In this powerful first installment of Women’s Corner, Sofia sits down with Thea Von Syoc, known online as @vanleethea, a firearms instructor, competitive shooter, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt, and dedicated weightlifter.

Thea shares her journey from stepping onto the mats for the first time to stepping onto the range with confidence, breaking down what it really means to build strength—physically and mentally—as a woman in self-defense and shooting sports. Together, she and Sofia dive into the challenges women face entering male-dominated spaces, how fitness fuels confidence, and why fear is something to train through, not run from.

Whether you’re a woman just starting your journey in self-defense or a man who wants to better understand the female perspective in training, this episode brings raw honesty, humor, and motivation to push past limits—on the mat, in the gym, and on the range.

Tune in to hear how Vanleethea is redefining strength, one rep and one round at a time.

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To learn more about Sofia and or to train with her, visit fit4fia.com

Episode Resources: 

1. Vanleethea on Instagram