor and an active competitor. Over the past year, she has racked up big wins, including titles at the American Nationals in both Gi and No-Gi divisions. But her victory in Lisbon is the biggest yet—one that puts her among the top purple belt competitors in the world.
“This win is huge for me,” Pedersen shared on Instagram after her victory. “I put everything into training, and to see it pay off on such a big stage—it’s an incredible feeling.” (Instagram: @TaylorP_BJJ)
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), which runs the event, is the leading organization in the sport. The European Championship, held from January 17 to January 25, 2025, is one of the biggest tournaments in the world, drawing elite athletes from every corner of the globe. (IBJJF.com)
Pedersen didn’t stop at her middleweight division. She also stepped up to compete in the Open Class (absolute) division, where athletes of all sizes go head-to-head. It’s a challenge many fighters avoid, but Pedersen didn’t hesitate.
“You learn a lot about yourself in the absolute,” she said in a post-match interview with FloGrappling. “It’s not just skill, it’s heart. Win or lose, you walk away better.” (FloGrappling.com)
Simi Valley’s Growing Jiu-Jitsu Scene
Pedersen’s success is part of a larger movement in Simi Valley’s martial arts scene. With gyms like Gracie Barra Simi Valley and Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in nearby Agoura Hills, more and more local athletes are making their mark in the world of combat sports.
Her journey from a local competitor to an international gold medalist is an inspiration for younger grapplers looking to follow in her footsteps.
With a European title now under her belt, Pedersen isn’t slowing down. She has her sights set on the IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship and, ultimately, the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, where she hopes to continue her winning streak.
“I’m just getting started,” she said. “This is just another step in the journey.”
Simi Valley will definitely be watching.
