Ivanka Trump Embraces Jiu-Jitsu and Strength Training for Self-Defense and Fitness

MIAMI, Fla. – Ivanka Trump, daughter of former President Donald Trump, has embraced a rigorous fitness routine that includes jiu-jitsu, weightlifting, and resistance training, emphasizing self-defense and overall wellness. The 43-year-old mother of three revealed her journey into martial arts and strength training during a recent podcast appearance, highlighting its impact on her physical and mental health.

Trump, who began practicing jiu-jitsu after her daughter Arabella expressed interest in self-defense, described the martial art as a “moving meditation” that combines physical fitness with philosophical grounding. “It’s almost like three-dimensional chess,” she said on “The Skinny Confidential Him & Her” podcast. “There’s a real spiritualism to it, rooted in samurai tradition and culture.”

Trump enrolled Arabella, now 13, in jiu-jitsu classes with the Valente Brothers in Miami and soon joined her daughter in training. Her two sons and husband Jared Kushner also followed suit. “It’s good for everyone,” she said, noting the sport’s focus on de-escalation and situational awareness. “Having these skills makes you less likely to get into a fight, not more likely to.”

Rener Gracie, head instructor at Gracie University in California, emphasized the importance of mastering self-defense techniques through consistent practice. “The only truly reliable skills are those that have been mastered into muscle memory,” Gracie told Fox News Digital. “Jiu-jitsu is leverage-based and doesn’t rely on physical advantage, which is critical because attackers often target those they perceive as weaker.”

In addition to jiu-jitsu, Trump has shifted her fitness focus to weightlifting and resistance training, which she credits with transforming her body composition. On Instagram, she shared her routine, which includes squats, deadlifts, and mobility work. “I’ve never been stronger,” she wrote, noting she now consumes 30 to 50 grams of protein per meal to support her training.

Trump dedicates three to four days a week to strength training, combining solo sessions with workouts guided by a personal trainer. She also incorporates high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and yoga into her regimen. “This balanced approach has infused new energy into my life and yielded great results,” she said.

Trump’s fitness journey marks a significant shift from her earlier habits. She admitted to once relying on carb-heavy meals like pasta and pizza but now prioritizes protein and structured exercise. “For a while, I was doing weightlifting without consuming enough protein, and I wasn’t seeing the change,” she said. “It’s when I married those two things that I started noticing a difference.”

Beyond fitness, Trump maintains a disciplined daily routine, waking at 5:30 a.m. for meditation and hydration. However, she allows herself occasional indulgences, such as stews, sausage, and melted cheese dishes. “Cheat days are part of the journey,” she said.

As the Trump family prepares for a potential return to the White House, Ivanka Trump’s commitment to wellness and self-defense continues to draw attention, showcasing her dedication to both personal growth and family well-being.