Elisabeth Clay

Name: Elisabeth Clay
Current Rank: Black Belt under Osvaldo Moizinho (Queixinho) and Samir Chantre
Notable Achievements:

• F2W Heavyweight Champion (2021)

• 1st Place Polaris Grand Prix (2023)

• 1st Place IBJJF World Championship NOGI (2021, 2022)

• 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship NOGI (2021, 2022)

• 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2023)

Lineage: Carlos Gracie --> Helio Gracie --> Francisco Mansur --> Augusto Mendes --> Osvaldo Moizinho --> Elisabeth Clay

Elisabeth Clay Biography

In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, few names have risen as quickly and as impressively as Elisabeth Clay. Born on June 10, 2000, in Katy, Texas, Clay's journey to the pinnacle of grappling began in the most unlikely of places—Alaska.

Early Life and Athletic Beginnings

Clay moved to Alaska with her family at a young age and was initially drawn to gymnastics, a sport she pursued with the dream of representing her country at the Olympics. However, the lack of coaching and ambition in her local gymnastics scene led her to seek another outlet for her competitive spirit. She found it in a small MMA club in Soldotna, Alaska, where she discovered her love for grappling.

A Star is Born

Under the guidance of her first coach, Mason Ryder Spadafore, Clay dedicated herself entirely to Jiu-Jitsu. She later moved to a more competitive gym, Legacy Jiu-Jitsu in Anchorage, under Jordan Kontra. At just 16, she made waves by winning medals at the World, Pan, and ADCC trials. Her performance was so impressive that she decided to move to California to train at the Ares Jiu-Jitsu Team headquarters, under the tutelage of Osvaldo Moizinho and Samir Chantre.

A Meteoric Rise

Clay's list of achievements is nothing short of remarkable. She has won numerous titles, including the F2W Heavyweight Champion (2021), Polaris Grand Prix (2023), and multiple IBJJF World and Pan Championships in both gi and no-gi. Her favorite position is the Closed Guard, and she competes in the Meio-Pesado weight division (74 kg/163 lbs).

The Prodigy's Challenge

Elisabeth Clay is not just another athlete; she's a prodigy who has been competing against and beating top-tier athletes regularly, despite her young age and lack of experience. This has led to a unique situation where her matches prior to achieving her black belt status are also considered significant.

Personal Life

Clay had to return to Alaska in 2019 due to family reasons but continued to make regular trips to the Ares basecamp in California. She was awarded her black belt in November 2020 by coaches Samir Chantre and Osvaldo Moizinho.

Legacy and Beyond

Elisabeth Clay is more than just a list of titles and achievements; she's a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, hard work, and a love for the sport. Her journey from a small town in Alaska to the global stage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not just inspiring; it's a story that's still being written, as she continues to redefine what's possible in the world of grappling.