From Haugesund, Norway, Josefine Modig is one of Europe’s most exciting up-and-comers in the sports of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. 

Josefine’s entry into the martial arts world began with Muay Thai, followed very soon after with MMA. Having never experienced any kind of wrestling or grappling art before, it was a completely new experience for her. Her interest in improving her ground game led her to Brazilian jiu-jitsu just two months later. “That’s the first time I encountered any sort of wrestling, and I fell in love! The rest is history.” 

Although Josefine has a number of amateur Muay Thai and MMA bouts under her belt – and even made her MMA pro debut in 2023 – the past several years she has focused primarily on her jiu-jitsu career. The decision has paid off, as she has amassed a number of impressive accomplishments over the course of her brown belt season. However, despite her achievements, she focuses less on the highlights of her career. “I love to compete and to win but I love the journey more. Training with different people, in different parts of the world, fills me with so much contentment. Also, the feeling of progress. Every time I get that ”Ahaa” feeling, when something just clicks and I can feel that I leveled up.”

For Josefine, every person can find a jiu-jitsu game that is designed for their own body. For her, the knee cut pass was made for her. “I have super flexible knees when it comes to rotating inwards so it always came very easy for me.” This awareness of her strengths, combined with her champion mindset, is what has contributed to her success in the sport. According to her, “I feel like everyone’s road is different, and also everyone’s mindset as well. But if there is one thing everyone has in common, it’s the drive. The crazy obsession. The hunger, I guess.