Take out the Mouthguard- Speak Up

So many skills to practice on the mats. One skill I see and hear so often needing work is communication. During drilling, between rounds, or even between slap bumps to a tap, a lot happens.

Some people have a very difficult time with being assertive, others may benefit by softening an overly aggressive approach.

For the former, it’s as if there is a big fluffy mouthguard keeping them from clearly speaking to a partner. If you are one of those timid grapplers, I say take out the proverbial “mouthguard,” practice trusting yourself to say what needs to be said and your training partners to respond or learn how to respond in helpful ways.

As a model of good communication, my coach frequently instructs students to say, “A little less”- say this to a partner who’s going too hard. Communication, whether words or tapping, is a critical skill- jiu jitsu will force you to practice both.

#bjj #jiujitsu #bjjforwomen #morewomenonthemats #selfdefense #sport #competition #cleveland #ohio #communication

Getting More Women on the Mats

Why do I want to see more women on the mats? Selfishly, because I like to compete and it helps me prepare for gender/weight based competition. But more importantly, it’s been my life’s work to get the message out that women are capable of defending themselves against physical assault successfully, despite myths that suggest otherwise. I want to see more women on the mats because I’d like to see more women own their inherent power.

Even when women are willing to use self defense, they often don’t know what is effective due to myths about good self defense. “Kick him where it counts” doesn’t cut it. “Don’t go out alone” doesn’t cut it. “Gouge him in the eyes” doesn’t cut it. I’ve been eye gouged twice at a tournament and I kept fighting.

Jiu Jitsu is said to be hard for everyone, but it may seem especially hard for an adult small person with no experience who gets in the mix with mostly larger stronger training partners. If this smaller person also has been assaulted and/or already feels a bit unsafe in general, it’s going to be even harder. It may take a lot for someone to overcome all of that. It may take less to get started if you’re wrapping your legs in closed guard around another smaller person who is female.

For those who don’t have a problem in a male dominated and/or co-ed environment, there already are options. For women interested in training, but squeamish for whatever reason, women’s classes may be a nice “on ramp” to the Jiu Jitsu highway. When smaller female people uncover the power they already possess, and have regained some confidence, and maybe shifted some anxieties, perhaps it won’t matter as much who they face on and off the mats.

Let’s get more women on the mats.

For women interested in training, but squeamish for whatever reason, women’s classes may be a nice “on ramp” to the Jiu Jitsu highway.

#morewomenonthemats

Why Jiu Jitsu for Women?

It’s fun to connect with other women warriors. But here are some other reasons to join a women’s program:

-Learning with those closer in size and strength may be more effective especially when getting started, less injury, more safe

-Scenarios of attack can be addressed in a realistic and sensitive manner 

-Great role model environment, confidence and skills for teen girls aged 13 and up, so she can "take care of herself"

-Prepares you for competition matches that are rank and weight based, more similar training partners

-It may be beneficial for managing anxiety and PTSD, female black belt instructor is trauma sensitive and informed

-It is empowering and fun to share the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with other women of all ages

Tips for Newbies:

Just come and try it.

Cut your nails.

There are loaner gis until you’re ready to get your very own.

You don’t need to be “in shape” to start, you will get into shape as you go.

Bring yourself and your open mind.

#morewomenonthemats

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