Jiujiteira Magazine Jun/Jul 2021

inspiration: WENDY JARVAS and her army of champion jiujiteiras

issue SEVEN | JUN/JUL 2021

Chewyask a guy

Nick Albin Aka Chewy
tells us everything we
want to know from the
youtube phenomenon's
perspective of women

in brazilian jiu-jitsu

the leader of girls in gis shares her journey, her vision
for the future and the change she wants to be a part of

page 18

JUN/JUL 2021 cover story 18

Shama Ko 27
30
sections: 34
42
COACH TALK 50
Attack the Legs
4
BY DAVID SUTTON 38
48
BEAUTY IS A BEAST
Medical Cannabis

BY VHILENA NELSON

YOGA FOR JIU-JITSU
Be the Cobra

BY EVELYN SUT TON

OUT OF THE CAGE
Sorry, not Sorry

BY SAMANTHA SEFF

MIND GAME
The Battle of the Sexes

BY BRITTANY ALLISON

every issue:

PUBLISHER'S CORNER
As Pretty as a Bird
CLOSE CHOKE
Interview with Lindsay Conley
JIUJITEIRAS AROUND THE WORLD

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6 INSPIRATION
Wendy Jarvas, founder of SicChic, on empowering women

and getting a second chance at life after beating cancer.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY WENDY JARVAS

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 3

EVELYN SUTTON is on a mission JUN/JUL 2021
to uncover and promote the universe
of women in one of the deadliest № 7ISSUE
martial arts in the world.
PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER’s corner

“As pretty as a bird.”

At the time of their discovery, Native Amer- felt a kindred soul connection. The innova- Creative Director & CEO
ican women were the complete opposite tive fashion designer and creator of SicChic
of their European counterparts in the is determined to empower women through Evelyn Sutton
civilized world of the 15th Century. her example and work. Her story is a tribute
to overcoming adversity with dignity. writers
To start, these wild women were not in any Brittany Allison
way subservient to men. They enjoyed the Finally, a Jiujiteira who exemplifies what Chris Fletcher
freedom to engage in work and hobbies of it means to be a modern warrior woman Charlotte McKinley
their choosing. Some hunted, others farmed is our Close Choke interview and resident
and many participated in politics and photographer, Lindsay Conley. Inspired by David Sutton
warfare. Leaders in their communities, with her Viking heritage, she brings everything Evelyn Sutton
the same rights as men, they had absolute that she is to the mats and not even a bro-
control of their bodies and sexuality. Unlike ken toe kept this maiden from training. Girls in Gis
the patriarchal society of the time, tribal Samantha Seff
women defined their own destinies. Thankfully not every female warrior was Sophia McDermott
left out from the pages of history. One of Vhilena Nelson
Despite their contributions, anthropologists the best-known battles of Indian-Ameri- Wendy L Jarva
assumed only men were warriors, after all, can warfare is the 1876 Battle of the Greasy
war was considered “men’s work”. Women Grass in Montana. One of the warriors proofreading
were overlooked and their names excluded who lead the counterattack was a woman
from historical documents. What the his- named Tashenamani, or “Moving Robe”. Edgard Esperança
torians failed to see, is that female warriors The famous Sioux warrior, Rain-in-the-
were a crucial part of tribal society. Wives Face, whose name once caused terror in photography
accompanied their husbands into battle. the frontier, was clearly impressed by this Blanca Marisa Garcia
Daughters fought next to their brothers. lady in battle as he describes her:
Being a warrior was not defined by gender. Evelyn Sutton
“Holding her brother’s war staff over her Be Present Studios
Today there's recognition. In sports, for head, and leaning forward upon her char-
instance, female athletes are celebrated and ger, she looked as pretty as a bird. Always Lindsay Conley
we know their names. They are our friends, when there is a woman in the charge, it Michelle Chopp
sisters, daughters, mothers. They are us. causes the warriors to compete with one
another in displaying their valor.” 880 Mc Clendon Street, Melbourne, FL 32935
To get our celebration started, in collabo- jiujiteiramagazine.com U 321.917-1599
ration with Be Present Studios, we have a On that note, I say to all the pretty birds
special cover girl, Shama Ko. This Jiujiteira out there waging war on and off the mats, Subscribe online at JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM. Please al-
has been a pillar of women’s BJJ for two de- spread your wings in brutal beauty and low 4-6 weeks for subscription to start. Jiujiteira Magazine is
cades as a coach, competitor and director never stop singing your battle song. a registered trademark of LuxDei Studio. The contents of Jiu-
of the premier organization, Girls in Gis. jiteira Magazine, associated websites, advertisements, articles,
Here’s to an amazing summer! Oss. graphics, photographs and any other published content are
Next, comes a successful business woman. protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, dis-
The first time I spoke with Wendy Jarvas I tributed or modified without prior written consent of Jiujiteira
Magazine. Jiujiteira Magazine does not necessarily endorse,
verify, or agree with the content, and makes no guarantees as
to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or usefulness of any
content. Jiujiteira Magazine shall not be held liable for any er-
rors or omissions in the content. ©2021 All rights reserved. Any
reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written
permission from the publisher.

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INSPIRATION STORY BY EVELYN SUT TON
PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY WENDY JARVAS

A STORY OF FASHION + STRENGTH + COURAGE WENDY

Jarvas

Sponsoring an army of champion Jiujiteiras which includes well-known

athletes Mona Bailey, Melissa Lozano, Sophie Sharp and Jillian DeCoursey,

Wendy is the boss babe designer and creator of SicChic, a company that
actively supports and empowers women - from professional athletes to
housewives - in combat sports. SicChic is a reflection of Wendy, who with
resilience turned a dream into reality despite the loss of a close friend, her

own personal battle with cancer and the many curve balls life sent along

the way. Wendy persevered and now she lives to tell her story and inspire

thousands of girls and women to join the ranks and fight in ultimate style.

s little girls, Wendy and her a young man named Keith, Both Jarvas' boys were signed
sister were tomboys. They and her future-to-be-husband up for classes as soon as they
would wrestle around is all about that martial arts turned four years old.
with the neighborhood life. Keith grew up poor and
kids, play manhunt his family didn’t have enough Keith and the boys were
and practice fighting money to pay for karate actively training and Wendy
in the backyard, lessons. He was so committed started getting a little bored
thinking they to learning that as soon as he of just watching them in class.
were doing the got a job, he used his very first On Saturdays, during kids
paycheck to sign-up for classes class, an adult class would
moves exactly like the Karate at the local dojo. Martial arts come in to train Krav Maga.
Kid 80’s movie. Growing up, quickly became a big part of Usually two or three women
the sisters loved Karate Kid. their relationship, an interest attended, the rest of the stu-
they both shared, so much so dents were men. One Saturday,
Their father, however, didn’t that once they got married Wendy told her sister, “You
share the love or approve of his and started a family, they know what? We could do that!
daughters running around like named their first born Bran- How about we start taking
street fighters, protective, he don Lee, after Bruce Lee’s son. Krav Maga classes together?”
worried they would get hurt.

Fast-forward to a decade or To say they were a little ob- They did. And so Wendy's
so later, Wendy is now dating sessed is an understatement. adventure begins.

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TOP: WENDY AND PATTY DURING AN EVENT. BOTTOM: WENDY PASSES HER KRAV MAGA YELLOW BELT TEST AND CELEBRATES WITH HER HUSBAND

The sisters were passion- “I love Krav Maga, that’s and it felt very strange. It ical advice and took her
ate about their training. my thing. My sister and I, felt like there was some- concerns to the attention
They did very well in class we were getting ready to thing going on other than of her doctor.
and quickly acclimated take our yellow belt test, just a sport injury. I was
to the male-dominant and for about two years really concerned.” Coincidentally, at this
environment. Wendy was going really hard with time, Wendy was caring
thirty-four years old when training, sparring... to A few days later, Wendy for her best friend who
she started. The sisters make a long story short, had a feeling that whatev- was battling stage three
trained hard for a couple my sister hit me in the er was going on inside her breast cancer. Once
of years to test for their breast during a particular breast was getting worse. a week, Wendy would
Krav Maga yellow belts. tough training session She decided to seek med- accompany her friend to

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 7

chemo. Twelve rounds Finally it was time to re-
were required before she turn to the doctor’s office.
could have surgery. Wendy By then any hematomas
would sit with her for six or blood build-up from
hours while she got her the training injury were
treatment and then drive gone, and the sonogram
her home after. should detect if there was
something in her breast
“When I got hit on my that shouldn’t be there.
breast and days after it
was still hurting, I imme- Wendy gets a new test
diately knew that was not done. The results come in.
a good sign. I went to my The attending nurse paus-
doctor and he was con- es for a moment before
cerned. He sent me to get saying, “I’ll be right back
a mammography.” with the doctor.”

When the results came The Fight
back, they were negative. FoR Her Life
The mammography didn’t
show any abnormalities. On March 24th, 2010 at
2:11pm — she actually
Wendy was aware that remembers the time down
when you have dense to the second — Wendy
breast tissue and you’re was diagnosed with breast
only thirty-four years old, cancer. Her worst fear had
cancer can hide and be materialized. It was time
very difficult to detect in now to gear up for the
early stages, especially if toughest fight of her life.
the tumor is small. She
wasn’t satisfied and re- Cancer is a cruel op-
quested a sonogram. ponent. Wendy had to
undergo chemo treatment
The results of the sono- for eight months and lost
gram came up inconclu- all of her pretty long hair,
sive. Her doctor decided something she kept away
they should wait three from everyone outside of
months and then do a her immediate family by
follow-up exam. wearing a wig that closely
matched her natural hair
The three-months that color and style.
followed were agonizing.
Wendy couldn’t focus on Her boys were very little at
anything but what could the time and the thought
be happening in her body. of them having to grow up
“I remember hugging my without her kept her mo-
younger son and feeling tivated to beat the disease.
like there was something
weird, deep in my breast."

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“My boys were little at mind. She recommended inspiration WENDY JARVAS
the time I was diagnosed. her friend get an MRI for
I think my younger guy accuracy. The timing of DREAMS DO
was in second grade and the encounter couldn’t COME TRUE:
my older one was in fifth have been more perfect. It GIVING A TV
grade. Thinking I might turned out the friend was INTERVIEW ABOUT
not be there for them was diagnosed with stage one SICCHIC, THE
terrible. I didn’t want to breast cancer. Wendy’s M O M EN T EX ACT LY
tell any of my neighbors, I willingness to share her AS WENDY SAW
didn’t want anyone feeling story and encourage her to IT WHEN SHE
sorry for me. I would wake get tested may have saved
up and even thou I felt this woman’s life. VISUALIZED
miserable, I would put on EVERYTHING
makeup, wear a wig that From Krav ABOUT HER
matched my hair and take Maga to BRAND THAT ONE
the kids to the bus stop Jiu-Jitsu INSPIRED NIGHT
like any other day. As far
as I know, nobody outside After winning the battle H E AT H ESBRPE OCCONHSMESPROOERSRNYISSNBIOCGORCMEAHDBTI CHAL'ETLSFEHFETLIVREERSTSETE:
my family and a handful against breast cancer,
of friends I trained with Wendy resumed her TatohanfikdscehpnhehemoorntooshotonerfersaWlwatmaesntseddnyta.y GinehteterWbLeaentvtdilneyet,aownbdhreobasesasttdcflaryinelcnoedsrt.
knew what was going on. I martial arts training. She
kept my battle private.” went on to receive both
her yellow and orange
Once Wendy complet- belts in Krav Maga.
ed the eight months of
treatment, her hair started While Wendy
growing back and she was undergoing
stopped wearing wigs. One medical treat-
morning as she was drop- ment, her sister
ping off her son at school, started to take
a woman approached her a couple of
and commented: “Hey, BJJ classes in
Wendy! Why did you cut between Krav
your hair?” Wendy was Maga train-
known for her long hair ing and in a
and some people were sur- short amount
prised to see that she had of time had
“cut it”. This time, Wendy become quite
decided to share the truth: proficient
“No. I didn’t cut it. It fell at the gentle art. Today,
all out because of chemo. I Wendy’s sister is a brown
had breast cancer.” belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
“Every time my sister and
At that point, Wendy’s I wind up on the floor I
friend made a comment felt like a fish out of water.
that her mother had breast I had no tools to protect
cancer. Wendy encouraged myself against her Jiu-Jitsu
her to go see a doctor and moves. I had to fix that.”
get tested, for peace of

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 9

a vision Wow, that’s cool! Where did
becomes you get that? And I’d say,
reality "I did it myself.”

