Belarma Gear: Artisan Martial Arts Apparel with a Purpose
Who am I?
I've always been someone who believes in creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. When life throws challenges my way, I adapt, pivot, and find a way forward.
Lately, that mindset has been put to the test. The job market? Brutal. I’ve applied, networked, and waited for the right opportunity, but nothing is coming through. And honestly, I don’t just want another job. I want to build something that matters, something that challenges me, lets me use my skills in a meaningful way, and supports the things I love.
One of those things? Jiu-jitsu.
Training isn’t cheap, and if I want to keep rolling, I need a way to support my BJJ habit while also creating a life I actually enjoy. Sitting around and waiting has never been my style, so I decided to make my own opportunity.
That’s how Belarma Gear was born.
What is Belarma?
Belarma isn’t just another BJJ apparel brand. It’s a blend of thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and community support. Every piece is created with intention and is designed to look good, feel good, and last.
But more importantly, Belarma is about giving back. For every piece sold, a portion of the revenue goes toward funding scholarships and creating opportunities for martial artists who might not otherwise be able to train.
Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that when life puts you in a tough position, you don’t wait for a way out, you fight for it.
Why am I doing this?
When I started thinking seriously about launching a business, I turned to the ikigai framework (before you roast me, yes, I know it’s more complex than this, but let’s roll with it). I needed a way to figure out what I could create that actually made sense for me.
Here’s where I landed:
✅ What I love – Art, being creative, working with my hands, and jiu-jitsu
✅ What I’m good at – Design, branding, craftsmanship, and making high-quality, thoughtful products
✅ What the world needs – More unique, ethically made apparel that is kind to the earth and gives back to the community
✅ What I can be paid for – Artisan martial arts gear and apparel that blends craftsmanship, unique design, and innovation
It became clear that Belarma wasn’t just an idea, it was the perfect intersection of my skills, passions, and values.
What makes Belarma different?
I’m not here to mass-produce generic fightwear. Belarma is not fast fashion.
Everything I create is limited-run and high quality, designed to be something you actually want to wear—not just on the mats, but in your everyday life.
I’ve been investing in sewing tech, experimenting with materials, and pushing myself to learn the art of craftsmanship. I want every piece to feel like it belongs to the person wearing it, whether they’re training, at the gym, or just out in the world.
And because this is about more than just gear, I’m also focused on giving back.
How does Belarma give back?
Martial arts can be life-changing, but training isn’t cheap.
When I was younger, I loved gymnastics, but we couldn’t afford it. Being told I had to leave was heartbreaking and embarrassing. That experience stuck with me. If I can help even one person avoid that, it’ll all be worth it.
That’s why a portion of Belarma’s revenue will go toward funding martial arts scholarships. Whether it’s BJJ, Muay Thai, wrestling, or striking, I want to help someone stay in the sport they love.
What’s next?
I won’t lie, I’m already behind schedule. Balancing single-mom life, launching a business, and learning new skills has been a challenge, but I’m figuring it out. Better late than never. And as I like to say, hope dies last.
If you’ve read this far, thank you. Now tell me—what would you love to see in my designs? What designs, sponsorships, or collaborations should I look into? DM me your thoughts. I’d love to hear them.