Oh Snap! The Hall of Fame Martial Arts Journey of a Fearless Province Woman

California storms altered the trajectory of Felicia Oh’s life in the year 2000. The then-33-year-old multi-sport athlete turned to Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) when major outdoor events were canceled. Today, she thrives outside the ring in her Province community.

“After 33 years, I finally found a sport that resonated with both my mind and body,” Oh reflected. Once a gymnast, she left the sport at 15 due to a back injury. “While I wasn’t particularly good, my commitment taught me focus and hard work, principles that carry through to life.”

A native of Seattle, Oh pursued a master’s degree in fine arts at UCLA. Her professional journey began in technology, eventually leading to a role in broadcast graphic design. She helped establish the digital media department at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles in 1997 but quickly gravitated back to the martial arts.

In 2007, Oh represented the U.S. and clinched a Gold Medal at the FILA Grappling World Championships in Antalya, Turkey. BJJ is characterized by grappling and submission holds, a sport rooted in nearly a century of history. For Oh, the art and techniques of BJJ offered a unique way to offset size and strength disadvantage.

None of this was on Oh’s mind when she entered the Los Angeles Marathon, driven by a desire for a 2000 medal. The event was marred by a severe storm, leading her to seek adventure elsewhere. During a rock-climbing trip, a friend’s husband introduced her to BJJ, sparking a newfound interest. “I was intrigued by the idea of fighting without kicks or punches,” she said, recalling her first encounter.

The night before climbing California’s Mount Whitney, she learned basic BJJ positions. The next day’s challenges heightened her interest in the sport. “I thought, ‘If I’m not good outdoors, maybe this BJJ thing is my path,’” she noted. After attending one class, she was hooked, signing up immediately and ignoring the fact that she was the only woman in the room.

Initially, Oh trained twice a week. Six months in, she competed for the first time, achieving a second-place finish, which motivated her to increase her training. Her dedication paid off; she earned her black belt in under five years, a feat often taking twice that long.

Years later, after securing multiple titles and ranking second at the prestigious Abu Dhabi Combat Club championships, Oh began to take her talent seriously. “I thought, ‘Maybe I’m not too bad at this,’” she admitted.

Oh had to navigate a competitive landscape where female participants were scarce. Matches can last from five to twenty minutes, with the possibility of ending in mere seconds via submission. At 5-foot-1 and weighing 115 pounds, Oh approached each bout with a strategic mindset, focusing on exploiting any opening that arose.

Her involvement extended beyond competition; Oh connected with mixed martial arts (MMA) as well. By 2002, she was interviewing fighters, leading to various journalistic ventures, including a podcast on Grapple TV. “Before BJJ, I thought cage fighting was insane,” she reflected. “Now I appreciate it as a sport rather than a fight to the death.”

A Masters Hall of Fame inductee, Oh transitioned into coaching BJJ, MMA, and wrestling. “Teaching appeared to find me, even though I didn’t initially seek it out,” she said. She acknowledged the distinct challenges that coaching poses compared to competition, noting the heightened anxiety when watching students perform.

Oh’s career took another turn as she became an inspector for the California State Athletic Commission, ensuring fair play in boxing, kickboxing, and MMA. This role often required emphasizing the importance of preparation among fighters, making sure they were ready for scheduled bouts.

A rare incident in 2002, where a riot erupted at a blue belt event, left a lasting impression on her. “I told myself I would never judge again,” she recalled. Yet two decades later, she found herself back in a judging course, taking on the impartial role of a professional MMA judge. “It’s a thankless job, where the criticism comes swiftly after any misstep,” she said.

Active mainly in California, Oh also holds a judging license in Arizona, having officiated events at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in Chandler. Reflecting on her extensive BJJ and MMA experience, she expressed gratitude. “Life is an incredible journey filled with opportunities. It’s crucial to embrace new experiences; if you don’t like it, you can always move on,” she advised.

As for what lies ahead, Oh is open to possibilities. “I’m not a master planner. I tend to look one or two steps ahead, just as I do in jiu-jitsu.” Her journey continues, revealing that new challenges remain a constant in her life.