Battle Ground mother of five and grandmother of two, has earned so many medals in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions since joining the sport just eight years ago that she’s lost track
Jessica Wilkinson
for Clark County Today
Virginia Rodeman of Battle Ground Martial Arts Academy (BMA Academy) is walking, talking, grappling proof that time in a sport is just a number. Heart and work ethic carry the actual weight of her success.
At 55 years old, Rodeman, a Battle Ground mother of five and grandmother of two, has earned so many medals in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) competitions since joining the sport just eight years ago that she’s lost track. In peak physical shape and with recent wins on the world stage, she shows no signs of slowing down as a champion or inspiration to others.
On Dec. 12, Rodeman entered her first no-gi BJJ competition at the prestigious No-Gi World Championship in Las Vegas. The event tested her agility and strategy. She won first place in the Masters Division for her age, belt, and weight, and also took first in the Absolute Division for her age and belt across all weights.
Rodeman, a brown belt in BJJ, enjoyed the no-gi competition, calling it a “faster-paced competition” that requires “more technique.” In no-gi, athletes wear rashguards and shorts instead of the usual kimono-style uniform, so they must rely solely on body grips and holds. Rodeman welcomed this challenge as part of her growth as a competitor.
“Virginia’s recent wins come as no surprise to anyone who has witnessed her dedication, discipline, and relentless work ethic,” shared Oana Cozac, a BMA Academy member of three years. “Virginia has been my coach, my inspiration, and truly one of the strongest women I’ve ever met, mentally, physically, and spiritually.”
Rodeman’s determination and competitive drive have stood out in recent years, highlighted by a string of victories across several states earlier this year and last. One of her most significant achievements were at the 2024 World Championships. There, she faced an unexpected challenge: an injury that could have stopped her. In her second of three matches, she broke a finger but kept going. She pushed her finger back into place, adjusted her technique to protect it, and finished her second and third matches, winning a Master’s gold medal.
“I have known Virginia for about six years now,” shared Misty Ashdown, a member of BMA Academy and student of Rodeman’s. “She is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. I am inspired by her work ethic and her mental toughness. She is always lifting up those around her. She pushes me hard in everyday life and in jiu-jitsu. She’s one of my favorite people to train BJJ with, never takes it easy on me, and expects nothing less than my best at every training session.”
Despite the commendations and awards, Rodeman is quick to acknowledge that she is not a one-woman show. “I feel very blessed by God in all aspects of my life since I decided to let Him lead the way,” she offered humbly. “It’s been a gift to be able to do jiu-jitsu. I feel like I have an advantage as a competitor because I have the best coach,” referring to her husband and co-owner of BMA Academy, Jeremiah Rodeman. “I don’t have to worry about much. He is a world-class coach and knows a great deal about jiu-jitsu, weight training, nutrition, injuries, and more. I feel safe and protected when I listen to my coach.”
“It’s so fun watching her compete,” Jeremiah, a BJJ black belt, said of his wife with a smile. “She is calm, cool, and collected before each match. She is a trooper and incredibly resilient. It’s amazing to see how strong she is.”
Today, Virginia and Jeremiah share coaching responsibilities at BMA Academy, a 24/7 fitness and martial arts gym for all ages and abilities. The Rodemans’ commitment to training and serving the community through their gym is evident in many ways as they promote fitness and build camaraderie and support among their members.
“The culture and environment at BMA are so unique,” reports Nathan Prigmore, a BMA Academy member. “There is a true family there, and people from all walks of life are brought into that family all the time. I’ve never been a part of a gym that has the type of culture BMA has.”
Cozac agrees. “There’s just something special about Coach Virginia and the Rodeman family; they are truly the heart of what makes BMA Academy what it is,” she added.
In many ways, the gym has mirrored Virginia’s growth in the sport. The BMA Academy began in a small 1,200-square-foot space in 2019 and has expanded into a 12,000-square-foot world-class gym, from a few dozen members to hundreds.
Virginia started BJJ in 2017 with no background in martial arts or other sports. She was nervous and unsure, but after years of encouragement, she joined her husband, Jeremiah, on the mats. Jeremiah had already trained in mixed martial arts worldwide, learned BJJ from the famed John Danaher at the Gracie Academy in New York, and had been teaching athletes at his Tijuana gym since 2013, when Virginia decided to push through her self-doubt and give it a try.
After successfully defending herself against a man in his twenties, Virginia said she was “hooked” on BJJ, a feeling many newcomers to the sport seem to share. Since then, she has grown as a student, competitor, and coach. She thoroughly enjoys sharing what she has learned with others, young and old. The self-defense skills, agility, strength, and conditioning gained through BJJ have helped Virginia and others at her gym feel more confident and strong in all areas of their lives.
When asked about her future goals, Virginia said, “I plan to continue competing until I can’t anymore.” Today, she is preparing for her next competition, the European IBJFF Championships in Lisbon, Portugal, on January 17, 2026. Without a doubt, her example of discipline, determination, and heart will continue to inspire others well beyond that.
Jessica Hofer Wilkinson is a freelance writer, home educator and mother of four and nursing home chaplain. She resides in Clark County.
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