Sarah Draht began her martial arts journey in 2005, building a foundation in MMA, Muay Thai, wrestling, and both gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A former Canadian Champion in San Shou, she earned a spot on Team Canada before a serious car accident and multiple surgeries put her competitive career on hold. Refusing to be defined by setbacks, she returned with determination—earning her black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and capturing two IBJJF World Titles.
She went on to co-own three martial arts academies across the Okanagan, where she developed structured programs focused on technical excellence, personal development, and building strong community culture. After several years, Sarah sold her share of the gyms to pursue her own professional path and personal goals.
Today, she works in Protective Services for Interior Health and is the founder of StrongHER Self-Defense—a trauma-informed, strategy-based program designed to equip women with practical tools, situational awareness, and the ability to respond with clarity and control under pressure.
"These practices aren't merely activities for me; they're a way of life. Through them, I teach self-discipline, enhance quality of life, and cultivate fitness and strength.
In teaching, I strive to empower others to recognize what they are capable of (even if they haven’t discovered this full potential yet).
I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I meet people where they are, understanding their unique strengths and challenges, and through training - the person that comes out the other end is never the same."
Credentials:
Black Belt
2019 IBJJF London Open Silver Medalist and Open Weight Silver Medalist
2019 UAEJJF Abu Dhabi International Pro Jiu-JItsu Championship Gold Medalist and Open Weight Silver Medalist
Brown Belt
2017 IBJJF Pan-American Gold Medalist
2017 IBJJF Seattle open Medium Heavy Gold Medalist and Open Weight Gold Medalist
2017 IBJJF Masters Worlds Silver Medalist
2018 CBJJF BC Provincial Championship Silver medalist
2018 IBJJF Pan-American Gold Medalist
2018 IBJJF Masters Worlds Gold Medalist
2018 IBJJF Masters Worlds Open Weight Silver Medalist
2019 UAEJJF Canadian National Cup Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship Open Weight Gold Medalist
2019 IBJJF Worlds Silver Medalist
2019 IBJJF Masters Worlds Gold Medalist
2019 IBJJF Masters Worlds Open Weight Silver Medalist
Purple Belt
2011 IBJJF Pan-American Gold Medalist
2011 IBJJF Adult Worlds Bronze Medalist
2014 IBJJF Pan-American Gold Medalist
2014 North American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation World Jiu-Jitsu Championship Silver Medalist
2015 North American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation All American 2xGold Medalist and Silver Medalist
2015 IBJJF Pan-American Silver Medalist
2016 IBJJF Pan-American Gold Medalist
2016 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Seattle Medium Heavy Gold Medalist and Open Weight Gold Medalist
Blue Belt
2009 IBJJF Pan-Am Silver Medalist
2010 IBJJF Adult Worlds Silver Medalist
White Belt
2008 IBJJF Pan-Am Gold Medalist
*IBJJF = International Brazilian Jiu-JItsu Federation