Thirteen years ago, there SicChic is a company on a mission to em- brand that elevates women on the
was nothing for women power women in martial arts and in life. mats and connects with all of that.
when it came to athletic Back in the day, there weren’t many wom- The focus on high quality materials,
fightwear. Rashguards, en training BJJ or MMA, and the few that attention to detail and attractive
spats, even gis for female were training often felt they needed to be designs allow women to feel strong,
athletes were nearly im- or look more masculine in order to fit in beautiful and feminine, at the same
possible to find. Women and be accepted in the high testosterone time perform like a beast when it’s
had to settle for men’s cuts environment of Jiu-Jitsu. Nowadays, we time to roll. Wendy aims to make
that weren’t at all flatter- have a much larger and diverse commu- women feel confident wearing her
ing to the female figure or nity of Jiujiteiras with women of all ages designs. And nothing is more pow-
wear kids sizes. The very and backgrounds training. You can be erful than a confident woman.
few products available smart, you can be beautiful, you can be
for women in the market attractive, you can be a soccer mom, you The five-stars rated women's
were bland, lacked design can run a company, you can be all-woman fightwear brand is available for
and personality. and train as hard as the men. SicChic is a purchase on Amazon and on the
company website: sicchic.com.
Wendy wasn’t at all happy There are a variety of designs and
with the lack of fightwear styles to choose from with the op-
for female athletes and tion to order custom sets as well.
decided to do something
about it. Having worked as Wendy Jarvas loves Brazilian
a medical illustrator most Jiu-Jitsu and she loves supporting
of her life, she had the the community sponsoring ath-
trained eye and artistic letes and giving out cash prizes at
talent to be a great fashion competitions. She’s also done a lot
designer. It was just a mat- of charity work through SicChic,
ter of taking the leap. donating over $30,000 for breast
cancer research and $2,000 for
“I was always an artist and
an illustrator. I thought, ‘I
should start designing my
own stuff!’ And just like
that, I got started. I was
creating my own rash-
guards, putting the little
details together with an
iron by hand. I would wear
it to class and my training
partners were like. ‘Wow,
that’s cool! Where did you
get that?’ And I’d say, ‘I did
it myself.”

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autism awareness. Her generosity is only made JM: What was the inspira- passion and Mona's resil-
possible because of the continuous support she tion behind SicChic? ience. I've watched these
gets back from the Jiu-Jitsu community. Buy- WJ: This may sound a little girls grow up and become
ing a rashguard from SicChic goes a long way out there but the whole the incredible athletes they
in making a difference in someone else's life. vision and inspiration for are today. They all are such
the brand came to me after great, positive examples
“I love when I get an email from a parent all I went through with for women everywhere and
telling me their daughter is being bullied cancer. It sounds weird they represent SicChic very
or picked on, and she’s suffering from low but I went to bed one night well. I am so proud of each
self-esteem, she’s upset and they are reaching and literally saw the whole and everyone of them.
out because they know I run a company truly brand, the name, the logo,
committed to supporting girls and women. the products, the pack- JM: How can we do a better
I listen to their story, I bring them into the aging, everything. I saw job of women supporting
fold of all that SicChic is and represents, and that I would create these women in our community?
usually within six months, the parents will amazing pieces, sponsor WJ: I’m glad you asked
message me again. This time, thanking me, athletes and that I would this question. Shama Ko,
telling me how I saved their daughter. How be on television talking director of Girls and Gis
she is now confident, strong, and fearless. about SicChic. I woke up — who you are featuring
That means the world to me and makes me the next morning and I this issue — her and I talk
feel like I fulfilled my purpose." knew exactly everything about this all the time. It’s
that I had to do to get my frustrating to me, both as
Being part of the SicChic army of fighters company going.” a woman business owner
really helps some of these girls and makes a and a woman who trains
difference in their lives in a positive way. JM: Let’s talk about this when I see Jiujiteiras going
army of champion Jiujitei- out of their way to support
There are plans for new products coming ras that you have assem- and praise brands that
down the line in 2021. SicChic Mat Monster bled under SicChic. don’t do anything for them
nogi set continues to be a best-seller among WJ: Yes, I got the best girls! or for our community.
Jiujiteiras everywhere, having sold over My girls work so hard, they SicChic is present at most
10,000 pieces since it's debut nine years ago. are talented and loyal. They events, giving out cash
Wendy's creative mind is always thinking of are just wonderful girls. prizes, supporting athletes,
new collections and innovative designs. Not Many of them started out empowering young girls,
surprising, sometimes new ideas also come with SicChic when they why aren’t you support-
from her husband, who actively trains and is were little kids and have ing companies that truly
involved in Jiu-Jitsu as well. stayed with me all this time. support you? I didn’t start
Young athletes like Mona this company to become a
"It's really a true partnership between the and Sophie, they are the “It multi-millionaire. If it was
two of us. We train together and sometimes Girls” of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu all about making money,
we create together. I'll show him a design and right now and for them I wouldn’t have gone into
he'll say something like, 'what if you move this to be SicChic sponsored this field, this is not the
here, put this there' and it all sort of works athletes, it’s an honor. They place to get rich. I started
out really well. He is involved in the business are everywhere, they are this company because I
and he enjoys it. It's wonderful to be able to winning, they are on the love helping people and
share this dream with him." spotlight. I saw them as martial arts is something
champions even as little I’m very passionate about.
Excited about the future, Wendy wants to see girls. I remember Sophie’s It’s for my love of the sport
and my love for people.
our community continue to grow and thrive. Y

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 1 1

ASK A GUY Cgkothieerrageelfpwacrhnyiteihi'nnzsegedldPo,sncrJwoghefie-setdshtsi,usmhohleirees!lpbus sy

Nick Albin

AKA "CHEWY"
creator of

NICK ALBIN, AKA CHEWY uring a visit to Jiujiteira country teaching high-demand sem-
BRAZILIAN J I U -J I TS U BLAC K BE LT Magazine headquarters inars. Chewy is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
PROFESSOR, COMPETITOR, OWNER/ for a seminar in Florida, we black belt, and the owner/head
HEAD INSTRUCTOR AT DERBY CITY had the opportunity to sit down with instructor at Derby City Mixed Martial
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS IN LOUISVILLE, KY Nick Albin, known in the Brazilian Arts in Louisville, KY. Chewy started
Jiu-Jitsu community as “Chewy”, and training in 2003, receiving his black
AND CREATOR OF CHEWJITSU his lovely girlfriend Jessica, for an belt from Renato Tavares in 2011.
interview. A YouTube phenomenon,
Nick is the creator of ChewJitsu, a With almost 260K subscribers on You-
channel that offers practical advice Tube and 75K followers on Instagram,
and insight into everything relevant Chewy has got plenty of knowledge
to the world of BJJ. On his channel, to share and solid advice when it
Chewy takes the time to answer view- comes to BJJ. We couldn’t pass on the
ers questions and share his personal opportunity to “chew” on a few in-
experiences both as a competitor teresting topics with him and get his
and professor who travels all over the perspective of the current panorama
of women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

STORY BY EVELYN SUT TON � PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CHEWY

Cvihdeewoyo'sn"YHoouwTutboeRhoalls with Women" JM: What is your athletic back- I started watching UFC around the
over 4K views! ground? How did you get started same time. I remember watching the
in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Gracies and some of the first guys in
Chewy: I wrestled in high school and the sport fight, and I was inspired. I
out of all the sports I was playing at wanted to fight like that. Back then it
the time, I loved wrestling the most. was hard to find information on Bra-
When I got into wrestling I was an zilian Jiu-Jitsu but I found out about
overweight kid who got picked on a purple belt who was training in the
and bullied a lot. Once I became a area, he had competed a bunch, and
wrestler, I got in shape, gained more I started training with him. I fell in
confidence, and learned how to stand love with Jiu-Jitsu, committed to it
up for myself — the bullying stopped. and the rest is history.

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JM: Were there girls in your high something new for those who come JM: You mentioned you have noticed
school wrestling team? after you. If you’re the only woman at more women training BJJ, do you
Chewy: I remember one girl on your gym, enjoy it. Training with guys believe there’s greater opportuni-
the team who was on the smallest will make you a very tough lady and ties now for women in this sport?
weight class, 103lbs, she was actu- most likely pretty good at this stuff. If Chewy: Yes, absolutely! I believe a
ally really good and she was blind. you continue to train, eventually other big factor that has contributed to
At regionals, she went against my women will follow and you will be in a the growth and evolution of women’s
buddy, beat several of the guys and position where you can help them. At Jiu-Jitsu is the fact that now there
came in third, which was a huge my gym, for example, we now have a are more female athletes blazing the
accomplishment. Back then you much larger women’s program in part trail, and inspiring others. Young
almost didn’t see any female wres- because of the women who came at girls have women they can look up
tlers. Nowadays, culture in general the very beginning and were training to on the mats, in the competition
is more comfortable with accepting with the guys. That was the case with circuit and I support that movement.
and encouraging women to become one of my female coaches, Madison, I believe women’s presence and
wrestlers and fighters. When I was who was literally the only woman on importance in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
growing up, that didn’t happen. the mats when she started. Now more is only going to continue to grow as
women have joined and Madison more female athletes take leader-
JM: On your YouTube channel, Chew- helps run the women’s program. ship, which in turn will open up even
Jitsu, you offer great content, includ- She is someone they can look up to, more opportunities and recognition
ing topics tailored towards women an inspiration for them. If you are for women. Sometimes I watch the
such as your video “How To Roll with the only woman at your gym, you women’s class at my gym and I think
Women in BJJ (Don’t Be a Bully)” will inspire others to train and I to myself, “I can’t believe I’m watch-
which gives guys tips on how to help think that is very rewarding. ing someone’s mom try to choke
create a safe training environment another person”, it takes me back to
for ladies. Considering BJJ is still JM: In your opinion, do you think when I was a kid and I never imag-
widely a male-dominated sport, women learn different than men? ined seeing someone’s mom fighting
what is your advice for the Jiujiteira Chewy: Everybody learns different, like that. Jiu-Jitsu moms are cooking
who is the only female at her gym? I don’t know that it’s a female/male food in the kitchen one minute and
Chewy: I imagine being the only wom- thing. Physically smaller and larger the next they are like, “Dinner is
an at a gym can be a difficult thing body types are going to have differ- ready! Bye guys, I’m off to BJJ prac-
to tackle. I honestly don’t know that ent challenges and advantages in tice.” It’s not something you thought
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will ever be at an Jiu-Jitsu. If you are a bit smaller or about when you were growing up,
even 50/50 split when it comes to how you’re not able to be as physically your mom choking someone. It’s just
many women versus men practice this dominant, for instance, you might a really neat thing to see happening.
sport. I think it depends on the area. learn better from someone who has
In larger metropolitan areas you might a similar frame as you. I don’t think With Jiujiteira's Publisher,
see more women training. When a body type affects your ability to learn Evelyn Sutton and her family.
woman comes into a gym for the first from anyone but I do think that you
time, it can be a tough adjustment. might connect with someone who
Being that close to another human has a similar frame, just because
being, a complete stranger, is really they will be able to show you how
odd for anyone and even more so if they make best use of their body
you’re the only woman at that gym. type. I have several students who
Being around a bunch of sweaty smelly are much smaller than me, they still
guys, I imagine can be uncomfortable, learn from me but they also connect
but it can also be a great opportunity! with one of my smaller coaches
There’s times in life when you are the because he knows what it’s like to be
front runner in a particular space, a smaller person in Jiu-Jitsu.
and that is your chance to help create

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 1 3

Sometimes I watch the and I
women’s class at my gym
think to myself, “I can’t believe
I’m watching someone’s mom
try to choke another person”,
it takes me back to when
I was a kid and I never
imagined seeing someone’s
mom fighting like that.

