Israeli Jiu-Jitsu Star Michal Bali Competes for First European Black Belt Title
Israeli jiu-jitsu athlete Michal Bali will compete in Rome for her first European black belt title in the No-Gi category, aiming to make history as the first Israeli woman to achieve the feat.
Israeli jiu-jitsu athlete Michal Bali, 22, the 2025 European champion in brown belts in the No-Gi category, is set to compete on Saturday in Rome at her career-first European championship in black belts within the same category. The tournament is organized by the IBJJF, one of the most prestigious organizations in the sport, with the semifinals and finals scheduled for Sunday.
Bali, nicknamed "Baby GOAT" and trained by Viki Dabush, holds a unique distinction as the only athlete in the world to win both world and European titles across three different weight classes. Her impressive record includes the 2024 European championship in the under-51.5 kg division, the 2025 No-Gi world championship in the under-56.5 kg division, and the 2026 Gi world championship in the under-48.5 kg division.
At the upcoming European tournament in Rome, Bali will compete in the under-51.5 kg weight category. Over the past month, she has undergone rigorous preparations for the event, which included a strict and customized nutrition regimen.
"I am goal-oriented, determined to defend my European title and make history once again by becoming the first Israeli woman to win a European title in black belts," Bali said ahead of the competition. "This is a breakthrough of a new glass ceiling, and I have done everything possible to arrive fully prepared for this challenge."
