![Gracie Barra women in Jiu Jitsu]()
Gracie Barra women in Jiu Jitsu
We are proud of our constantly growing number of our woman/girl students. It’s always amazing to see how our ladies are getting better and better, from week to week.
All of our students are training very hard, trying to spread the importance of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and self defence, involving friends and introducing them to this gentle art.
I asked 3 questions from our ladies:
- Why did you start Jiu Jitsu?
- Why do you love Jiu Jitsu, what are the benefits and what it gives to you?
- What are your plans for the future in Jiu Jitsu?
While I was reading their answers goose bumps appeared on my arms. Enjoy it:
Florence (26)
Nurse
Purple belt
I needed some sort of exercise because I hated going to the gym. My friend invited me to try out a BJJ class in their gym. I did try a class and instantly loved it.
I love BJJ because despite of it being a manly sport, I believe it’s a martial art that empowers the weak. Girls are automatically the weakest people in the gym, and it gives me a great sense of fulfillment to be able to hold my own against bigger and stronger guys. The training sessions are never boring, you’ve never stop learning. It’s a very good form of exercise to keep myself active and fit. In BJJ, the people you meet are all nice, they have no ego, and it’s fun to meet new people in the gym. During competition training, I’ve learned perseverance, discipline, and I’ve learned to work hard. I’ve learned to take care of my body by eating healthy and getting enough rest. Basically, it has become a lifestyle for me and I love this kind of lifestyle.
I want to compete again in the future and this time as a purple belt. Mundials maybe. Travel around the world and train everywhere.
![Nikon D5100 617 (2)]()
Susie (33)
Photographer & Full time Mum
White belt
My husband started a couple of years ago along with our daughter (who was just 2 1/2 yrs old). At the time I was heavily pregnant so there was no question of me joining the Academy too. There was a lot of, “…we’ll get you on the mat once you’ve had the baby” from people, including my husband. I have to admit that nothing appealed to me less than wrestling around on the ground all hot and sweaty in such close proximity to another person! And yet here I am, 2 years on, and I have definitely got “the bug”! So what changed? I attended a Women’s Self Defence Course, taught by Professor Paul Hartley. That was when I started discovering this awesome martial art. I remember seeing Reka (who had only been training a few weeks) throw someone to the floor. WOW. I couldn’t believe she could do something so cool after such a short time of training. I then had a little one to one taster of Jiu Jitsu with Prof Paul and that was it. I was hooked. Desperate to learn more. Finally my husbands overwhelming passion for BJJ is something I started to understand!
For me, it gives me a focus outside of motherhood and it gives me a break from work too. There is so much to learn that you really have to commit and you have to focus. My hour on the mat is precious and I love it. As a woman, I feel so much more confident already. I have only been training a couple of months but already feel more confident when out and about, whether it be with our girls or if it’s just me walking to and from somewhere alone. Having a basic grasp of some fundamental self-defence moves is something that I am trying to get all my girlfriends to do! From a fitness point of view, I am so surprised by how quickly my body seems to be adjusting and adapting. I started training when our youngest daughter had just turned one. Having not done much exercise (though I did do a bit of Pilates in the earlier months) I was worried that my body would be a wreck and that I was totally unfit to train. My post baby tummy is now firmer and I can even see muscles! I feel stronger throughout my whole body. It’s a great feeling! I think what is so lovely is that I am not pounding the treadmill or forcing myself to go to the gym. Yes, it’s hard work and I feel pushed to the limit sometimes and drenched in sweat…but it is a good feeling. I want to go and train. It is enjoyable. For me, the gym was always a chore. And what’s more, I have made some wonderful friends through BJJ too.
Being a full time Mum and also juggling this with my own Photography business means that I find it hard to find the time to train. At the moment I am only managing 2-3 sessions per week. I would really like to be training 3-4 times a week in the near future as I just don’t feel like it is enough at the moment. I am loving Jiu Jitsu and I just want to keep learning. For me, it isn’t about competing. I am happy for now to just immerse myself in it (when I find the time!) and enjoy my BJJ journey…which I am hoping will be a long one ![;)]()
Danielle (23)
Student, Midwife
Blue Belt
British National Pro Jiu Jitsu Championship Silver medalist, 2015
I love the art of Jiu Jitsu because in Jiu Jitsu, it is impossible to know everything therefore I find that it never gets boring. Jiu Jitsu provides you with opportunities such as the opportunity to meet new people and the opportunity to travel. Through Jiu Jitsu I have met and befriended so many amazing people who I never would’ve crossed paths
with otherwise. Also, through competing in Jiu Jitsu I have traveled to so many wonderful places – over the two years I have competed in London (three times), Munich, Lisbon (twice), Copenhagen and Paris, among other places. I have enjoyed every second of my Jiu Jitsu journey so far!
