Shantelle Thompson

Shantelle Thompson is known in her community as the ‘Barkindji Warrior’ a fighter and warrior for her people.

She has always fought to be a protector and role model for her family and community from a very young age. 

Overcoming abuse, disadvantage and bullying, Shantelle has fought to change her path and challenge the stereotypes and boundaries she faced as an Aboriginal girl from the small country town of Dareton, New South Wales.

After developing severe post-natal depression following the birth of her twins, Shantelle began Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in 2011 as a form of physical therapy to help treat her depression and fight her way back. 

After 6 months of training Shantelle competed in the South Australian state titles, winning 2 titles in her first competition. In 2012 she won her first national title and, from this, the dream of becoming a world champion was born.

Shantelle moved her young family to Melbourne, away from Country, to finish her double degree - Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching and to pursue her Jiu-Jitsu dream. 

She achieved her goal, winning the Jiu-Jitsu world championship 3 times. Shantelle is currently ranked 7th in the world for IBJJF and continues to set new goals for herself.