JM: Considering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu created female divisions due to the down, for instance, there was
is a combat sport, what is your opin- physiological differences between a lot of claustrophobia there,
ion on transgender athletes compet- biological males and biological I would literally freak out. My
ing in women’s divisions? How do we females, right? And if you’re going recommendation to anyone who
approach this new reality to ensure to allow biological males to compete is dealing with a similar situation
everyone is safe and being treated in a biological female division then is to keep training and trust your
fairly at the same time? why even have separate divisions to training partners. Keep in mind
Chewy: This is a new situation in begin with? But again, women can that the fear of the thing is always
sports and it’s still developing. Per- decide what they want. worse than the actual thing. The
sonally, it doesn’t matter to me who more you do those things that
you want to be and what gender you JM: Many women seek out Brazilian scare you, the more power you
identify with. I support anyone be- Jiu-Jitsu as a form of self-defense. get back to overcome the fear. For
ing whomever they wish to be. But I For some, it comes after being the instance, if it’s mentally hard for
think that when it comes to sports, victim of a traumatic event. Train- you to roll, let your coach know,
particularly combat sports, we have ing can be difficult for these ladies and just do one roll for a minute
a problem right now because we are and emotional triggers often come then take a break, understand
not sure where we to draw bound- up during or after class. As a pro- that you can always stop at
aries. There are biological factors in fessor, what would be your advice any point if you’re feeling over-
place, such as production of testos- on how to deal with this situation? whelmed. You’re in class to learn,
terone and muscle development Chewy: I myself started training not to be pushed past the edge if
that may give a biological born male because of trauma. At 12 years old, you’re not ready for that. Also, be
an unfair, and perhaps, even dan- I got jumped when I was walking patient with yourself, overcoming
gerous advantage if that athlete goes home from school, I was beat up emotional triggers is a process
against a biological born female. pretty badly by older kids who were that takes time. Now, if you feel
That is just one of the factors we 16-18 years old and they broke my you may have been suffering from
need to consider. Ultimately, I think nose. From that moment on, I was deep psychological trauma, I
the decision is up to the ladies, afraid to walk outside by myself. I would definitely recommend that
it’s your division. I’m just a guy, I initially got into wrestling because I alongside with training, you seek
don’t think I should have a say in it. wanted to learn self-defense. When help from a mental health profes-
Women are the ones competing in I first started training, I had to deal sional who can better guide you
women’s divisions and they should with emotional triggers from that in your journey towards healing
be the ones who decide. I believe we incident. When someone held me and empowerment.

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JM: What are your thoughts on as human beings with qualities and submit you without hesitation. Sim-
allegations of sexual abuse and flaws. The problem I see is that in ply put, nobody at your gym will train
violation of trust between coaches many situations where there has with you as hard as an opponent at a
and female students in Brazilian been a violation of trust, there was competition. The adrenaline simply
Jiu-Jitsu? In your opinion, is there also a worship mentality in place, isn’t there. The whole environment of
some kind of behavior we should that is something we need to watch a competition — the nervousness, the
watch out for? out for and avoid. anxiety, the weeks leading up to it —
Chewy: There’s a common miscon- contributes to building up an intensi-
ception when it comes to higher JM: What is your recommendation ty that you won’t be able to tap into by
ranks, we sort of assume if someone for someone who is only interested just going to self-defense seminars. I
is a black belt, they must be a good in self-defense and not competing? don’t think anybody should be forced
person. A black belt is not a reflec- Chewy: Here’s the thing... I think it’s to compete, but I do recommend to at
tion of good character. How that interesting when we talk about train- least give it at try, particularly if you
person conducts themselves at the ing only for self-defense. I’ve gone to train for self-defense. Also covering
gym and in their daily lives is what self-defense seminars and everything your basics such as learning differ-
reveals their true character, not is done in this nice, slow, controlled ent takedowns and some striking
what color belt they wear. Anoth- manner, the moves look cool and would be useful if you are serious
er common assumption is that if maybe you think you got something about self-defense. When it comes to
someone is older and holds some from it. However, if someone grabs groundwork, I would focus on chokes
level of authority, they must be you on the street, it’s not going to be from guard. If you pop someone’s
trustworthy. Just because someone nice or slow or controlled. It’s going arm out in a fight, doesn’t necessar-
has an advanced skill or has been to be chaotic. I think it’s a disservice ily mean they are going to stop, that
involved in a sport for a long time thinking that you can somehow learn person could be high on drugs or
doesn’t mean you should automati- a technique at a self-defense seminar have a high tolerance for pain, in that
cally trust them. You can definitely and you’re going to be able to use it ef- case chokes are better because you
become a better person through the ficiently in a dangerous situation. I’m put them to sleep and it’s not much
practice of martial arts, but it’s not sorry, but it’s not going to work. There of a struggle since there’s no muscle
by default a measurement of moral- is a built-in survival mechanism in around the arteries, you don’t have to
ity. You should treat them like any us, the fight or freeze response, and be strong to execute a choke, you just
other human being, trust should without regular training, rolling and have to know the technique properly,
be earned over time. I think a lot a conscious mental effort to overwrite which only comes with regular and
of it is common sense. As a profes- it, that survival mechanism will take consistent training.
sor, I would never take a minor on over. People who are not used to phys-
a competition trip by myself, that ical confrontation on a regular basis JM: For our Jiujiteiras who are con-
child’s parents would have to come most likely will freeze if attacked. In stantly getting smashed by big guys
along. And if I had a teenage daugh- addition to regular training, compe- in class what do you suggest they
ter, I wouldn’t let her go by herself titions are also extremely valuable get really good at?
on a trip with any man, even if that especially for those who train for Chewy: It’s going to depend on the
man was her Jiu-Jitsu coach. If she’s self-defense because it’s the closest person’s body type but assuming
traveling with a team of women and you will get to experience a real-life you are not the largest or strongest
the coach, that would be different, attack. At a tournament, you’re not person at your gym, most times,
yet in any case, her safety would going against a criminal who is trying you’re going to be playing off your
be my first priority. We need to be to hurt you but you are going against back, so practice a variety of guard
willing to question those in posi- another human being who is 100% positions from there and learn how
tions of authority and look at them trying to win, grab you, muscle and
to effectively retain your guard. Y

follow chewy on social media: CHEWJITSU WHAT BJJ GUY SHOULD WE INTERVIEW NEXT?
SEND US YOUR SUGGESTIONS TO:

J I U J I T E I R A M AGA Z I N E @ G M A I L .CO M

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 1 5

HAPPENINGS THE KNEE CUT GUARD PASS
WAS ONE OF THE TECHNIQUES

PRESENTED

Mona Bailey During her stay in Florida for NAGA Orlando, Mona Bailey
stopped by Jiujiteira Magazine's headquarters at Carlson
in Florida Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Team in Melbourne and taught the women's
class. The champion showed a series of guard passes and
progressions that really helped our ladies elevate their game!

STORY BY EVELYN SUT TON � PHOTOS BY KARLIE HAMILTON



COVER STORY

SHAMA

awaii is home to many exuberant things. Powerful
volcanoes, majestic waterfalls, and soaring cliffs that
are bound to inspire. The extremes of nature are a
part of everyday living in the islands. The spirit of
Hawaii, the forces that shaped the islands and all
living things upon them are inextricably connected.
This sense of connection is a significant part of the
local culture: to care for our environment and for one
another. Growing up in paradise immersed in such
rich culture is sure to have a lasting impact.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Shama Ko understands
the power of community and personifies the spirit
of aloha, which teaches peace, kindness, compassion
and responsibility to future generations.

STORY BY EVELYN SUT TON � PHOTOS BY BE PRESENT STUDIOS

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JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 1 9

don’t know if I would have ever
actually started Jiu-Jitsu if not

Ifor the women’s-only classes.

Every one who comes in contact arships, leadership programs and But how does a peace-loving Hawai-
with Shama is immediately drawn educational resources is the per- ian girl trade her surfboard for a gi
to her warm, genuine smile, a hall- fect role for this exuberant woman. and leave the islands for the main-
mark of Hawaiian hospitality. land, the sweet ocean waves for the
I caught up with Shama during rough Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mats? I was
Being the director of Girls in Gis, her tour in Texas earlier this year curious to learn about her journey.
an organization that for 12 years as she was getting ready to jump
has been actively supporting and start the 2021 season of Girls in It was back in 1995 when Shama was
promoting women in Brazilian Gis seminars after a year hiatus first introduced to Jiu-Jitsu by some
Jiu-Jitsu through seminars, schol- due to the pandemic. of her high school friends who were
dating older guys in the military who
"My dream was to create trained BJJ. Not an athletic child,
an organization that could Shama wasn’t impressed and had
help female athletes flourish." absolutely no interest in any kind of
martial arts. At the time, Jiu-Jitsu
was just something the boys did.

Her friends would con- there. She agreed, and sur-
stantly invite Shama to prisingly, ended up falling
train. Some even prac- in love with the practice
ticed moves and sub- and becoming a Jiujiteira.
missions on her, yet she
politely shut down every “Starting out learning in a
attempt to get her in a gi. women’s-only class worked
out perfectly for me. We
“I was not athletic, at all. were all mostly beginners,
My sister was the jock. I and didn’t know what
was awkward and clumsy. we were doing with our
I twisted my ankle all the bodies. Being able to have
time. Growing up, sports that support in a sister-
were not on my radar.” hood type environment,
was a gateway for me to
It wasn’t until 2003 that transition into the coed
Shama started her formal classes. I don’t know if I
training. A friend opened would have ever actually
a gym in Texas and his started Jiu-Jitsu if not for
girlfriend wanted to start the women’s-only classes.
a women’s-only class. That’s why I’m so passion-
She needed bodies and ate about my work with
convinced Shama to come Girls in Gis.”
help out just by being

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cover story shama ko

A Competitor is Born

It wasn’t long after her BJJ same skill level. For that The Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle gave Shama an outlet to
journey officially began reason, the division weren’t be competitive. She never had one before, but
that Shama took the separated by belts, weights tenacity and drive were always there.
plunge into competitions. or age how it is today.
“I got into Jiu-Jitsu ini- At eighteen, Shama left Hawaii to explore the
tially just to get in shape. “I’m a part of the genera- world. Her dreams were bigger than the islands.
That was my objective tion when women slowly She knew there was more waiting across the sea
other than maybe learn started to get more recog- and understood that although a ship in harbor
a little self-defense. I had nition and things began to is safe, that is not what ships are built for.
no interest in competing. change for us at IBJJF.”
I didn’t compete at all as As she embarked on this adventure, Shama
a white-belt and it wasn’t Jiu-Jitsu became a reg- continued to push herself beyond her limits,
until midway through my ulated sport in Brazil in but it wasn’t until she won at PANs in 2009 that
blue-belt that I thought, 1970, but it took 15 years she really began to understand her potential as
you know what, I’ve been for women to be allowed an athlete. Before winning at PANs, Shama lost
training consistently for a to compete. Thanks to the multiple times.
while now, I might as well efforts of Yvone Duarte,
give competitions a shot.” the first ever Brazilian JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 2 1
Jiu-Jitsu female black-belt,
Competing became a in 1985, a women’s division
passion of hers and for was created by the Rio de
the next five years, Shama Janeiro federation. Howev-
was hooked. The athlete er, it wasn’t until 1998 that
dedicated her life to being women’s divisions were
a full-time competitor. added to IBJJF tourna-
ments. Gradually, with the
“That’s all I did. I worked increase of female compet-
just enough to pay bills itors, more weight and belt
and the rest of the time I divisions were added and
was training, I was doing each rank was awarded
strength and condition- their own divisions.
ing, I was running. I was
watching my nutrition. I Shama was on the cusp of
was doing everything.” these changes when she
received her purple-belt.
Determined to achieve her The timing couldn’t have
goals, Shama structured been better. She was for-
her life around being a tunate to not have to get
full-time competitor. She clumped with the higher
traveled the country for belts at IBJJF events.
major IBJJF tournaments However at local tourna-
and local competitions ments, it was still just one
at a time when women’s women’s division. “There
divisions were just getting are many challenges of
started and there weren’t competing like that but it
a lot of women to compete was an opportunity for me
with, certainly not at the to test my Jiu-Jitsu.”

