Jasmine Martin steps onto the judo mat with a quiet intensity that commands attention. She moves with precision, power, and an unshakeable belief in herself. At just 25 years old, this Brazilian-born athlete represents South Africa on the global stage. She has already rewritten the record books for women’s judo in her adopted nation. Martin does not just compete—she transforms challenges into triumphs. She turns personal hurdles into fuel for her fire. Today, she stands as one of the most exciting names in the sport. Her story blends raw talent, relentless grit, and a heartfelt love story that captured the world’s imagination. You might wonder what makes Jasmine Martin so special. She started as a shy child in Brazil who discovered judo at age five. Now, she claims gold medals at major African events. She ranks among the world’s top 40 in her weight class. She lives in Rome with her fiancée, Olympic champion Alice Bellandi. Martin embodies resilience. She shows how athletes can thrive across borders. She proves that personal growth and professional excellence go hand in hand. In this deep dive, you will discover her full journey. You will explore her early struggles. By the end, you will understand why Jasmine Martin inspires fans, young athletes, and anyone chasing big dreams. Early Life: From Shy Kid in São Paulo to Confident Young Fighter Jasmine Martin enters the world on October 6, 2000, in the vibrant city of São Paulo, Brazil. She grows up in a multicultural household that shapes her adventurous spirit. Portsmouth FC Standings Her father hails from Durban, South Africa. Her mother comes from Johannesburg. This dual heritage plants the seeds for her future path. For her first 15 years, Martin calls Brazil home. She soaks in the lively culture, the warm weather, and the close-knit family bonds that define life there. As a young girl, Martin feels painfully shy. She stutters when she speaks. Social situations make her anxious. Her parents notice her struggles. They look for ways to build her confidence. At age five, they enroll her in a local judo class. They hope the martial art will help her find her voice. Little do they know, this decision changes everything. Judo clicks with Martin right away. . She thrives on the physical challenges. She connects deeply with the mental focus it demands. “I started judo when I was five, very shy, and stuttering a lot,” she shares in a candid interview. “But judo gave me such confidence that I soon stopped stuttering.” The sport teaches her control. It builds her strength. Most importantly, it empowers her to face fears head-on. Martin trains diligently in Brazil. She competes in local tournaments. She quickly rises through the ranks. By her early teens, coaches spot her natural talent. She excels in throws, grips, and ground work. Her family supports her passion fully. They cheer at every match. They sacrifice time and resources to nurture her gift. Then, around age 15 in 2015, a major shift happens. Martin’s family moves to South Africa. They settle first in Durban, her father’s hometown. The transition feels both exciting and daunting. She learns to navigate cultural nuances while holding onto her roots. In South Africa, Martin joins strong judo programs. Plymouth Argyle Games She trains under dedicated coaches. She competes against top local talent. The move accelerates her growth. She represents her new nation proudly. She feels a deep connection to South African judo. The country gives her opportunities to shine on bigger stages. By 2016, at age 15 or 16, Martin makes history. She wins gold at the AUSC Region 5 Games in the -57kg division. She becomes the first South African woman to claim judo gold at that event. The victory sends shockwaves through the sport. It marks the start of her senior-level dominance. Fans and media take notice. They call her a rising star. Martin, however, stays humble. She focuses on the next challenge. This early success fuels her drive. She maintains excellent grades. She proves that athletes can excel in multiple areas. Her parents remain her biggest supporters. They move with her to different cities as opportunities arise. They believe in her dream of Olympic glory. Breaking Into the International Scene: Junior Success and First Major Medals Jasmine Martin does not waste time after her Region 5 triumph. She sets her sights on continental and world competitions. In 2016, she competes at the African Junior Championships in Casablanca. She performs strongly in the -57kg category. She gains valuable experience against seasoned opponents. Martin continues to climb. She earns a spot on South Africa’s national team. She travels to events across Africa and beyond. In 2019, she competes at the African Championships in Cape Town. She takes home bronze in the -63kg division. This