Building the Future of Women’s Grappling■
The Enyo Foundation was created by Joanne Wellstead and Rachel Bungay to support the long term growth of women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission grappling through opportunity, accessibility, and community driven development. Built as a non profit initiative alongside Enyo Grappling, the foundation focuses on removing barriers that prevent athletes from progressing within the sport by providing funding, training opportunities, educational programmes, and grassroots support. From beginner courses and women’s seminars to athlete sponsorships and competition assistance, every initiative is designed to help strengthen the future of women’s grappling at every level.
The Enyo Foundation was created to help remove barriers within women’s grappling by providing support, opportunities, and resources to athletes who need them most.
Through grassroots development, athlete sponsorship, educational programmes, and accessible training initiatives, the foundation is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable future for women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission grappling.
Our goal is to support athletes throughout every stage of their journey, from complete beginners stepping onto the mats for the first time to competitors pursuing high level competition nationally and internationally. By investing directly into grassroots programmes, athlete support, and community initiatives, we aim to help build a stronger, more connected future for women’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Athlete Sponsorships
One of the Foundation’s core focuses is helping athletes overcome the financial barriers often associated with competition.
Through sponsorship and athlete support initiatives, the Foundation helps competitors with:
competition entry fees
travel and accommodation costs
training opportunities
seminar access
preparation support
The aim is to help talented athletes continue progressing in the sport regardless of financial circumstance, while creating greater long term opportunity within women’s BJJ.
Courses, Seminars, and Development Programmes
The Foundation runs women’s only courses, seminars, and training initiatives designed to create welcoming and accessible entry points into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission grappling. Through free and subsidised beginner programmes, educational sessions, and seminars led by experienced coaches and high level competitors, the Foundation aims to remove some of the most common barriers to participation, including cost, confidence, and lack of representation.
These initiatives provide opportunities for women and girls to begin training in a supportive environment, develop skills through structured learning, and connect with the wider women’s grappling community. By investing in accessible and inclusive development programmes, the Foundation aims to strengthen grassroots participation while supporting long term progression and retention within the sport.
Funding and Community Support
The Enyo Foundation operates as a non profit initiative, with funding directed back into athlete support, grassroots programmes, and community development projects. Through fundraising initiatives, grants, partnerships, and wider community support, the Foundation is able to expand the reach of its programmes and create more accessible pathways into training and competition for women and girls within grappling.
This support helps fund:
beginner programmes
community sessions
athlete development initiatives
seminar opportunities
outreach projects
Funding and community partnerships play a key role in ensuring the long term sustainability and accessibility of Foundation initiatives.
Grassroots Development
At its core, the Enyo Foundation is focused on strengthening the foundations of women’s grappling from the grassroots upward.
By supporting beginners, developing competitors, and creating stronger community connections, the Foundation aims to build a sustainable pathway for women in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission grappling for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As women’s participation in grappling continues to grow, the Enyo Foundation will continue expanding its programmes, partnerships, and athlete support initiatives with the goal of creating greater accessibility, visibility, and opportunity throughout the sport.
Athlete Support
A core part of the Foundation’s mission is providing meaningful support to athletes who may otherwise struggle to access competition opportunities due to financial barriers. Through sponsorship and funding initiatives, we aim to assist competitors with costs such as entry fees, travel, accommodation, training opportunities, and development support, helping more women continue progressing within Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission grappling regardless of circumstance. To apply for support through the Foundation, please use the button below.
Business and Community Partnerships
The Foundation also works closely with businesses, sponsors, and community partners who want to actively support the growth of women’s grappling. These partnerships help fund beginner programmes, seminars, athlete sponsorships, outreach projects, and wider grassroots initiatives that directly contribute to the long term development of the sport. To discuss supporting the Foundation or becoming a partner, please get in touch using the button below.
Our open mats are built to strengthen the foundations of women’s BJJ through shared training, collaboration, and community. Bringing together athletes from different gyms, backgrounds, and experience levels, they create a welcoming space where women can train, learn, and build confidence in an environment designed for them. Alongside the open mats, Enyo also hosts seminars led by elite grapplers, giving athletes the opportunity to learn directly from some of the sport’s top competitors. Focused on developing grassroots jiu jitsu and growing the wider women’s grappling community, many athletes who first attended Enyo events and open mats have gone on to compete on the Enyo stage themselves.
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“Representation in women’s BJJ isn't optional - it’s essential. Every time we step on the mats, we redefine what’s possible. We make space, we inspire, we change the narrative.”
