I’ve taken to reading a lot of other BJJ blogs (a lot out
there by women, which is awesome!) during my 10 minute study breaks. So I’ve
decided to devote this to saying thanks to all of my incredible training
partners. There are so many posts from guys about how girls are inferior and
weaker (well, duh that’s physiological…the weaker part we’re obviously not
inferior) and should only train with other girls. At my academy the other girls
are all under the age of 14 (and remember… I’m 23), otherwise it’s all guys.
Don’t get me wrong, drilling and training with the other girls is awesome! Those
are some of my favorite days, because you actually feel like you know
something. But a lot of days, I’m the only girl there. And the guys at the
academy have been incredible training partners on those days. There is never a
guy who would turn down a match with me simply because I am a girl.

From the first day I walked through the door (okay, maybe
not the first day because I’m fairly certain I was so scared I didn’t talk to
anyone for about a month), every guy has been so encouraging and helpful. I am
well aware of the fact that every guy there could Hulk smash me at any given
point, but I really appreciate that they don’t. And from what I’ve read, this
leads some guys to think that means we as women have it “easier”. You know
what? Yes. My training partners have made it easier for me to learn how to
survive and escape by not simply smashing me all the time. But does that mean
that it’s easier for me? Of course not. There’s still this super elusive thing
called “offense” apparently that I hope to learn someday.
So here’s the thing if you’re a girl and you want to start
up (or have already started) - there will always be a few guys who will Hulk
smash you or be crazy spazzy and throw a neck crank your way. But you have to
remember, they’re in the minority. Most guys training in BJJ want to help
everyone improve and won’t let their ego get in the way. You’ve just got to
make sure you find a school that you feel welcome and comfortable at.
To all of the guys who train with me on a regular basis (and
the girls that do as well), thank you. Thank you for pushing me to become
better and for never treating me as lesser simply because I’m a girl. Every day
training I have a great group of guys who are all my teachers and my friends. And
a huge thanks should go to my coach for creating an atmosphere so conducive to
starting and continuing in this incredible journey and for being the most
supportive person there.
I’m incredibly excited for the “women’s BJJ movement” with
things like open mats and self-defense seminars; but I also feel incredibly grateful
that I have an awesome group of training partners who are essential to
continual improvement.
So here’s a big THANK YOU to all of you. You probably never
thought anything of it, but I genuinely appreciate it every day. And to all you girls out there, don’t let fear
keep you off the mats! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find some
great allies in the guys.
OSS.
Labels: BJJ, BJJ girls, BJJ training, BJJ women, fear, hulk smash, training partners, women in BJJ