medal feels personal. It happens on home soil. It boosts her confidence immensely. The COVID-19 pandemic hits in 2020. It disrupts training Arsenal Players and competitions worldwide. Martin uses the downtime wisely. She studies judo videos of legends like Teddy Riner and Kayla Harrison. She develops a sharper strategic mind. When competitions resume, Martin explodes onto the senior scene. In 2022, she reaches the round of 32 at the World Judo Championships in Tashkent. She learns from every loss. She adjusts her approach. Later that year, she wins bronze at the African Championships in Oran, Algeria. Martin builds momentum in 2023. She defeats Côte d’Ivoire’s Zouleiha Abzetta Dabonne in the final. She wins gold in the -57kg category. This victory cements her as Africa’s top judoka in her weight class. South African fans celebrate wildly. Media outlets hail her as a national hero. These wins open doors. Martin qualifies for more prestigious events. She competes at Grand Prix and Grand Slam tournaments. She faces elite athletes from Japan, France, and Mongolia. Each bout teaches her something new. She hones her ne-waza (ground techniques) and tachi-waza (standing techniques). She becomes known for her explosive uchi-mata throws and relentless pressure. By 2024, Martin stands as a consistent podium threat. She earns silver at the African Championships in Cairo. She narrowly loses the final to Guinea’s Mariana Esteves. The defeat stings, but it motivates her. She vows to come back stronger. The Bold Move: Switching Weight Classes, Relocating to Italy, and Embracing Change In late 2024, Jasmine Martin makes a game-changing decision. She moves up from -57kg to -63kg. The shift feels risky. It requires building more muscle. It demands adjusting her fighting style. Many athletes fail at such transitions. Martin sees it as a fresh start. Around the same time, she relocates to Rome, Italy. She works with a top-tier support team. This includes a strength coach, mental coach, and nutritionist. The move aligns perfectly with her personal life. She lives with her partner, Alice Bellandi. The change transforms Martin’s career. In April 2025, she competes at the African Senior Championships in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. It marks her first event in the Crystal Palace new weight class. She dominates the competition. She wins every match decisively. “When I won the African Championships in April, my first thought was that this is only the start,” she says afterward. “It is a new weight, and I have a fresh, healthy mindset.” Martin credits her improved mental approach. In the past, pressure sometimes overwhelmed her. Now, she focuses on enjoyment. She stays present in each moment. She lets her training shine through. In June 2025, she heads to the World Senior Championships in Budapest. She competes alongside teammate Skye Knoester. The event tests her against the world’s best. While she does not medal, she gains crucial insights. She refines her strategy for future battles. As of February 2026, Martin’s world ranking sits at 40th in the -63kg category. She holds 1040 points. This placement positions her well for Olympic qualification. She eyes the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. She also targets the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The Italy move brings more than athletic benefits. Martin falls in love with Roman life. She adopts healthier habits. “I love Italy, I love the people, and the food is amazing,” she enthuses. “But most of all her club and her coach make me feel at home.” The Love Story That Captivated the World: Jasmine and Alice Bellandi Jasmine Martin’s relationship with Alice Bellandi adds a beautiful layer to her story. The two meet through judo years ago. They start as friends. They bond over shared experiences as athletes. No sparks fly immediately. They build a deep friendship first. Over time, feelings grow. They become more than Hearts FC friends. Bellandi, the Italian star who wins Olympic gold in -78kg at Paris 2024, becomes Martin’s rock. Martin, in turn, supports Bellandi through highs and lows. Their love goes public dramatically. