Mara Sarinas - Meet our Athletes

Mara-Alexandria Cortes Sarinas
Orange Black Belt
Solas Jiu-Jitsu

"Just go for it and believe in yourself. That’s what I did 🤷🏻‍♀️😁"

These words define 14-year-old Mara-Alexandria Cortes Sarinas, a rising star in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Originally from Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Mara has dedicated seven years to refining her skills, earning her Orange Black Belt. She trains under the mentorship of Meggie Ochoa at Solas Jiu-Jitsu in and Makati in the Philippine Team, constantly pushing her limits. Her introduction to Hyperfly came through her coach, and she immediately resonated with the brand’s fit, design, and performance. "It fits perfectly, looks great, and gives me the confidence I need to perform my best," she shares. For Mara, the philosophy of You Can’t Teach Heart is all about perseverance—showing up, pushing through, and embracing every challenge.

Beyond her achievements on the mats, Mara is also an academic scholar, proving that excellence in both academics and sports is possible with dedication and perseverance. She hopes to inspire other student-athletes to pursue their passions while excelling in their studies.

Mara has built an exceptional competition record, claiming victories on some of Jiu-Jitsu’s biggest stages. She became a 2020 PAN Kids IBJJF Champion, securing gold in California against 17 competitors—a defining moment in her career. She continued her success with gold at the 2022 All Stars BJJ Europeans in London and the 2022 PAN European Championship in Belgium, proving her dominance in both Gi and NoGi.

More recently, she made history as a gold medalist at the 2024 Thailand Open Youth Regional, her first competition as a member of the Philippine Junior National Team. She went on to dominate the 2024 Jäger Open, winning gold in both Gi and NoGi, and secured double bronze at the 2024 Junior World Youth Championship in Greece. Kicking off 2025, she secured the gold in Philippine National Team Selection Trials as well, further solidifying her place as one of the country’s top young competitors.

Beyond the mats, Mara thrives on adventure, from zip-lining to conquering tough hiking trails, always seeking new ways to challenge herself. Her advice to aspiring athletes? "Just go for it and believe in yourself." With an unstoppable drive and a heart full of ambition, Mara is just getting started—and the best is yet to come.

📲 Instagram: @iammaraalexandria