Teen Rises to National Rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Sep 24, 2025 10:12AM ● By Kendall Brown
DIXON, CA (MPG) - At just 13-years-old, Abby Landeros has become a standout in the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, earning the No. 1 national ranking in her age and belt division by the World League of Jiu-Jitsu.
Training out of Team Alpha Fabio Prado Academy in Dixon for the past year and eight months, Abby has competed in more than a dozen tournaments, 17 to be exact, and brought home gold in each one.
“I used to do karate and my dad told me to give Jiu-jitsu a shot,” she said. “I tried it from there and really liked it.”
A seventh-grader at John Knight Middle School, Abby trains under Fabio Prado, a respected coach whose academy has produced several professional MMA fighters. Landeros, however, may be the first from the school to reach a national top ranking at such a young age.
A seventh-grader at John Knight Middle School, Abby Landeros trains under Fabio Prado, a respected coach whose academy has produced several professional MMA fighters. Abby, however, might be the first from the school to reach a national top ranking at such a young age. Photo courtesy of Luis Landeros
Her father, Luis Landeros, who has lived in Dixon for 30 years, said his daughter’s success even surprised him at first.
“She’s No. 1 in the whole nation, so it was crazy to me when they sent the ranking,” Landeros said. “At her age, you don’t see that often.”
Despite facing economic hardship, the family has found creative ways to support Abby’s training and travel.
“We made T-shirts with her logo, her coach calls her ‘the baby monster,’ and sold them to help fund her tournaments,” said Landeros. “I'm going to continue to search for sponsors, because I think Abby could be big.”
Abby Landeros has been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for about a year and eight months. Abby attended her first tournament a month into her training and has earned gold at 17 consecutive tournaments since. Photo courtesy of Luis Landeros
Abby has fought competitors from across the country, including boys who weigh up to 30 pounds more than she does but that never stops her or diminishes her determination.
“Typically, when I go to tournaments, some people feel nervous but when I’m on the mat, I have to keep going,” Abby said. “If I lose, it's fine, but I'm not going to give up.”
A strong student with a GPA approaching 4.0, Abby balances school with her rigorous training schedule. She hopes to one day earn a red belt and inspire other youth in Dixon to pursue martial arts.
“Just chase your dreams. It's not all about winning, it’s about the experience,” Abby said.
Her father sees Abby’s journey as part of a bigger message.
“Dixon kids have a lot of potential,” Landeros said. “We need to support them.”
For more information about Team Alpha Fabio Prado Academy, visit teamalphabjjpointarena.com or call 707-353-0442.
To follow Abby’s jiu-jitsu journey, follow her on Instagram at @abbythebabymonster.
Abby Landeros has fought competitors from across the country, including boys who weigh up to 30 pounds more than she does but that never stops her or diminishes her determination. Photo courtesy of Luis Landeros