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Bellandi wins gold. She rushes into the stands. She kisses Martin passionately in front of a global audience. The moment goes viral. It shows love knows no bounds. Bellandi and Martin keep their relationship grounded. They live together in Rome. They follow a strict rule: no judo talk at home. “We have a rule: no talking about judo at home,” Martin explains. “It’s our safe space and that’s how we’ve managed to balance her chaotic life and our relationship.” The couple supports each other fiercely. Bellandi helps Martin through tough times. Martin inspires Bellandi with her resilience. “I think being able to be by her side during the hard moments and the good ones… it was really worth it,” Bellandi says. Martin’s family initially adjusts to the news. She comes out as part of her first serious relationship. Her parents, far away in South Africa, take time to process. Bellandi’s family welcomes Martin warmly. They treat her like a second daughter. In interviews, both women emphasize authenticity. “As long as my family is okay, as long as I’m happy, I don’t care what other people think,” Bellandi declares. Martin echoes this sentiment. Their story resonates with LGBTQ+ athletes worldwide. It proves that love and sport can coexist beautifully. The pair often appears together at events. They train at the same facility. They celebrate each other’s wins. Their partnership strengthens both careers. It reminds fans that behind every champion stands a strong support system. Training Like a Champion: Daily Routine, Mental Strength, and Team Support Jasmine Martin approaches training with military Chargers precision. . She starts with mobility work and meditation. She focuses on mental clarity before physical exertion. Her sessions at Fiamme Gialle last several hours. She works on grip fighting. She perfects her transitions from standing to ground. Martin incorporates strength and conditioning. Her coach, Fava, pushes her limits.She improves her core stability. Nutrition plays a huge role. Her dietitian, Francesco Fagnani, crafts meal plans. Martin eats clean, balanced foods. She fuels her body for peak performance. Mental coaching from Silvia P. keeps her sharp. They address pressure. They build resilience. “I have a fresh, healthy mindset,” Martin often says. This approach helps her in high-stakes matches. Recovery matters equally. Martin uses ice baths. She prioritizes sleep. She spends quiet time with Bellandi. These habits prevent burnout. They keep her injury-free. Martin also gives back. In 2025, she gets elected to the IJF Athletes’ Commission. She serves a four-year term. She represents the African Judo Union. In this role, she advocates for athletes. She pushes for better conditions. She inspires the next generation. Overcoming Challenges: Injuries, Setbacks, and Unwavering Determination Jasmine Martin’s path includes tough obstacles. She faces funding shortages early on. She navigates homesickness during travels. One major setback comes during weight transitions. Gaining mass while maintaining speed proves tricky. She adjusts her diet. She modifies workouts. Competition losses sting. The 2024 African final Benoit Badiashile defeat motivates her deeply. She analyzes footage. She tweaks her game plan. Cultural adjustments add layers. As a Brazilian in South Africa and then Italy, she bridges worlds. She learns new languages. She adapts to different coaching styles. Through it all, Martin stays positive. She draws strength from Bellandi. She remembers her “why”—to inspire others and achieve Olympic dreams. Her story shows that setbacks build character. They prepare athletes for greatness. Jasmine Martin’s Impact: Pioneering Women’s Judo in Africa and Beyond Martin breaks barriers for African women in judo. She becomes a role model. Young girls across the continent see her success. They dream bigger. She promotes the sport in South Africa. She runs clinics. Her achievements elevate judo’s profile nationally. Globally, she highlights diversity. As a Brazilian-South African athlete in Europe, she shows judo unites people. Her relationship with Bellandi advances visibility for queer athletes. Martin uses her platform wisely. She discusses work-life balance. She advocates for equal opportunities. Her influence grows. Sponsors notice. Fans follow her journey. She paves the way for future stars. Looking Ahead: Olympic Dreams, Commonwealth Glory, and a Bright Future Jasmine Martin eyes 2026 and beyond with excitement. Roaring Success She prepares for the Commonwealth Games. She aims for a medal there. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics remain her ultimate goal. She trains smarter. She stays healthy. Beyond competition, Martin explores coaching or sports administration. She plans to give back to communities in Brazil and South Africa. She and Bellandi dream of a shared future. They support each other’s goals. They build a life full of adventure. Martin continues to evolve. She embraces change. She chases excellence. Her journey inspires millions. Why Jasmine Martin’s Story Matters to All of Us In a world full of distractions, Jasmine Martin reminds us of focus and passion. She proves love enhances success. She teaches that persistence pays off. Whether you are an athlete, a student, or someone facing change, her story offers lessons. Embrace your roots. Work hard. Surround yourself with support. Celebrate every win. Jasmine Martin is more than a judoka. She is a partner. She is an inspiration. Follow her journey. You will witness greatness unfold. 