Self-doubt, low self-esteem and In Hawaii, surfing is a way of life.
overall discouragement with your Shama describes her vision of the
progress aren’t reasons to quit. future of women’s BJJ in her early
Girls in Gis days with a surf meta-
“Before 2009, I just lost and lost, call for solidarity phor: “In my vision, I was that lone
and lost and lost, and I lost for a surfer, the crazy one in the middle
very long time. But life as a com- Shama came up among some of of an ocean flat as a flat tire with
petitor taught me vital things like the best in the world. She was a no signs of swells. I’m out there
discipline, commitment and how purple belt competing against yelling: ‘Hey guys, the waves are
to take care of my body. It taught legends in the making, Macken- coming. Just come on, get out here,
me about sacrifice, how to push zie Dern and Bia Mesquita who come on and paddle!’ I always
through struggles and face hard were purple belts alongside her knew women’s Jiu-Jitsu was going
times with courage and fortitude at the time. “Having the oppor- to be big one day. I kept treading
of mind. And it most definitely tunity to compete with the elite water and now the swells are com-
taught me resilience because, as I women of Jiu-Jitsu is my greatest ing in, and the swells are huge and
mentioned, I lost so much. It was claim to fame”, Shama says. there are so many people attached
humiliating, but I kept going.” to these waves.”
Being surrounded by such talent
A volcano in eruption, Shama was inspiring but it wasn’t until Anytime there is growth, you begin
had a burning fire inside of her she got involved with Girls in Gis to see the cracks in the armor.
that kept her moving forward. that she really saw the potential Progress exposes the problems,
of where women could go in BJJ. which aren’t necessarily a bad
The year of 2009 was a turning thing but an opportunity for con-
point for Shama. After win- “My journey as a competitor was tinual growth.
ning the PANs, and having her very self-focused. You have to be
confidence re-invigorated, she selfish to live that lifestyle. Ev- One of those cracks is a lack of
went on to place second in the erything you do is to about your solidarity between Jiujiteiras that
world under Sophia Amarante, fitness, your diet and your sleep, Shama has identified as a problem
a prominent Jiujiteira who was you know, it’s very self-involved.” we can tackle as a community.
making headlines at the time. All
the hard work, sweat, tears and Once Shama connected with Girls “As women’s Jiu-Jitsu continues
blood laid down on the mats was in Gis, she developed a greater to grow and more women are
finally paying off. awareness of the community of training, I see the essence of that
women who train. “I remember initial small, tight-knit sisterhood
“I was now getting recognized for when the community was very starting to fade away. Nowadays,
my skills and not just my strug- small and tight-knit, almost un- there’s more people, lots of egos and
gles. That was the year when I derground, there wasn’t enough of personalities clashes. When things
started to discover who I was.” us to make it mainstream.” are small and tight-knit, you have
to work together because you’re a
minority. Now that our community
is growing, unfortunately, I do
see some women tearing each
other down, sometimes viciously,
especially on social media. It's a by-
product of current times. Behind
the keyboard people feel a lot more
powerful than they would saying
the same thing to someone’s face.”

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Shama calls us to preserve to destroy me? But things competitor, I had very Get involved
the sisterhood of the turned out alright. That little income, I was broke
earlier days of women’s day I learned that we are all the time. Most of us Attending a Girls in Gis
Jiu-Jitsu. “It truly hurts all women doing what we were. We were young, seminar is an experience of
my heart to see animosity love and that we can be we dedicated our lives to team building, unity and
between our sisters. We friends, we can support Jiu-Jitsu, we competed, solidarity. The organization
are stronger together. We each other and help each we trained, we sacrificed. supports female athletes
can uplift each other. We other get better.” I competed three times a and provides opportuni-
don’t have to push each day and trained six days a ties for all women to train
other down to get ahead.” The young athlete learned week. I only had two gis, I together, breaking down
a valuable lesson that couldn’t afford more. My barriers that emerged
Becoming a would change the course of dream was to create an when there weren’t any
leader her life; being competitive organization that could women open mats.
doesn’t mean you have to provide uniforms, pay for
Coming from a very tradi- tear down the other person competition fees, help fe- "My first goal as director
tional, old-school Bra- for you to rise higher. You male athletes like myself.” was to expand Girls in Gis
zilian Jiu-Jitsu academy can work together, talk to to nationwide level. For the
where the mentality was each other and use that Shama went to Ashley past several years, that's
“us against them” at the competitive nature to build Freeman Nguyen, founder exactly what we've done.
beginning of her training and strengthen the quality of Girls and Gis and pre- We established chapters
Shama was not encour- of your Jiu-Jitsu and our sented her idea — instead all over the country, and
aged to train at other community as a whole. of starting a whole new grew our social media
gyms. She did not interact nonprofit, she saw Girls spreading the word about
with people from outside Shama became an active in Gis as the springboard this awesome program."
her gym or affiliation. But member of the organiza- of her vision, maintain-
one of her friends, Lana tion and started traveling ing the original concept The pandemic forced Girls
Hunter, who was in San to attend Girls in Gis Ashley created but with a in Gis to evolve and the re-
Antonio, invited Shama to events. And the caravans greater mission to reach sult was some pretty great
a “girls thing that has just became bigger and bigger. more women and build a resources now available to
started”. Basically, a small stronger support system. the community.
group of women from As Girls in Gis events
different gyms would get became more popular, the COACH LANA HUNTER AT A GIRLS IN GIS SEMINAR , TRAINING
together in Dallas and roll demand grew. Academies THE NEXT GEN OF JIUJITEIRAS. PHOTO BY MIKE CALIMBAS
with each other. Shama were calling, requesting
was in Austin at the time to host seminars. Shama
and didn’t feel like sitting realized the organization
in the car for 5 hours to needed structure, there
go roll with some girls was no one officially run-
she never met, but Lana ning it, was very informal.
insisted and she agreed. Girls in Gis was in need of
a leader available to put
“When we arrived, I was in the work required to
really anxious and ner- take it to the next level.
vous because this was my Shama Ko stepped up to
first time cross-training, the challenge.
at a different school with
women I didn’t know. “I had always wanted
I wasn’t sure what to to start a non-profit
expect. Were they going for women in Jiu-Jitsu
because as a full-time

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 2 3

Committed to providing “Every Jiu-Jitsu journey is different
excellent resources and but at the same time, they can be very
education, Girls in Gis similar. There’s a lot of women who
launched online panel have gone through exactly what you are
discussions with experts going through, having a healthy training
of varying fields, including relationship with these women will
top-level black-belts. A va- change your journey for the better.”
riety of topics that range
anywhere from sexual JM: What would be your advice for JM: What would people be surprised to
predators in Jiu-Jitsu to someone who’s really struggling in find out about you?
talking about the compet- their Jiu-Jitsu journey? SK: I am a big hippie! I am such a hip-
itor lifestyle are covered. SK: Get in touch with Girls in Gis pie, that’s probably why I advocate love
The panel discussions also for support and access to the many and let’s all get along. I have crystals, I
opened up the opportuni- resources we have. We can help you get burn sage, I use alternative medicine
ty for Q&A sessions, where over the obstacle you're trying to over- to heal myself. I’m very open-minded
people can ask questions come on your own. I also tell people and tolerant and understanding. I was
directly to Professoras that if after exhausting all options and raised by a hippie community on a goat
such as Leticia Ribeiro doing some serious soul-searching, you farm. I’m proud to be a hippie.
and Bia Mesquita. hit a point when you realize this isn’t
for you, it's okay to quit. You don’t have JM: If you could pick anyone, dead or
They also started high- to keep training, but make sure you are alive, to roll with who would it be?
lighting up-and-coming not quiting because of self-doubt or be- SK: That's a hard one! I've had so many
competitors by doing live cause you don’t value yourself. You may opportunities to roll with legends, but
interviews with some of the not be as good as so-and-so, but you if I have to pick one I'll say Leka Vieira.
current young ladies that still have value and if you’ve been train- She was the first woman that really
are evolving the sport and ing for a minute, you know more than had a solid women's team. She is like
represent the next genera- someone who has never stepped on the the Godmother of women's BJJ and I'm
tion of women’s Jiu-Jitsu. mats. Self-doubt, low self-esteem and sad I never had an opportunity to work
overall discouragement with your prog- with her.
Another useful resource ress aren’t good reasons to quit.
that came out of quaran- JM: What are some resources outside
tine is the Technique of the Ultimately, Jiu-Jitsu is a tool that can of BJJ that you utilize in your journey
Week video lesson on their teach you so much about yourself, re- to keep you motivated and focused?
YouTube page. veal your true character, your strengths SK: Being a hippie I was taught visual-
and weaknesses. It can help you build ization and meditation from an early
“I know for a fact that had from your weaknesses and understand age. My mom and I would sit out at
I not gone to women’s-only that sometimes life sucks and we need sunrise to meditate. I used a lot of visu-
classes, all those years ago, to re-evaluate our perspective. But life alization exercises when I was compet-
had I not found Girls in is also really beautiful, makes you cry, ing. About seven years ago, I really got
Gis, I wouldn’t be sitting makes you angry. And so does Jiu-Jit- back in touch with my spirituality and
here now talking to you, su. It’s all part of growing both as an and nurturing that part of myself. It
I wouldn’t have found my athlete and a person. Jiu-Jitsu mimics has gotten me through a lot. Also yoga
passion and my purpose life and life mimics Jiu-Jitsu.
in life and I wouldn’t have and breathing exercises. Y
made the incredible friend-
ships that I have made
along the way. I wouldn’t
have the love and support I
receive from this journey.”

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An avid purple belt competitor
and IBJJF Pan American
champion Shama Ko, is
the woman responsible for
making Girls in Gis what
it is today. Having been a
member for about a year
before becoming it's director,
Shama knew first hand how
Girls in Gis had benefited her
and others. As leader, she
worked tirelessly to establish
the organization and expand
their efforts to a national
level. Since then, Girls in Gis
has hosted over 400 events
spanning two countries and
thirty states. Today, sixteen
Girls in Gis chapters exist.

In addition to seminars and
events, the sisterhood hosts
camps, provides online classes,
live Q&A interviews, and
panel discussions. Girls in Gis
aims to eliminate the barriers
that might inhibit training by
offering scholarships for tuition,
equipment, and tournament
stipends for underprivileged
women and girls worldwide.
Scholarships are only made
possible by donations.

For the past 12 years Girls
in Gis has been the number
one resource in the world
available to women and
girls in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
It's mission to educate and
empower women in the
sport continues today. Learn
more about this incredible
organization and get involved:

girls-in-gis.com/get-involved

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HAPPENINGS If your academy is interested in
hosting an event, please reach
out to Jill Baker on Facebook or
jilly.baker on Instagram.

SoCal Women's Open Mat

NEARLY 90 jiujiteiras attended!

hat a Day! On Sun- The intention behind SoCal
day, May 23rd, close Women’s Open Mats originally
to 90 women and girls was to bring together women
from all over California from different gyms because of a
(and even one from Idaho) lack of female training partners.
graced the mats for SoCal Since the organization’s begin-
Women’s long awaited Post nings in 2012, it has grown with
Pandemic Open Mat. The event the primary goal of uniting wom-
was organized by SoCal’s leader, en who train in a non competi-
Jill Baker, a black belt from tive and friendly environment.
Trujitsu Bakersfield, and was While many of the attendees
hosted by Legacy Los Angeles’ are competitors, that is not the
owner, Professor Alberto Crane focus of this movement. The
and head female instructor women who attended Sunday’s
Felina Padilla-Barros. The day event represented all belt levels
had originally been scheduled and ranged in age from 8-60. The
for May 3, 2020 and had to be community of women’s Jiu Jitsu
postponed indefinitely because is nourished when women work
of the pandemic. together in events such as these.

STORY BY JILL BAKER � PHOTOS BY BLANCA MARISA GARCIA

1 coach talk

Attack the

LEG2
Originally frowned upon in mainstream
Jiu-Jitsu, leg locks are now more popular
than ever. If you want to have a chance at
winning competitions, you have to study
leg locks. To help you get started, we have
put together some basic techniques to
help you build a solid leg attack game that
3 can be applied to gi and Nogi. Scan the
QR code below to watch the video lesson
on our website and learn how to execute
the following leg locks from half guard.

