We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bella Michele Milo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bella Michele below.
Bella Michele , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My confidence and self-esteem have been shaped by watching my strong mother lead, a combination of life experiences and from practicing Jiu Jitsu. From early training sessions to teaching and building She Devil Jiu Jitsu, I found that each step pushed me beyond my comfort zone. The lessons I’ve learned on the mats, such as resilience, discipline, and self-defense, have naturally transferred to my everyday life. The community of supportive, strong women around me has also played a significant role. We uplift one another, celebrate each other’s progress, and create an environment where growth is inevitable. Overcoming challenges in this space and seeing others succeed has reinforced my belief in myself and strengthened my self-worth.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am Michele Milo, wife, mother, friend, empath and artist. I also happen to love Jiu Jitsu, and I started She Devil Jiu Jitsu. What started as a personal journey into martial arts evolved into a mission to build a community where women of all backgrounds can come together, train, and grow stronger—both mentally and physically, a space dedicated to empowering through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She Devil Jiu Jitsu started out as women only classes, and has evolved into couples jiu jitsu classes and now coed classes too. I get to do what I love almost all the time.
What excites me most is witnessing the transformative power Jiu Jitsu has on individuals who may come in unsure of their abilities and leave with a newfound sense of strength and purpose. I like to emphasize that age or experience isn’t a barrier—it’s the willingness to show up and embrace the process that counts. This philosophy has led to a fun and inclusive community where members uplift one another and celebrate progress on and off the mats.
Building partnerships to bring self-defense classes and Jiu Jitsu workshops to broader audiences, including nonprofits focused on women’s safety. These efforts reflect our commitment to making Jiu Jitsu accessible and beneficial to more people, while nurturing an environment where ‘strong women build strong women. Eventually I can see a “She Devil’s dojo location for sure!
For those interested in starting or exploring a new way to train, She Devil Jiu Jitsu offers an open invitation to join our classes and experience firsthand the empowerment that comes with learning, connecting, and growing with a supportive group.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey as a BJJ brown belt, I realize my journey has truly just begun. The three most impactful qualities that have shaped this path are finding mentorship, embracing the traditions and respect embedded in BJJ, and cultivating the ability to accept correction with humility.
Finding Mentorship: One of the most pivotal aspects of my journey has been finding senior students who motivate and inspire me. These individuals ( my brothers in jiu jitsu) have pushed me, set the standard for dedication and skill, showing me what’s possible when you commit fully to the process. Their presence has pushed me to grow, especially on days when balancing life and managing chronic pain and fatigue, felt overwhelming. For those just starting their journey, I encourage seeking out mentors who elevate and challenge you; they will be your guiding lights.
Respect and Tradition: The traditions and respect that come with practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu have become foundational for me. Respect for professors, teammates, your dojo, and opponents reinforces the importance of humility and integrity in everything I do.
Embracing Correction: Jiu Jitsu is unique in its constant correction. Being continuously adjusted and critiqued can be humbling, but it has been one of my greatest teachers. Learning to accept feedback with a simple ‘yes, sir’ and ‘thank you,’ even without understanding the immediate reason, has taught me patience and trust. Over time, I’ve come to see how these small corrections can lead to significant improvements. For those early in their journey, I recommend welcoming feedback. What may seem like a small detail today can become the key to mastery in the future.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am excited to explore new partnerships and collaborations, especially those that align with the mission of empowering women through Jiu Jitsu and promoting overall wellness. I’m particularly interested in collaborating with other girls’ clubs to share the art of Jiu Jitsu, fostering confidence and strength in new communities. Additionally, I am looking to partner with experienced female black belts to organize a women’s Jiu Jitsu camp in the coming years—a space where women can train, connect, and grow together.
One of my long-term dreams is to open a dedicated gym for She Devils, where we can expand to offer coed classes, self-defense workshops, and yoga sessions, creating a holistic environment for physical and mental growth. I’m also eager to partner with brands that cater to the Jiu Jitsu and wellness community, including those that produce gis, Jiu Jitsu attire, braces, athletic tape, and pain relief creams. If you’re reading this and would like to collaborate, I’d love to hear from you. and together, we can create opportunities that strengthen and support the Jiu Jitsu and wellness community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shedeviljiujitsuclub.wixsite.com/shedeviljiujitsu/about-5
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shedeviljiujitsu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shedeviljiujitsu
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-milo/
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