Ashlee Funegra
Born on November 20, 2006, and raised in Lakewood, California, I first stepped onto the mats with my sisters as a way to learn self-defense. We were youngâjust a group of active girls trying out every sport we could: Krav Maga, Muay Thai, boxing, soccer. But when we found Jiu-Jitsu, everything changed. It was the first time we felt truly connected to a sport on every level. What started as a way to feel safer quickly became a passion that reshaped our lives.
By the time I was 10, we had stopped all other sports and were fully focused on Jiu-Jitsu. At 12, I made the decision to train full-time, dedicating myself completely to growth, learning, and the pursuit of excellence on the mats. Since then, Iâve committed to showing up every dayâespecially on the hard daysâwith discipline, purpose, and a clear goal: to become the best version of myself through this sport.
One of the most unforgettable moments in my journey so far was winning the IBJJF World Championship at purple belt alongside my twin sister and younger sister. It wasnât just about standing on the podiumâit was about everything behind it: the hours of training, the constant support, and the deep bond we built through shared sacrifice. That moment reminded me why I love this sport: not just for the victories, but for the people I get to experience them with.
I currently compete in the Light-Featherweight division. My game is centered around pressure and creativity. Two of my favorite techniques are the Crazy Dog Pass and the armbar. The Crazy Dog Pass allows me to apply nonstop pressure while chaining different passes, forcing my opponent to stay reactive. As for the armbar, Iâve always loved how versatile and creative it can beâwhether itâs from mount, closed guard, side control, or in a scramble, thereâs always a new way to make it work.
Some of Ashâs top accomplishments include:Â
- 1st Place â Blue Belt Pans 2023
- 1st Place â Blue Belt Worlds 2023
- 1st Place â Blue Belt Nogi Worlds 2023
- 1st Place â Purple Belt Worlds 2024
- 1st Place â Purple Belt Pans 2024
- 1st Place â Purple Belt Europeans 2024
- 1st Place â Brown Belt Nogi Worlds 2024
- 1st Place â Brown Belt Europeans 2025
- 1st Place â Brown Belt Pans 2025
- 1st Place â Brown Belt Brazilian Nationals 2025
Ash's Favorites Products:
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Empowered Women's Jiu Jitsu Gi - White$ 140$ 140Compare at
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Terra Women's Rashguard - Soil Edition$ 60$ 60Compare at
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Kore Women's Crop Tank$ 28$ 28Compare at $ 25
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Side Bag - Cream$ 40$ 40Compare at
Did You Know?
Favorite Match: My favorite match is my purple belt Worlds final. It was the happiest I have ever felt to win. I was not able to train for a month before Worlds because I was struggling with my asthma. That win was so special â being able to overcome that and become a purple belt World Champion.
Person of Inspiration: Gui Mendes
Hometown:âŻLakewood | CaliforniaÂ
Started Jiu-Jitsu in: We started Jiu-Jitsu at a gym near our house in 2013, and after a couple of months, we moved to AOJ in Costa Mesa.
Current Team: AOJ
Training Routine: Â I train for 3â4 hours in the morning, then go work out, rest and recover, then teach for a couple of hours and train one more class to finish the day.
Favorite Post-Competition Meal: Steakhouse and some good dessert
Pre-Fight Ritual: I like to get a good warmup with my twin sister, moving around in the bullpen and I just trust in God and his plans for me.Â
Greatest Victory So Far: âŻBrown Belt WorldsÂ
Dream in Jiu-Jitsu: I want to be able to inspire girls who train jiujitsu and to grow a strong womenâs team.
If I werenât an athlete, Iâd be...: A Veterinarian
Quote that represents me: â'The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym,
and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.' - Muhammad Ali
Favorite Kingz Gi: Kingz The ONE V2 Women's Jiu Jitsu Gi - White
One piece of advice for beginners: Develop habits and routines and continue to show up even when you donât want to. You wonât always have the motivation to show up but the hard days will eventually become easier and it will be worth it in the end.
Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, I love readingâespecially with my twin sister Miaâgoing to the beach, and spending time with my loved ones. Those moments help keep me balanced and grounded amidst the intensity of training and competition.
To me, a championâs mindset means staying consistent and doing the hard things even when you donât feel like it. Itâs about pushing forward with intention, trusting the process, and always finding a reason to grow. Itâs not just about medals or titlesâitâs about who you become along the way.
This is just the beginning of my journey, and Iâm excited for everything thatâs still to come.