1. Straight Ankle
2. Heel Hook
3. Toe Hold
4. Calf Crusher

4 SCAN THIS QR
CODE WITH YOUR
PHONE'S CAMERA
TO WATCH THE
STEP- BY- STEP
VIDEO TUTORIAL

DAV ID S UT TO N is the lead coach and owner of Carlson Gracie
Jiu-Jitsu Team in Melbourne, FL. With over 18 years in martial arts
and currently a brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu, David is responsible for
a sucessful kids, adults and womens' program at his gym.
Contact him at: bjjmelbournefl.com

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GIRLS IN GIS

5 WAYS
you can support

Women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The women’s 1. Support Women’s open mats,
movement in events, seminars and camps >>>
Jiu-Jitsu has grown

tremendously. We’ve f you are one of one women supporting each other. We are living in a
gone from having “a or two women at And if you are fortunate enough unique time for Brazilian
women’s division” to your school finding to train with and learn from a Jiu-Jitsu. There are more
the community legendary female black belt you opportunities for females
having close to the of women that understand the importance of to train together than ever
same divisions as share your struggles can learning from other women. But before. Take advantage
be critical to your survival just because you have these of every opportunity.
men when it comes in Jiu Jitsu. Knowing that amazing resources at your
to belt, weight and you are not alone in your fingertips this doesn’t mean Support the women
age. There are more challenges can make a you can’t benefit from the other teaching and organizations
and more women’s world of difference. This is opportunities in the community that are providing these
organizations offering not an easy path but doing provided for women. Go outside opportunities. 10 years ago,
open mats, seminars it with a group of strong and your norm and train with people women would have given
and camps. More supportive women makes who don’t know your game. anything to have what
is a whole lot more fun. If Make friends with women from we have today, so reap
you have 15 to 20 women other academies and expand the benefits of the hard
training at your academy your knowledge base beyond work and sacrifices of
you understand firsthand your lineage. You can never the women before us.
the value of having a tribe of know too much in Jiu-Jitsu.

and more academies 2. Support Women’s classes >>>
are offering women’s
t takes a lot of time and energy to
classes. However, teach a class. The women running
there is always room women’s classes need your support.
Just because there are maybe 5 or
for improvement. more ladies that train on a regular
Supporting women’s basis during co-ed class doesn’t mean that
Jiu Jitsu means more you shouldn’t support the women’s classes
than just a hashtag. at your academy. Although women’s classes
tend to attract lower belts, women’s classes
Actions are what are beneficial for all levels. It gives you an
change things. Here opportunity to connect and build camaraderie
with your teammates. It is a chance to focus
are five easy ways on issues that maybe only female grapplers
for you to support face. It is an opportunity for upper belt
to work together and inspire lower belts.
women’s Jiu-Jitsu. Women are more likely to start training in a
women’s class and they need role models to
show them how far they can go.

3. Value your work and work together >>>4.

GO COMPETE! >>> ou wouldn’t go to the doctor and expect them to treat you for free just because
the doctor loves what they do. Same applies to women’s events and workshops. Just
ctions speak louder than like any other service or profession female instructors and organizations facilitating
words. Change has been these opportunities deserve to be compensated for their contribution. More work
brought on by actions of goes into making women’s event and workshops happen than most realize. For those
the many women that that do it they know it isn’t easy and requires a lot of time, energy and resources to
have gone out and make it happen. By charging for your events and workshops, you are creating more
competed over the opportunities for women to get paid teaching and further themselves professionally
in the art. Place a value on your events and workshops and the work that is put into
years and inspired others to making them happen. People will value your work more if you do.
do the same. It is the sheer
number of competitors that
has influenced companies
like IBJJF expand their
divisions for women by rank,
weight and age over the past
decade. Take advantage of
these opportunities that have
opened up for women.

The more women we We advocate that we are all in this Jiu Jitsu and work together to do what
encourage to compete, together, right? So let’s all work is best for everyone. Plan out your
the more money these together and do what is best for the events, camps, seminars, workshops
companies make and the community when planning women’s and open mats to maximize the turn out
more opportunities we will events, camps, seminars, workshops for everyone’s ventures. Cross promote
have and the closer we will and open mats. The more promoters each others women’s events, camps,
get toward equality. So, communicate between each other seminars, workshops and open mats.
support the women in your the more it can benefit the entire Running these programs take a lot of
academy and encourage community. After all that is all of our time, energy and dedication. By making
them to compete. The more goal! To unify the community and bring friends with others that are in the same
they compete the more they together everyone. Reach out to other boat you’ll find a support system to help
will see that it isn’t this big women who have taken steps to start encouraging you to keep on this path to
scary experience. It is an providing opportunities for women in help others.
opportunity to test themselves
and grow as practitioners.

5. Value yourself as an instructor
and competitor >>>

Every industry instructor to teach you. Now is take the low ball offers than
you must pay your your time to do the same. promoters have no choice but
dues and put in the raise the standard.
the hard work. The same applies to if you
But there comes are competing professionally. Again, we may love Jiu-Jitsu
a time when you deserve to Don’t undersell your value but that doesn’t mean FREE.
get paid. If you are teaching as a competitor. Don’t just It doesn’t mean that you must
classes or seminars charge compete professionally for compromise your value for
accordingly. Don’t sell yourself the love of it. Your male the sake of benefiting others
short when it comes to your counterparts that are getting or gaining exposure. The
compensation. Your time, paid 2x-3x more than you more we all hold ourselves to
energy and knowledge are sure aren’t. Don’t take offers a higher standard the higher
valuable. You’ve spent a that are below you and don’t that standard becomes. And
lot of time building up the compete in tournaments that then there won’t be any more
knowledge and have invested are not willing to recognize talk of equal pay because it
in yourself. You paid your your value. If none of us
will be the norm. Y

Beauty is a Beast A GROWING
NUMBER OF
cannabis
AT H L E T E S
the new sports medicine?
USE CANNABIS
BY VHILENA NELSON TO HELP WITH

ANXIETY,

INJURIES AND
SPEED UP

RECOVERY
TIME.

s children, many of people who use cannabis anxieties, injuries, and Dr. Anne Morgan, M.D., is
us were warned of do so in moderation. Most chronic health issues. In a a family medicine spe-
the gateway drug people using cannabis world that bogs us down cialist, and chief medical
marijuana, also prefer its use over pre- with constant stimulation, officer at MMJ Health with
known as canna- scription drugs because it many people struggle to offices in West Palm Beach
bis. We're told has a low risk of physical unwind, relax, and enjoy and Melbourne, Florida.
if we smoke addiction. Most people use slowing down for a bit. Dr. Morgan is authorized
cannabis as part of their by the state of Florida to
marijuana we will likely daily routine when they medical use prescribe cannabis to pa-
engage in other illicit believe the results are ben- tients for an assortment of
drugs. Many of us were eficial. Cannabis has been Anxiety & depression are at wellbeing reasons. Addi-
given only the negatives used by people all over the an all-time high. Prescrip- tionally, she serves on the
of this leafy green drug world for thousands of tion anti-depressants and board of directors for the
and none of the benefits. years for social, medical, anti-anxiety medications American Academy of Can-
Cannabis consumers are and spiritual purposes. are being handed out and nabinoid Medicine. A little
often stereotyped as un- These causes are often sep- popped like candy. While more than six years prior
motivated, slackers known arate, but they can overlap. these prescriptions may Dr. Morgan said she didn't
as "stoners." However, resolve some of the initial know much in regards to
research into the reasons Cannabis is commonly issues, the side effects and the medical benefits of
why people use marijuana used for social and medical dependency can become a medical marijuana. She
paints a different picture. reasons. When used cor- bigger problem. We made became interested when a
It demonstrates that the rectly, it aids in relaxation a point of interviewing significant number of her
majority of people who use and concentration, mak- someone who believes patients who already had
cannabis do so to improve ing a variety of tasks more passionately in the healing a medical marijuana card
their quality of life. enjoyable. People claim power of medical marijua- would disclose to her how
that cannabis allows them na. Dr. Anne Lynne Morgan cannabis assisted with
Cannabis has a variety of to enjoy more activities has devoted her life to the chronic illnesses, cancer,
effects on humans. It is such as eating, listening to health and well-being of epilepsy, PTSD, and so on.
dependent on the person, music, socializing, watch- her patients through pre- She felt committed as a
the situation, the form ing movies, playing sports, scribing medical marijuana clinician to do her explora-
and quality of cannabis having sex, and becom- as an alternative to pre- tion and become familiar
used, and the method of ing artistic. People often scription drugs. with medical marijuana.
consumption. According use it to help with social
to studies, the majority of

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dr morgan's story

Morgan spent tireless hours educat-
ing herself on medical marijuana
and its effects on the human en-
docannabinoid system. Backed by
science, she discovered, with the use
of medical marijuana, that medical
cannabis shows maximum balance
in the human body. Dr. Morgan
became a strong advocate for the
legalization of medical cannabis as
she was able to not only witness its
powerful positive effects on her pa-
tients but also believed in her studies
which proved medical marijuana
was more beneficial than harmful.

At this time in Dr. Morgan's life, she
could only advocate cannabis healing
powers through the testimonies of
her patients since she had not per-
sonally experienced it for herself. It
took a tragic but eye-opening injury
to change her world making her even
firmer in her support of medical
marijuana. Morgan suffered a very
serious horseback ride accident
which caused several brain hemor-
rhages, a shattered pelvis, a broken
wrist, and broken ribs. She had to be
airlifted to a trauma center and was
given only a 40% chance of survival.

Her son, Marshall Morgan, who also
has a background in medical mari-
juana, began dosing his mother, who
was in a coma, with CBD oil after be-
ing informed that if she survived the
accident there was a 20% chance of
permanent brain damage. Marshall
decided the CBD oil was worth the
try, considering the neuroprotective
properties of cannabis.

Dr. Morgan believes wholeheartedly
that she is fully functioning today
with no vision, verbal, or brain
damage because of the her son's

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 3 1

care and decision to use CBD oil as MEDICAL CANNABIS USES
treatment. Dr. Morgan is now fully
recovered and continues to treat Injuries that can be treated with medical marijuana
patients, however, she is now doing range from minor to serious, depending on the activity
so with her personal experience as and athlete, but the most common include:
another way to relate to her patients
and their ailments. Her mission is to Swollen and Fractures Dislocated
heal her patients, not get them high. sore muscles joints
She feels it is incredibly important to
understand the distinction between Anxiety Headaches Repetitive
the idea of using marijuana to get head trauma
high and using marijuana to heal.

After speaking with Dr. Morgan we
have a much clearer understanding
of cannabis healing properties and
why medical marijuana and CBD are
beneficial for a multitude of reasons
including recovery for athletes.

