Heather Knapp – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

First Female Black Belt in Delaware County, New York

Heather Knapp is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and instructor at Mushin Martial Arts in Delhi, New York. She is recognized as the first female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in Delaware County, NY, and one of the first female black belts in the Catskills region.

Promoted under Marcio Bittencourt, Heather represents a new era of jiu-jitsu in upstate New York—combining technical precision, real-world self-defense, and a deep commitment to empowering women and children through martial arts.

Rank and Lineage

Heather Knapp is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Marcio Bittencourt and represents Mushin Martial Arts in Delhi, New York.

Historic Achievement

Heather Knapp is recognized as the first female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in Delaware County, New York, and one of the first female black belts in the Catskill Mountain region.

Coaching Roles

• Lead Women’s Self-Defense Instructor

• Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coach

• Co-Owner and Leader at Mushin Martial Arts

Her Journey

Heather Knapp’s journey through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is built on resilience, discipline, and purpose.

Training in a traditionally male-dominated environment, she developed a reputation for toughness, consistency, and technical growth. Over the years, she has competed, coached, and mentored students of all ages—earning respect both on and off the mats.

Her promotion to black belt represents more than a personal achievement. It marks a historic milestone for women in martial arts across Delaware County and the greater Catskills region.

Mission and Impact

Heather is committed to using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a tool for personal growth and empowerment. Her work focuses on:

• Building confidence in women and young girls

• Teaching practical, real-world self-defense

• Creating a safe and structured environment for youth development

• Helping students grow physically, mentally, and emotionally

Through her leadership at Mushin Martial Arts, she continues to positively impact the local community by making high-level training accessible and meaningful.

Programs

Heather Knapp teaches a variety of programs at Mushin Martial Arts, including:

• Women’s Self-Defense Programs

• Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes

• Beginner and Fundamentals Classes

Her coaching style emphasizes technical precision, patience, structure, and real-world application.

Location

Heather Knapp trains and coaches at:

Mushin Martial Arts
11 Depot Street
Delhi, New York

Serving students from Delhi, Oneonta, Walton, Cooperstown, and the surrounding Catskills region.

Train with Heather Knapp

Train with Heather Knapp at Mushin Martial Arts and experience Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a supportive, structured, and high-level environment. Whether your goal is self-defense, competition, or personal growth, her programs are designed to help you succeed.