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