Welcome to my first post!
This blog has been a long time in the making. It’s been percolating in my mind (and coming out in angsty rants at my gym) for the last couple of years. Since my training partners are probably getting tired of me, it’s about time I write this stuff down.
A little about me! I started my jiu jitsu journey in 2008. My boyfriend in college was an MMA fighter, and while we were together, I studied jiu jitsu vicariously through him. When we broke up, I summoned the courage to find a gym and start taking class. I was lucky to find a great place, with great people where I felt very comfortable. This is HUGE. I believe that a successful jiu jitsu journey is predicated on finding a gym that you love. (More on this later!) In November of 2012, I received my purple belt. I’m feeling more confident with my technique than ever before, and am eager to continue to build my skill set, improve my mental game and amp up my conditioning.
As you will find, I am an out and proud feminist. I have a master’s degree in women’s studies and find BJJ to be fertile ground for studying gender dynamics. While I have found jiu jitsu to be very empowering, I have also experienced feelings of disempowerment throughout my journey. In this male dominated, very physical sport, being a woman comes with unique challenges. Whether directly tied to sexism, or simply related to the physical differences between men and women, these challenges can feel isolating without a support system. As such, I intend to write about navigating these challenges and in the process, create an online space that celebrates and empowers women in jiu jitsu.
As women, we have a right to learn and practice jiu jitsu in an environment that allows us to thrive. Feedback, questions and comments are always welcome. Feel free to contact me privately as well. Thanks for stopping by! I look forward to engaging with you in this next phase of my jiu jitsu journey!
This blog has been a long time in the making. It’s been percolating in my mind (and coming out in angsty rants at my gym) for the last couple of years. Since my training partners are probably getting tired of me, it’s about time I write this stuff down.
A little about me! I started my jiu jitsu journey in 2008. My boyfriend in college was an MMA fighter, and while we were together, I studied jiu jitsu vicariously through him. When we broke up, I summoned the courage to find a gym and start taking class. I was lucky to find a great place, with great people where I felt very comfortable. This is HUGE. I believe that a successful jiu jitsu journey is predicated on finding a gym that you love. (More on this later!) In November of 2012, I received my purple belt. I’m feeling more confident with my technique than ever before, and am eager to continue to build my skill set, improve my mental game and amp up my conditioning.
As you will find, I am an out and proud feminist. I have a master’s degree in women’s studies and find BJJ to be fertile ground for studying gender dynamics. While I have found jiu jitsu to be very empowering, I have also experienced feelings of disempowerment throughout my journey. In this male dominated, very physical sport, being a woman comes with unique challenges. Whether directly tied to sexism, or simply related to the physical differences between men and women, these challenges can feel isolating without a support system. As such, I intend to write about navigating these challenges and in the process, create an online space that celebrates and empowers women in jiu jitsu.
As women, we have a right to learn and practice jiu jitsu in an environment that allows us to thrive. Feedback, questions and comments are always welcome. Feel free to contact me privately as well. Thanks for stopping by! I look forward to engaging with you in this next phase of my jiu jitsu journey!