Be selective

When it comes to medical marijua- grown specifically to heal patients. sports medicine
na, Dr. Morgan emphasizes the im- It's becoming widely understood
portance of understanding what you through science and the medical As it turns out, for some athletes
are purchasing and from whom you world that medical marijuana is an marijuana and wellness go hand and
are buying cannabis products. Many effective treatment plan over many hand. It is not a matter of whether
of us have seen the marketing and manufactured prescription drugs. an athlete will have a physical injury
storefronts that advertise CBD oils It helps to heal the mind, body, and along their career, it's a matter of
derived from the hemp plant which soul and allows its patients to live when. And with an injury, a decent
can be purchased without a medical and function normally on a day-to- recovery plan becomes even more
marijuana card because it does not day basis with little to no side effects. important. Athletes, professional
contain THC. It is important to know or amateur, need treatment that
CBD oil from hemp can be useful as a permits them to recuperate rapidly,
topical form of pain relief; it does not viably, and with as few side effects as
affect the human body when digest- possible. Like never before, there's
ed. According to Dr. Morgan, CBD elevated attention to the dangers
from hemp is good for animals as a of competitions and the drawn-out
form of pain relief, and CBD from the impacts of concussions, damaged
cannabis plant is good for the human nervous systems, bone injuries,
body when managing inflammation joint pain, and torn muscle tissues.
and muscle recovery. She does not Marijuana is now rising as the new
recommend or agree with purchas- champion medication for all ath-
ing hemp CBD oil for consumption. letes. The option of utilizing cannabis

Also medical marijuana is very dif- V HIL E N A N E L S ON is a professional hair stylist and owner of
ferent from what an individual can His & Her Mobile Hair Salon in Melbourne, FL. A blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu,
purchase on the street. What the dis- Vhilena competes in BJJ and is a local advocate for women in the
pensaries sell are clean, reliable, and sport. You can contact her at: [email protected]
or hisandhermobilehaircare.com
3 2 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM

comes as great help to those who've Anyone with an active lifestyle can health care there is an option without
been dealing with recurring pain long benefit from cannabis. It can help harmful side-effects. Many people
after an injury. A large amount of nar- protect against and recover from a who turn to medical marijuana over
cotics is presently the main source of multitude of injuries. At the end of the prescription drugs report feeling
treatment. Narcotic-based prescrip- day, it is truly up to the individual how calmer, more artistic, sleeping better,
tions have shown to have destructive they decide to manage their pain. and having an overall better exis-
results with regards to chronic pain tence. While on occasion you may
management, and the chances the in- Isn't it nice to know that marijuana find yourself rummaging through
dividual will likely suffer withdrawal, is not the awful drug it was conveyed your pantry for some goodies or
addiction, and fatal overdose are high. to be, but rather a healer when used laughing hysterically at a ridiculous
The rate which narcotics are pre- responsibly? It is comforting to know commercial, that is certainly a more
scribed to athletes and the increase of that if you are suffering and want pleasant side-effect than those of its
opioid-related deaths is alarming. to try a more natural route for your
pharmaceutical competitors. Y

Under medical guidance patients are CANNABIS CONTAINS COMPOUNDS called “phytocannabinoids” that are very
paired with a strand of medical mar- similar to compounds the human body produces, called “endocannabinoids.” The
ijuana that will best suit their needs. cannabis cannabinoids interact with receptors in our bodies to help establish and
Whether used to combat pain, lessen maintain homeostasis, or balance. These same receptors, when stimulated by the
anxiety or aid with sport-related cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, can help alleviate a myriad of injuries
injuries the use of marijuana is being and ailments. The most common medicinal benefits of cannabis include:
considered in sports as an acceptable
treatment. Athletes looking for a saf- • Reduced inflammation • Wound and bone healing
er, more effective recovery method • Pain relief • Anxiety reduction
without the risk of addiction may • Brain trauma/neuroprotection • Rehabilitation and recovery
want to evaluate medical marijuana.

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yoga for jiu jitsu

A powerful back bend, Cobra Pose, called
Bhujangasana (serpent) in Sanskrit, fights
fatigue and relieves back pain by creating
a deep opening in the chest and shoulders.
Cobra is one of the most indicated yoga
poses for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu because it nicely
counteracts the "grapplers' position",
the hunched forward posture of BJJ.

Cobra Pose
Bhujangasana

BY EVELYN SUT TON

1. Begin by lying face down on the floor, Beginners’ tips ▶ Keep your shoulders
palms next to your chest. Make sure you tuck relaxed and the base of
your elbows in close to the body so they are ▶ Take your time in this your neck soft
touching your ribs. Press the tops of the feet backbend. Only go so far as it
and quads firmly into the floor. feels comfortable. Keep your ▶ Point your elbows backwards
belly engaged and lower back rather than out to the sides
2. On the next inhale, begin to straighten your long. Maintain the connection
arms to lift your chest off the floor, grounding with your hips on the floor
from your hip bones. Lift up to where you can
still ground through the hips.

3. Keep your core engaged at all times during
this pose to avoid stress on the lumbar spine.
Focus on extending your thoracic spine and
engaging the shoulder blades by drawing
them back.

4. Hold for 5 deep breaths, release back down
to the floor slowly with the last exhalation.
Repeat.

TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL: E V E LY N S U T TON is a E-RYT200 yoga teacher and owner of
If you have the flexibility in the armpits, LuxDei Studio in Melbourne, FL. A white belt in Jiu-Jitsu, Evelyn applies
chest, and groins you can move into her personal practice and knowledge of yoga to BJJ while helping
a deeper backbend. Walk the hands others do the same. You can contact her at: [email protected]
a little farther forward and straighten or luxdeistudio.com
your elbows, turning the arms outward.
Lift the top of the sternum straight
toward the ceiling.

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PROFESSORA MOM Enjoy some
girl time!

Women’s Only
classes

BY PROFESSORA ALICIA L PAVIA SANDOVAL

henever I meet some- came up the ranks only fits of training BJJ is that These reasons sound great,
one in the Brazilian having men to train with. is the most effective form don’t they? But there is
Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) commu- Yes, the occasional women of martial arts style for an even more important
nity and they find out I have would come into the acad- self-defense. When a wom- reason – the strength we
my own academy, they are emy I was training at, try an is attacked, it is usually give and receive through
usually pretty surprised. As class, maybe even sign up. by a man and not another the bonds we build when
if, here I am, a woman and Unfortunately, they very woman. Training with we support each other
I HAVE MY OWN ACADE- rarely lasted a couple of men will better prepare a in perusing endeavors
MY. Then, the assumptions months, much less made woman to defend herself outside our comfort zone.
start…. The first is usually it to blue belt. Historically if she ever needed to. In today’s world women are
that I have large women’s from the start of opening still fighting unseen battles.
only classes, and the my own place the num- Benefits Glass ceiling challenges still
second is that I only teach bers made it really hard to of Women’s exist and over the years we
the women’s classes. justify having a women’s BJJ Classes have taken on roles outside
class on the schedule. the home but have not given
Well, here’s the reality – With that said, I do up our traditional roles
outside of the occasional Self-Defense believe there are benefits spreading ourselves thin.
all women’s class I add on is the core to having women only We are still mothers, wives,
a Saturday here and there, of BJJ classes on the schedule sisters, daughters, etc. Now
we do not have any women’s for academies that have more and more women are
classes on the regular class Some academies are suc- numbers for it. These ben- crossing into what has been
schedule. Yep, that’s right. cessful at attracting female efits include a female only traditionally men sports
I have my own academy students via a women’s only environment to introduce like Mixed Martial Arts and
and no regularly scheduled class on the schedule. It is BJJ to a woman who is Wrestling. If BJJ was easy,
women’s classes. Well then, great when this happens. not comfortable training everyone would do it and
if that is the case what When I put a Saturday with men; a gateway en- have a black belt. Women’s
classes do I teach you ask? I women’s class on the sched- vironment for women to only classes and events pro-
teach any of the co-ed adult ule it is usually packed and pick up some techniques vide a ‘sisterhood training
and/or kids classes on the some of the girls (when before transitioning to environment’ where women
schedule. My husband and I they are included) bring co-ed classes; and its an can come together and en-
work together and divide up their moms in to try class. excellent way to supple- joy some girl time surround-
teaching. Wondering why? However, one of the bene- ment co-ed training. ed by those experiencing
Well, I'm more than happy
to explain my rational. similar challenges. Y

The numbers just aren’t AL IC IA SA N DOVA L is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, competitor
there. I am part of the last and instructor on the legendary Carlson Gracie Team. She is the first
generation of women that woman to be awarded a black-belt directly from Master Carlson
Gracie Jr. She owns Carlson Gracie Team Arizona with her husband.
Contact her: [email protected] or carlsongracieteamaz.com

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close choke

The Shield-Maiden

Archaeological finds of Viking graves in Sweden with the remains of
decorated female warriors from the 10th century, prove that in Norse
society, women were as powerful as men. A female warrior was referred
to as a Shield-Maiden (Skjaldmær), and was mirrored in the spiritual
realm of the afterlife by the legendary Valkyries. Shield-Maidens are part
of Scandinavian folklore and are mentioned in epic sagas. Nowadays
they also appear on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mats. Proud of her rich heritage,
Lindsay Conley is a modern Shield-Maiden who has chosen the gi as her
armor and Jiu-Jitsu as her weapon.

STORY & PHOTOS BY EVELYN SUT TON

JM: Tell us about yourself. She had been doing it for I started to train, I got to a JM: If you were a BJJ sub-
How old are you? Where about 6 months before point where I was feeling mission, what would you
are you from and what I started the women's better and stronger, no be and why?
does a typical day in your self-defense program at matter what my body LC: I probably have to say
life look like? Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jit- looked like. I also feel a lot that arm bar you get when
LC: I am 33 as of June su Team in Melbourne, less stress. Jiu-Jitsu has you've been trying so hard
22nd, and I was born and Florida. I saw the changes become my own personal to get to a different posi-
raised in New Jersey, just in her confidence and her therapy session. tion. It's really what you
near the shore. A typical attitude, and was a little were going for, but the op-
day during the week is me nervous to join the co-ed JM: How long have you portunity presented itself
going to work at 5:00 a.m. classes. When the wom- been training? Do you and you happily take it.
until 2:00pm, then pick- en's classes started up, I prefer gi or no-gi?
ing up my daughter from figured I'd give it a shot. LC: I have been training JM: What things do you
school and spending a bit since September 2020, find hard in training?
of time working on this or JM: What impact has so about 8 months now. LC: My biggest issue seems
that in my house before Jiu-Jitsu made in your I definitely would say I to be getting caught on the
having dinner and going life, as a woman, and prefer gi. A few times I've bottom of a half-guard. I
to BJJ practice. Then it's individual? tried nogi, it's just so hard know the move to get out
snuggle time before bed. LC: I feel healthy. I know to hold on to anything. and I try with all my might
a lot of women struggle You're already sweaty and to escape, battling the
JM: What attracted you to with weight and appear- gross and now you're add- other person's pressure,
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? ance, thinking they're not ing slippery clothes or just but most of my strength is
LC: Actually it was watch- slim enough or fit enough, bare skin. I like the grab not in my upper half body,
ing my daughter train. and I was one of them. As options the gi offers. so it takes a lot out of me.

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JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 3 9

JM: And what do you of you they're talking to. A BOND THAT drummer for me at the
find easy, what comes But I had a lot of fun and LASTS > time then to participate in
natural to you? I do plan on competing school sports. I guess high
LC: On the flip side of what again but will be sticking A SPORT THEY school was my rebel phase.
I find hard, I'm told that to in-house tournaments B OT H EN JOY,
I have excellent pressure for now. JIU-JITSU HAS JM: How important is
when I get to a mount having a “female squad”
position, even sometimes JM: How does it feel to be BECOME A BIG you can lean on for
on side control. I have no a woman on the mat in PA RT O F L IN D SAY 'S encouragement and
problem bearing down on what is still a male domi- support at your gym?
my opponent and keeping nated sport? A N D N ATA SSIA'S LC: Totally important,
them down. LC: Empowering, but also R E L AT I O N S H I P, at least for me. My gym
intimidating at the same has so many strong and
JM: You recently had your time. It's awesome that BRINGING MOTHER amazing women that
very first Jiu-Jitsu compe- so many more women are AND DAUGHTER have worked with me and
tition at your home gym’s stepping up and making EVEN CLOSER. helped me through all the
in-house tournament. their way in this sport. little things, the small de-
What was that experi- But being in practice and tails that can sometimes
ence like and will you rolling with somebody make or break a move. I'm
compete again? who is clearly stronger not sure I would have been
LC: It was a little than you, sometimes you able to jump into the co-ed
nerve-wracking. And a to- find yourself wondering, adult classes without the
tally different feeling from can I actually flip this situ- encouragement of some of
rolling in practice, with ation around, use it to my those women.
everybody else rolling advantage, can I actually
around you. In a compe- get to a good position?
tition, it's you and her on
the mats alone, no one to JM: Did you play any JM: What do you consider
guide you step-by-step on sports in high school? the greatest challenges
how to do it. People are LC: Sadly no. In high for women in Jiu-Jitsu?
yelling things like watch school I kind of fell in LC: I know for a lot of
that leg, turn into her, with the "metal heads " women, it's the lack of
watch your back. And you and it was cooler to wear other women to train
have no idea which one all black and be a chick with. They have no one
to roll with and feel more
comfortable around. I
know for me it was hard
to think about jumping at
the practice with the men.
Sadly there are also cases
of complete disrespect
because some people still
think a woman shouldn't
be in a "man's sport".