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Jasmine Martin 1. What is Jasmine Martin’s full background, including her birth country and how she came to represent South Africa? Jasmine Martin was born on October 6, 2000, in São Paulo, Brazil. She spent her first 15 years there, discovering judo at age five. Her father is from Epic FA Cup Durban, South Africa, and her mother from Johannesburg. In 2015, her family moved to South Africa, settling initially in Durban. This move allowed her to represent South Africa internationally. She quickly adapted and made history as the first South African woman to win judo gold at the Region 5 Games in 2016. Her dual heritage enriches her perspective and fuels her drive to succeed for both nations. 2. How did Jasmine Martin start her judo career, and what role did it play in overcoming her childhood challenges? Martin began judo at age five in Brazil to combat shyness and a stutter. The sport built her confidence rapidly. It taught discipline, focus, and resilience. She stopped stuttering within months. Judo became her outlet for expression. It transformed her from a timid child into a bold competitor. Her early training in Brazil laid the foundation. It prepared her for international success after moving to South Africa. 3. What are Jasmine Martin’s most notable achievements in judo so far? Martin’s highlights include gold at the 2025 African Senior Championships in -63kg. She earned silvers and bronzes at multiple African Championships. She reached the round of 32 at World Championships in 2022, 2024, and 2025. At age 16, she claimed the first women’s judo gold for South Africa at the Region 5 Games. As of 2026, she ranks 40th worldwide in -63kg. These wins showcase her consistency and growth. 4. Why did Jasmine Martin switch from the -57kg to the -63kg weight class, and how has it impacted her career? Martin moved up in late 2024 to challenge herself and open new opportunities. The change required building strength and adjusting techniques. It paid off immediately. She won the 2025 African title in her debut at -63kg. The shift refreshed her mindset. Vitinha It positioned her better for Olympic qualification. It demonstrates her willingness to evolve. 5. How did Jasmine Martin meet her fiancée Alice Bellandi, and what makes their relationship unique? The couple met through judo competitions years ago. They started as friends, building a strong bond before romance developed. Their relationship is unique because they share the same sport but keep judo out of home life. They live in Rome. They support each other at events. Bellandi’s Olympic gold kiss with Martin in 2024 went viral. Their story highlights friendship, compromise, and mutual growth. 6. Where does Jasmine Martin train now, and what does her daily routine look like? Martin trains at the Fiamme Gialle center in Rome under coach Antonio Ciano. Her routine includes early mobility and meditation. She works with strength, Marc Guiu mental, and nutrition experts. She focuses on recovery with ice baths and rest. This structured approach keeps her at peak performance. 7. Has Jasmine Martin competed in the Olympics, and what are her goals for future Games? Martin did not compete in Paris 2024 but supported Bellandi there. She targets a medal through consistent rankings and strong performances. She also eyes the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Her dedication and recent successes make her a strong contender. 8. What role does Jasmine Martin play in the International Judo Federation, and why is it significant? In 2025, Martin was elected to the IJF Athletes’ Commission for 2025-2029. She represents the African Judo Union. In this role, she advocates for athlete welfare. She improves conditions in competitions. She amplifies African voices. This honor recognizes her leadership. It allows her to shape the sport’s future. 9. How has moving to Italy influenced Jasmine Martin’s life and career? The move to Rome in 2024 transformed Martin. She trains with elite facilities and coaches. She enjoys Italy’s culture, food, and people. It brought her closer to Bellandi. It provided stability. Overall, it elevated her performance and personal happiness. 10. What advice does Jasmine Martin give to young athletes, and how can fans follow her journey? Martin advises young athletes to enjoy the process. She urges them to stay resilient through setbacks. She emphasizes mental strength and support systems. Fans can follow her on Instagram (@jasminemartin1) for updates. They can watch her competitions on IJF channels. Her story motivates anyone to pursue dreams boldly. 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