We face challenges fighting to be seen as equals. We take on mounting pressure and expectations for how we should look and act. Yet, we also break barriers and shatter stereotypes, showing just how powerful we truly are.
From boardrooms to battlefields, we continue to make our mark on the world with unwavering determination, resilience, and a whole lot of badassery.
As a woman, I’ve learned that life’s paths are often challenging; however, you can find strength in community.
Raised by a single mother, I witnessed firsthand the power of resilience and determination. Her relentless hustle instilled qualities in me like perseverance, grit, and commitment, which have been crucial in pushing boundaries in male-dominated spaces such as martial arts.
Even so, the idea of trying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, while intriguing, was still incredibly intimidating. I’ve never been particularly coordinated. I’m an introvert. The thought of grappling with a bunch of strangers, most of whom are men, was downright scary.
When I met Erin, I learned she trained at Matrix. I was curious about her experience and she quickly encouraged me to try a Fundamentals class. She was supportive and completely empathetic toward all my fears. Her warmth helped give me the confidence to take those first baby steps into trying something new.
It became apparent very quickly that there’s a strong group of women that train BJJ. From Facebook groups that are focused on sharing experiences and advice, to meeting all the strong women at the academy, I have been continuously inspired by women who train BJJ.
True, Jiu Jitsu often has more men than women training. It’s not an easy art to master. Trying new things can cause anxiety. But the payoff is worth those fleeting whispers of insecurity. I have gained confidence, community, and knowledge of practical self-defense applications.
But beyond all that, what does it mean to be a Jiujitera?
Being a woman in BJJ is not confined to expectations of delicacy and nurturing; it’s a harmony between grace and grit, where softness meets strength. There is a tenacity. As women step onto the mat, they defy stereotypes, embodying a unique blend of agility and power.
[Easton Open Spring 2024: Competition that Elevates Community]
When it comes to BJJ, femininity transcends boundaries, redefining what it means to be both fierce and feminine. I’ve found a community where fear dissipates, replaced by a shared determination to grow, learn, and thrive. It’s here that femininity takes on a new definition, blending softness with strength.
In BJJ, the real magic happens when finesse meets raw determination.
Picture this: on the mat, size and strength take a backseat to technique. It’s not about overpowering your opponent, but having a solid game plan. Every move and every submission is a chess match where practitioners tap into their opponent’s energy and momentum, reflecting it back against them with precise, calculated maneuvers.
It’s this strategic finesse that gives BJJ its nickname, the “gentle art.” But don’t let the word “gentle” fool you. Beneath the surface, there’s a fierce determination that drives practitioners to push their limits and sit with the lessons of failure.
It’s this resilience and delicate balance of smoothness and ferocity that mirrors the complexities of femininity itself. On the mat, women harness their opponent’s energy with precision and skill, showcasing the softness of their technique. But there’s also an undeniable fierceness—a determination that transcends boundaries.
Each training session showcases the resilience and strength inherent in every woman. It’s a reminder that being feminine doesn’t equate to weakness; it’s a fusion of soft grace and tenacity that empowers women to conquer any challenge, on and off the mat.
In this arena, BJJ becomes more than just a martial art; it’s a celebration of the strength, courage, and unwavering spirit that defines womanhood.
As I navigate the twists and turns of this journey, I’m reminded that being a woman is not about conforming to stereotypes or limitations, perceived or real. It’s about embracing our power and our inherent badassery.
So, to all the women out there forging their path, breaking barriers, and redefining what it means to be fierce and feminine—I salute you. Keep fighting, keep pushing boundaries, and never forget the unstoppable force that resides within each one of us.
