Choke Artist

One-time Bikini Olympia competitor Monique Ricardo swapped her sparkly bathing suit and heels for a gi and discovered she had a knack for choking people out.

- Andrew Gutman

MONIQUE RICARDO IS A LONG-LEGGED, soft-spoken Virginia native armed with enough Southern charm to kill you with kindness. In 2008, she started transitioning from IFBB pro bikini competitor to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, in which she has become a champion and acquired the skills to twist you into a human pretzel. 

After placing eighth at the 2010 Bikini Olympia, Ricardo scaled back on competing to focus on BJJ. The move proved successful, as she went on to win multiple tournaments, all while raising two kids with her husband in Dallas. She hasn’t stepped on an IFBB stage since 2014 but uses her experience and gym training to better her execution on the mat.

M&F: Do you have plans to compete in bikini again?
MR: At this point, no. This is my first year as a black belt, and I’m focused on establishing my name in that world. Last June, I competed in the IBJJF World tournament, which is like the Mr. Olympia for jiu-jitsu, and I got third place. 

What got you into training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu? 
My now-husband Eddie—he was my friend at the time—teaches BJJ and wanted me to take classes with him. At first I thought it was awkward, but I stayed.

How long did you train in BJJ before you entered tournaments?