About Yacinta Selaj (Nguyen) and

Monkey Mount Books

Canadian author former high performance athlete and dedicated youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach

Welcome to Monkey Mount Books, the creation of Yacinta Selaj (Nguyen), an accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo Black Belt, author, and owner. Yacinta's passion for martial arts and her desire to inspire young minds led her to establish Monkey Mount Books, a platform dedicated to showcasing the magic of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through captivating stories and interactive experiences. With her extensive martial arts background and commitment to empowering children, Yacinta has become a respected figure in the martial arts community, both as a practitioner and an educator.

Yacinta's journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has acquired remarkable achievements and accolades. As one of Canada's elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, she has earned recognition from prestigious competitions worldwide. Her expertise and dedication to the sport have placed her on the BJJ Heroes website, solidifying her position as a respected figure in the martial arts world. Additionally, Yacinta has proudly represented Team Canada at the Junior World Championships for judo, showcasing her versatility and passion for various martial arts disciplines.

Driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of martial arts, Yacinta founded Monkey Mount Books to create a space where children can discover the wonders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Drawing from her own experiences, Yacinta understands the challenges that martial arts can present and the importance of making it engaging and enjoyable for young practitioners. Through Monkey Mount Books, she aims to inspire her students to embrace the magic and possibilities that martial arts offer, fostering confidence, resilience, and personal growth in the process.

Monkey Mount Books is more than just a collection of stories. It's a vibrant community built on the principles of empowerment, creativity, and mental well-being. Yacinta's vision extends beyond the pages of her books as she seeks to empower children through confidence building and resilience training. She strives to show young girls that strength is beautiful, challenging societal norms and encouraging self-belief. Additionally, Yacinta recognizes the positive impact that martial arts can have on mental health, working towards improving the well-being of individuals within the community.