My plan is to continue learning but more importantly, to continue enjoying the journey. I want to be the best version of myself that I can possibly be … both on and off the mats. I hope the best version of me will be a world champion black belt one day!!!
Aga (35)
Legal Assistant
White Belt
I started BJJ as I had always wanted to train martial arts and when a friend told me about BJJ I decided to give it a try.
I love the way I challenge myself in every training and the fact that it makes me feel fit. I also like the team spirit in the training and being among people who also enjoy the challenges and work hard on improving their skills.
BJJ is part of my life and I am planning to keep it this way for as long as I can.
Tatiana (31)
Software Engineer
Blue Belt
During 2012 I had a heart problem after overloading myself. By the time, my cardiologist recommended martial arts as part of the treatment. I searched for Jiu Jitsu academies and I was lucky to find a Gracie Barra not too far. The initial plan was to train twice a week, but soon I became addicted and started going every day. GB became my second home, and my training partners became part of my family.
Not only Jiu Jitsu helped me controlling stress, avoiding other heart problems, but it also made me healthier and fit. It is possible to spend almost 1000 kcal in a single training. The championships pushed me towards my own limits –
and they taught me I can be my worse enemy. I learned the real meaning of humidity, listening from experienced athletes that black belts are white belts who simply didn’t give up. My professors and partners also taught me that Jiu Jitsu is sharing: if the one who is more experienced doesn’t share his/her knowledge, he won’t have better partners to challenge him/herself. Jiu Jitsu taught me a new way of life – and it is hard to consider living without it.
I plan to train for the rest of my life.
Since I moved of job the new schedule spoiled my training routine. In a near future I plan to recover my daily training. Another plan is to do a instructors training (GB CPI) – improving both my understanding of BJJ and my knowledge sharing skills.
Finy (41)
Headhunter (Freelance)
White belt
First reason I got into Jiu Jitsu was self-defense. Then I realized it is the best workout I
can ever do for myself – and one that will last forever, not one like those many ‘crazes’ you follow for a while and then get bored with and stop going. I also really love the fact that I can practise this together with my son – its great quality time spent.
After only a few sessions I feel I’m completely obsessed with BJJ – I love its whole philosophy, how it makes you focus, more disciplined, think and eating clean has now taken on a whole different purpose. I’m still very new to the art but absolutely love it!
Jiu Jitsu is giving me more strength and endurance – its making me stronger – more self-confident and just generally makes me feel good and very happy – I always have a great smile on my face after a BJJ class and always feel great. And no doubt my body shape will change a lot in the near future which is just an added bonus. It also makes my training in the gym more focused and therefore more fun.
Plans for the future? Train train train – drill drill drill – have fun working out and get better – this is definitely a marathon and not a sprint and I intend to enjoy the long journey.
Oh and I almost forgot – everyone at the dojo is very nice and I love the energy off the place – it feels like I’ve got a second living room.
Anna (31)
Hairdresser
Blue Belt
What is BJJ for me?
It’s not girly. It’s not pretty. But it is best for the girls! How?? I’ll tell you…
The skills of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can help protect yourself, in some cases save your life! Hopefully non of us will have to use it for. But Jiu Jitsu is not just that.
For me is exercise for body and mind. Help to stay fit, release stress out of your system, as well helps think and look the problems from different point of view. It’s a lifestyle. Getting the knowledge and training BJJ is very exiting. It builds
up self awareness and confidence.
For me the people I’ve met trough my story with BJJ are very important. My coaches and teammates becoming friends and family. Building up trust on the mats and in life. Invisible bonds as a team members.
I was encouraged to start BJJ by my friend and one of the instructors from that martial art. Just watching as an outsider I was not impressed. Is not pretty and it can make a girl feel very uncomfortable. Being on the mat and practicing changed my mind. I started to understand it and love it.
I gained great knowledge and experience through my journey with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I’m very happy where I’m now. I love Jiu Jitsu and our Gracie Barra Knightsbridge Team.
I hope Jiu Jitsu will always be part of my life. Would love to try my best in competing. Would love to share my knowledge, practice, roll….
BJJ for every one.
OSSSS Ladies!
![16868204546_8e919b65b8_k]()