Mechelle Zapanta - Meet Our Athletes

Mechelle Zapanta

Purple Belt Nogi National Team

"Iron sharpens iron."

That is the philosophy that drives Mechelle Zapanta, a dedicated competitor and working athlete from Lapu-Lapu City. With seven years of training under her belt, Mechelle is a Purple Belt under the guidance of Professor Norman and Mentor Edjie. She balances a demanding schedule of a day job, leading yoga workshops, and intense Jiu-Jitsu training. Her motivation is to reach the black belt rank not just for the status, but as proof that she put in the work every single day.

Mechelle has proven her skill on the international stage with a strong list of accolades. She is a National Trials Champion and has secured a Silver medal at the JJIF World Championship, as well as a Bronze at the SEA Regionals. Her versatility was also on display at the SJJIF World Championship, where she brought home Gold and Silver medals. Despite these wins, her proudest moment came in Japan, where she managed to compete while simultaneously coaching and caring for others—a memory that reminded her that Jiu-Jitsu is bigger than just personal results.

Mechelle was first introduced to Hyperfly through watching athletes like Meggie Ochoa and Ana Rodrigues. As someone who also practices yoga, she values mobility above all else, loving that Hyperfly gear never gets in the way of her game. She feels a strong alignment with the You Can’t Teach Heart philosophy, viewing it as a testament to longevity. "I'm not young anymore, but I refuse to let that slow me down," she says. "I'll represent the country with everything I've got."

Off the mats, Mechelle finds balance through running and yoga, but she has a secret weapon for stress relief: a therapy dog that detects her stress levels and lies on her like a weighted blanket—a move she calls his "pressure technique." Her advice to those beginning their martial arts journey is rooted in community: "Find people who believe in you, fuel your body, and take recovery seriously. You cannot do this alone. Your circle and your routines will carry you further than talent will."

📲 Instagram: @nogiyogi