J I U - JITS U FA MILY >
CA R LY A N D H USB A N D SHAWN
ENJOY TRAINING TOGETHER AND
H A N G IN G O UT W IT H THEIR N EWLY

FOU N D B JJ FA M ILY

4 0 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM

JM: Do you have any JM: You’re a photographer. much more confident. I JM: How far do you want
women who inspire How did you get involved like knowing that if put to go in your training?
you in BJJ? with Jiujiteira Magazine? in a situation where she LC: That is kind of up in
LC: Every issue of this LC: Well, through random needs to defend herself, I the air at the moment. I'm
magazine has shown me conversations, people know she will be safe. In definitely planning on do-
women from all over the found out I did photogra- the beginning, as a parent, ing more in-house compe-
place and each one of phy, and Evelyn Sutton, the I was worried that it would titions, possibly thinking
their stories is amazing publisher of Jiujiteira Mag- cause her to be more about later down the line
and inspiring. Young girls azine asked if she could aggressive or she would competing at NAGA. But
beating the stereotypes use my services from time get hurt. What I quickly I'm not setting anything
early in life, just setting to time for events at and realized is that you need in stone. I'm going to see
themselves up for success around the gym. My first to trust their coaches. And where the vibes take me.
as they get older. Even the shoot was of our Christmas the coach she has is so car-
older women not letting party, which was quickly ing and so patient, Jiu-Jit- JM: What are you current-
their age keep them from followed by the amazing su has completely changed ly working on and would
doing what they love. But opportunity to do a cover our lives, for the better. like to get better at?
the most inspiration I get photo shoot with Sophia LC: I'm trying to find new
is my fellow gym mates. McDermott, the JM: As a young ways to get out of the bot-
Each of them a mother, or first female single mom, tom of a half-guard, that
a business owner, or a stu- black has train- position is out to get me.
dent. Each one of them on belt ing af-
their own level of training, from fected JM: What is a life lesson
on their own busy sched- Aus- who that BJJ has taught you?
ules. But they never fail tralia, you LC: The fact you are your
to give it their best and to for an date own worst enemy, your
kick some serious butt. ar- and hardest critic. And some-
ticle how do times you need to learn to
JM: What are some of your on the poten- get out of your own way.
hobbies and interests maga- tial boy-
outside of Jiu-Jitsu? zine. It was friends react JM: What is your hope
LC: At this present mo- an overwhelming for women’s Jiu-Jitsu?
ment I am studying to sensation to capture this to your training? LC: I would love to see mul-
become a dog trainer. I amazing and strong wom- LC: For a long time now tiple generations of families
believe that you can create an, and then to see my I have been a "take it or inspiring each other and
a better bond with your work in print for the very leave it" kind of person, rising up in this sport and
dog, your furry member of first time. It was a mo- and practicing Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle. Grandmothers
the family, with adequate ment I will never forget. has only strengthened rolling with their daugh-
structure and confidence. that feeling. This is me, ters, who are rolling with
I am also big into photog- JM: Your daughter also this is all the things I do
raphy. There's nothing trains. As a mom, why do and if any of it doesn't sit their own daughters. Y
quite like capturing that you feel is important for right with you then I'm
one moment in time that girls to learn Brazilian not sure it will work. As "...you are your own
will never repeat itself in Jiu-Jitsu and do you have for potential boyfriends, worst enemy, your
the exact same way. On any advice for parents? that hasn't happened
my nerd side, I love the LC: Her everyday attitude since I've started training. hardest critic.
cosplay. It's Halloween, has improved greatly in But I would like to think And sometimes
all year long, whenever I the time she has been they'd be interested in you need to learn
want to dress up. training. She is a lot more it. And if they weren't al-
evenly tempered, and so ready training they might to get out of
want to join in. your own way."

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 4 1

out of the cage Being a female in such a
male-dominated sport comes
Sorry with its fair share of griev-
Not Sorry ances and challenges, but it also
provides us with invaluable lessons
that can be applied to daily life as
well. I’ve noticed that women have
a habit of shrinking ourselves and
making ourselves smaller in situ-
ations to appear less authoritative
which can be misconstrued as
“bitchy”. Rather than risk the pos-
sibility of being judged as anything
less than dominant or powerful,
we will kneecap ourselves in order
to satiate society’s preconceived
notions of how a woman should
be viewed. I can almost guarantee
you that men don’t go through life
trying to downplay themselves in
order to be more approachable or
less domineering. They are viewed
as alpha and top of their game and
what many others aspire to be like.
So why don’t we do the same?

"We do not need to
add modifiers to our
sentences in order to
seem less harsh when
we are in the right
mind space to say
what needs to be said."

SA MA N T HA S E F F, "The Wolf Queen" is a BJJ brown belt under Team
Rubao Carioca at Schell Shock BJJ in Fuquay Varina, NC. She's a professional
atomweight MMA fighter and writes a weekly blog: WolfQueenMMA.com.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking & baking and besides her
title belts, her color-coded self-written cookbook is her most prized
possession. You can reach her via DM on Instagram @wolfqueenmma

4 2 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM

Let’s elaborate further on the By being afraid of how others dence to speak what I mean and to
kneecapping theory. By this I may perceive us and there- mean what I say. I was not handed
imply that oftentimes, we as fore kneecapping ourselves, a brown belt from my professors
women will slightly diminish our we are inevitably doing more harm for no reason, but have earned the
own thoughts and actions in order than good and diminishing the knowledge that comes with achiev-
to appease the masses or to ensure power we can achieve just by having ing this rank. If I don’t command re-
that we still come across as amicable the gusto to allow our voices to be spect with myself by speaking with
and approachable. By saying things heard. That belt around your waist strength, then who is to say anyone
such as: “maybe you should do that is indicative of the hard work you else in the gym will respect what I
grip differently” or “That sort of have earned and achieved through have to say as well. My voice and my
seems like you’re muscling the tech- countless hours of dedication on the will are unrelenting and unwaver-
nique” we are subconsciously asking mats, so it’s perfectly okay to assert ing, and if a woman in position of
permission to come across as more your authority. Do you think Joan of power makes you uncomfortable,
polite. We do not need to add modifi- Arc was afraid of the opinions of the then that is a ‘you’ problem and has
ers to our sentences in order to seem mere average commoner who hadn’t nothing to do with me.
less harsh when we are in the right an ounce of the bravery and warrior
mind space to say what needs to be spirit she possessed? Be like Joan Women have made their
said, and we shouldn’t feel as if we and start imposing your will. mark in this sport and
are inconveniencing others by telling continue to break down
them how to do the move properly, Let’s agree to stop apologizing barriers every single day. We should
especially when we clearly have the for things we have no busi- never apologize for accomplishing
knowledge and experience to do so. ness being sorry for. Saying great feats and letting our domi-
things like “I’m sorry but you’re nance be heard. The lion doesn’t
If we are uncomfortable in a hurting me” during a roll on the apologize to the gazelle for feeding
certain situation, we have every mats lessens the responsibility of his family and neither will I for
right to speak up for ourselves the culprit going too hard on their feeding my competitive spirit. We
and let our voice be heard. This training partner. Why are we sorry? will persevere in our recognition and
doesn’t make us weak or inferior Even if we are of higher rank, the allow ourselves to flourish, always
just because we lodge a so-called individual with more muscle and confidently believing in our hard-
complaint in present company. strength does not need to go 100% earned positions of authority and let-
Women don’t have to maintain a in cranking our limbs and grinding ting it be known it is well-deserved.
fear of inconveniencing or upsetting our joints. I am not sorry for telling
every person they come in contact anyone this, but will make my safety A woman’s place is on the mats. Y
with or harbor the anxiety that oth- for my fighting career my utmost
ers will view them in a negative light priority. If that makes me a selfish B WANT
for stating something that no man word, then so be it. But at least I will MORE?
would ever second guess himself be able to fight another day where
about voicing. If you are flailing on it really matters in competition, Follow this column online:
the mats and in danger of injuring and not the imaginary gold medals jiujiteiramagazine.com/
someone, best believe I will call you inside of the dojo. category/out-of-the-cage
out on it. And if my safety is in ques-
tion by rolling with you, I have every It’s taken many years for me
single right to turn it down. ‘No’ is a to be comfortable in the skin
complete sentence. I am in and to have the confi-

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 4 3

ask the doc

Core Conundrum

A strong core is essential for Jiu-Jitsu. Often the decisive moments in a match are determined

by muscular power actions. In this article, Doctor Fletcher dives into the core of the issue.

hat is the core? In a broader sense, than people without improved core
Where is the core? Who the core also includes low back pain (1). muscular strength
is the core? Why is the the gluteal muscles, When core strengthen- and balance (2).
core? All good questions particularly gluteus ing is combined with
that have many different maximus and medius. strengthening of the A strong core is essen-
answers depending on the ex- People with low back gluteal musculature, tial for Jiu-Jitsu. Core
pert you talk to. A person who pain have decreased people with low back muscles need to have
has eight pack abdominals may or gluteus medius strength pain will have a greater both quick initiation
may not have a strong core, but they and more trigger points decrease in pain with strength and endur-
certainly have the discipline to eat
salads and keep their body fat low The simplest and best way to
enough to show off their muscles. strengthen your core is to find
exercises that make your stomach
The core is divided into the inner core
and the outer core. The inner core is a and butt muscles work.
cylinder composed of the diaphragm
(top), pelvic floor (bottom), the
transverse abdominis and internal
obliques (front), and the multifidus
(back). The outer core is the rectus
abdominis (front), external obliques
(side), hip flexors (front), erector
spinae (back), and the quadratus
lumborum (back). If the core is acting
normally, the inner core will antic-
ipate movement and engage before
you even start moving, and then the
outer core will engage. A poorly func-
tioning core will have the reverse ac-
tion which leads to slower activation
and compensation patterns creating
decreased athletic performance
and increased risk of injury.

ILLUSTRATION BY DUSTIN SCOTT

C HRIS F L E TC HE R has her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the
University of Iowa and owns Combat Arts Physical Therapy in Spokane,
Washington. She is a purple belt under Newborn Cascao Jiu Jitsu, and is
happy to answer your questions regarding musculoskeletal injuries.
Email those to [email protected]

4 4 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM

facts jiu-jitsu shopping

Advanced Jiu-Jitsu competitors TOP 10
have superior lower extremity and
upper extremity muscular power. EXERCISES TO BUILD
A STRONG CORE

ance to stabilize your spine. This Muscular power is the ability 1. PLANKX-PACK
makes it possible to have a firm to lift weight quickly, and it is SI 2. BUTTERFLY SIT-UP
base of support for all move- traditionally strengthened WER
ments. The last thing anyone by plyometrics ( jumping). 3. BOAT
wants is to have a slinky dog Interestingly, a recent study 4. SIDE PLANK
mid-section and no ability to build showed that to increase 5. JACK-KNIFE
power or frames in their arms or muscular power for the vertical LO 6. WHEELBARROW
legs. When elite Jiu-Jitsu athletes jump test, the group that 7. LEG RAISE
are tested for core endurance, worked on core strengthening 8. ROW YOUR BOAT
they are rated as excellent (3). performed better than 9. HIP DIP
the group that worked on U 10. WALL PLANK
Often the decisive moments in a leg plyometrics (4).
match are determined by mus- PPER ORETOP 10
cular power actions. Advanced The simplest and best way to
Jiu-Jitsu competitors have superi- strengthen your core is to find FOODS TO NOURISH
or lower extremity and upper exercises that make your stom- C A STRONG CORE
extremity muscular power (3). ach and butt muscles work. All
too often when people work on 1. BELL PEPPERS
The content in this article is for core strengthening, they will
informational purposes only - it is feel pain or fatigue in their low 2. BANANAS
not intended to delay or substitute for back or hip flexors. So next
professional medical advice, diagnosis, time you work on core CO 3. GREEN TEA
and/or treatment. The content is not strengthening, make sure 4. LEAN POULTRY
intended to promote understanding of you only feel it in the muscle MPLETE
various musculoskeletal injuries. Content 5. ACORN SQUASH
may not apply to your specific condition you are targeting! Y
or symptoms. Always seek the advice of 6. BLACK BEANS
your physician or other qualified medical questions
professional for any question you have about an O 7. OATMEAL
for a medical condition. injury? 8. QUINOA
BLIQUES
REFERENCES Please send them to 9. KAMUT
1. SADLER S, CASSIDY S, PETERSON B, SPINK M, CHUTER V. GLU- [email protected].
TEUS MEDIUS MUSCLE FUNCTION IN PEOPLE WITH AND WITHOUT Your question could be chosen
LOW BACK PAIN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL and answered in this article.

