Josefine Modig Wins Her First Major as a Black Belt at IBJJF No-Gi Euros

One of the biggest no-gi majors on the European calendar, the IBJJF No-Gi European Championship took place from October 28 to November 1 at PalaPellicone in Lido di Ostia, Italy.  

Our Kingz athlete from Norway, Josefine Modig, came away as the featherweight champion in the black belt division. It's her first major title as a black belt, and it came after reaching the podium and never quite getting to the top step. This time, she did. 

Josefine was promoted to black belt last year (2025) on the podium of the IBJJF Worlds. Since then, she has competed in the biggest events on the calendar, on both the gi and no-gi circuits. 

“I have reached the podium many times, but this was the first time I got to the top,” she said in an exclusive interview with Kingz. Last year, she finished third at this same tournament as a black belt.  

She isn’t new to winning big titles, though. In the color belts, Josefine has already won the IBJJF No-Gi Euros and the ADCC European Trials. 

Her Journey to the Gold 

Josefine had two matches. She got a bye in the quarterfinals, so she went straight into the semifinal and advanced to the final the next day. She finished with a 100% submission rate: a footlock in the first match, and a triangle that transitioned into an armbar in the final. 

The final didn’t start the way she wanted. Josefine explains that recharging for day two is the hardest part for her, especially because she felt so sharp on day one. According to her, her guard pulls in the final weren’t good. But she kept going, found the reverse triangle, and finished the match with an armbar. 

For Josefine, the majors are about more than the medals. They’re like a reunion with her friends. 

"I love the majors because so many of my friends are competing, and they have such a special feel," she says. 

What's Next 

Now that she is the current champion, Josefine isn’t slowing down. She says she’s excited about what she’s working on and happy to get back to the grind. No-Gi Worlds is coming up, and after that, gi season starts again. 

"I really, really love this sport and improving, so I'm just happy to get back to work," she says. "I'm excited to keep improving!" 

Congratulations, Josefine! We’re proud to have you on the Kingz’ team, and we can’t wait to watch you at No-Gi Worlds.