DISORDERS. VOLUME 20, ARTICLE NUMBER: 463 (2019). 10. CHERRIES

2. JEONG UC, SIM JH, KIM CY, HWANG-BO G, NAM CH. THE
EFFECTS OF GLUTEUS MUSCLE STRENGTHENING EXERCISE

AND LUMBAR STABILIZATION EXERCISE ON LUMBAR MUSCLE
STRENGTH AND BALANCE IN CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN PA-
TIENTS. J PHYS THER SCI. 2015 DEC; 27(12): 3813–3816.

3. ANDREATO LV, LARA FJD, ANDRADE A, BRANCO BHM. PHYSICAL
AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PROFILES OF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU ATHLETES: A
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. SPORTS MEDICINE. FEBRUARY 2017 OPEN 3(1).

4. AFYON YA. THE EFFECT OF CORE AND PLYOMETRIC EXERCISES ON
SOCCER PLAYERS. THE ANTHROPOLOGIST. VOLUME 18, 2014 - ISSUE 3.

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 4 5

SOFIAFIT

Bruising with Sophia McDermott

for Jiu-Jitsu athletes

There is so much that goes on in t the beginning when we start training we all end up
the body when we start something with bruises and this is normal. This is due to two
as physically intense as Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu. Our body works hard at reasons. The first one is that our body is not used
adapting so that we can take the to the constant impact and pressure. The second
force and the pressure all the while reason is because when we are beginners we
we are getting stronger and fitter.
Initially when we start we end up tend to roll with beginners who are clumsy, awkward and are more
covered in bruises but even though likely to bump into you, fall on you and grip your skin underneath
our body does adjust I wanted to your gi (which is one of my pet peeves.) As we progress, so does the
share some solutions to minimize levels of our training partners so the bruising does become less.
bruising overall.
S OP HIA MC DE RMOT T ( DRYS DA L E ) is Australia's first female
4 6 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM BJJ black belt. A Pan Am and World Champion, she is a certified trainer
and nutrition specialist with the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Sophia owns Girls On Top an interactive BJJ platform for women. For
more info: [email protected], sophiaFIT.com, FB: Sophia FIT

AN OVERALL LACK OF CALORIES IS ONE FACTOR THAT REDUCES THE RATE AT WHICH BRUISES HEAL.

Usually after the first few In my experience as a tial amino acids (which recovering from bruises.
months the bruising does trainer most women are the building blocks of Iron can be found in ani-
subside with the excep- do not eat enough and life). There are a total of 20 mal products such as liver,
tion of a few shiners that consequently they have amino acids but 9 of them beef, chicken, oysters
are just bound to happen suppressed immune sys- must be ingested through known as heme sources
along the way.The human tems and don't heal from diet since the body can't of iron and also in plant
body is amazing and bruises, cuts and injuries. make them. Animal based based sources known as
somehow adapts so that Also the wear and tear of protein sources such as non-heme sources of iron
we can continue to do the training takes its toll if the fish, poultry and eggs are found in fortified cereals,
same movements with body doesn't have beans and spinach. Your
the same pressure and the energy to known as complete body can absorb iron de-
impact without bruising repair and proteins since rived from animal sources
like we did at the start. If recover they contain much more easily so if
the bruising continues at leaving the essen- you are a vegetarian you
the same rate that it did at the tial amino should supplement with
the start after you are well athlete acids that some iron.
into your bjj journey, then constantly the body
this might be a sign that tired and cannot C) LACK OF VITAMIN C:
your body is not running lethargic. make. Plant Vitamin C is important for
optimally. Here are some based sources the formation of collagen,
reasons for easy bruising: The body needs at least the building and repair of
1200 calories a day just to of protein are tissue. If you are low in vi-
Not eating carry out it's basic biolog- known as incomplete tamin C then healing from
enough ical functions. Through proteins since they do not cuts and bruises could
something as physical as contain the essential ami- take longer. Vitamin C can
An overall lack of calories BJJ on top of that and the no acids which can make be found in bell peppers,
is the main reason for con- body needs at least as addi- it hard for your body to cantaloupe, strawberries
stant bruising and luckily tional 500 calories. rebuild, grow and repair. and oranges. Try eating
one that is easily treatable. these fruits and vegeta-
Years ago I was training a Deficiencies If you are vegetarian then bles before eating some
lady who started BJJ. She eggs are a great source of steak, or chicken since the
ended up with the most Even if you are getting protein with high bioavail- vitamin C will increase the
horrific bruising I have enough calories, the type of ability and all the essential absorption of the iron!
ever seen. After a couple of calories are very important. amino acids. If you are
weeks and no sign of the Not healing from bruising vegan and can't eat any Take a look at your diet
bruising subsiding I asked can come about if you are animal products then pea, and double check that you
her how much she was deficient in certain macro hemp and brown rice pro- are consuming enough
eating and she told me and micro nutrients. tein powders contain all calories first off and
that she was only eating the essential amino acids. enough foods containing
once a day. Basically, since A) LACK OF PROTEIN: If essential amino acids,
her body was starving it you are an athlete it is vital b) Lack of Iron: Iron is a iron and vitamin C so that
did not have the energy to that you consume enough mineral that plays a vital you can rule out any more
heal itself and the un- protein for performance, roll in red blood cells serious conditions. Mak-
healed bruises were just recovery and repair. It is which manufacture he- ing some small changes
layering on top of each very important that you moglobin that carries the in your diet might give
other until her entire leg consume protein sources oxygen into the muscles. you more energy, increase
was black. that contain all the essen- If your diet is low in iron your recovery and heal
then you may feel tired,
lethargic and have poor faster from bruises. Y
recovery which includes

around the world 2
1

4 3 1. PAYTON HINKLE, SION BJJ, PA :
5 At 12 years old, Payton is already winning at major
4 8 | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM events such as Emerald City Invitational. A SicChic
sponsored athlete, you can follow her journey on

IG: hinklegoonsquad_payton
2. MIRIS LEON, KOMPOUND JIU-JITSU, CO:

This beautiful Jiujiteira is also a talented
photographer. Check out her self-portrait!
3. AREA 502 MMA, LOUISVILLE, KY: A few of our
Kentucky sisters recently visited Jiujiteira Magazine's
headquarters for a seminar with Master Carlson
Gracie Jr. We enjoyed your visit and hope to share the
mats with you again soon! Left-to-right: Camila Nanes
da Silva, Katie Jones, Bhrianne McLeod, Manky Bruner,
Gabriela França, Deidre Canada, Olivia Walker

4. ALESSANDRA SEGAL, DALLAS, TX
Alexandra is 11 years old, and attends the Shelton

School, an incredible school for students with
learning challenges. She is a fierce competitor!
She won the 2019 IBJJF European Championship
in Dublin, Ireland, has competed at Pan Kids and
American Nationals twice, earning medals at both.
Alex is a brand ambassador for Too Pretty brand.

5. SAMARA LERMA, LEGENDS BJJ, TX:
Samara is 12 yrs old, competes all around Texas and

currently holds 12 wins under her yellow belt (10 by
sub). Her dream is to become a Mechanical Engineer

and earn her BJJ black belt as early as she can.
6. FLORENCE BJJ IN FLORENCE, AL:

Say hello to Jiujiteiras Erica, Katie and Becky!
7. MONA BAILEY, CARLSON GRACIE HOUSTON, TX:
Our December issue cover girl, the wonderful Mona
Bailey with Evelyn Sutton during her visit to Jiujiteira

Magazine's headquarters in Melbourne, FL. Read
more about Mona's visit on page 14.

8. KATIE BOVETT, NAGA ORLANDO:
Katie celebrated Mother's Day in style by competing

with her son and taking home gold. She won first
place after undergoing extensive spine surgery
proving BJJ moms are tougher than most.
9. LINDSEY BOSTON, ARES BJJ, RENO, NV:

This Jiujiteira owns Ares BJJ Reno. We are proud of
our female gym owners! Go Lindsey...!
10. MAGGIE SMITH, TEXAS:

Don't mess with these brown belts. The ladies of
Texas Women’s Open Mat at Team Tooke/Torres.

11. JENNY-MARIE ZALEWKI, NEW ZEALAND:
Jenny-Marie Zalewki, Ilish Moore and Kezzia Flynn at
Grapplers Nation Sub Competition, in New Zealand.

12. SARAH COPERLAND, SHADOW HOUSE
SOUTH JIU-JITSU, BROWNWOOD, TX:

Sarah owns a gym with her husband in Texas, loves
to compete and support women's BJJ. If you're in
Texas, join Sarah and her Jiujiteiras at one of their
competition class sessions. Looking good ladies!

13. CHARLENE DIXON, COLLEGE PARK MMA, MD:
Samantha Seff, Sa'idah Durkee and Charlene Dixon
at the Charleston Open showing off their new bling.

67

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JIUJITEIRAS AROUND THE WORLD SUBMISSION:
To be featured in this section, e-mail a photo (high res images with
300dpi print better) of yourself and your BJJ sisters training, include
names and gym location to: [email protected]

JIUJITEIRAMAGAZINE.COM | J I U J I T E I R A MAGAZINE | 4 9

MIND game

The Battle of the Sexes

Traditional gender norms are systemic in our society and will take time to overturn

t is very apparent What's the matter? Can't trying) or overcompensate best to not focus too much
that gender norms handle losing to a girl? and use physical “muscling” on the sex or gender of the
do not stay off and intimidation over their opponent but to focus on
the mat in mar- tributing to discomfort on female opponent. Either yourself and your tech-
tial arts. Gender their end when training in scenario diminishes the nique. Think “opponent”
norms tell us that mixed company. Addition- training for both opponents and drop the “male” or “fe-
men are strong ally, when a man loses to and serves to make women male” often placed before
protectors and a woman, it can challenge very uncomfortable. Be- the “opponent”. Addition-
women are weaker their masculinity and be ginner men are more likely ally, it will be important
and need protecting. We seen as a serious threat. to engage in these kinds of to train with, and under
are socialized to think and behaviors, while seasoned those, who do not consis-
act this way from birth. Ever heard of “losing to a fighters are less likely. How- tently point out sex and
When a woman can fight girl” and how much men ever, it may occur regard- gender differences because
and perform better than a will judge other men for less of how long someone the more attention drawn
man, that “violates” these that? Men like this may has been training. to it, the more salient it
more traditional ideas. overestimate their skill will be in everyone’s minds.
Sometimes, we as women and assume they should Unfortunately, traditional The more we can normal-
may even question our own win just for the fact of gender norms are systemic ize and generalize our
femininity because we are their sex. However, when in our society and will take training experiences, the
told we are “too masculine” threatened, the man may time to overturn. The best less we have to be preoccu-
when we excel in martial either purposely underper- way to train is to do your pied with the differences
arts. Being strong should form (convincing them- between men and women.
never be associated with selves they were not really
being less of a woman. Finally, do your best to
ignore their discomfort or
For men, traditional struggles within their own
values tell them to never masculinity because that
be physically aggressive is their journey and not
towards a woman, con- yours so it should not be
taken personally. That be-
REFERENCES ing said, it may be some-
CHANNON, A. (2018). MARTIAL ARTS STUDIES thing to bring up with the
coach (assuming that he is
AND THE SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER: THEORY, not one of those acting in
RESEARCH AND PEDAGOGICAL APPLICATION.
such a way). Y
IN P. BOWMAN (ED.), THE MARTIAL ARTS
STUDIES READER (PP. 155-170). ROWMAN

AND LITTLEFIELD INTERNATIONAL.

GOT QUESTIONS? EMAIL: BRITTANY ALLISION is a graduate of the clinical psychology doctoral
J I U J I T E I R A M AGA Z I N E @ G M A I L .CO M program at FIT. A resident at Henry Ford Hospital in Michigan and
WITH THE SUBJECT MIND GAME AND white belt in Jiu-Jitsu, Brittany hopes to help women in their BJJ journey
OUR EXPERT THERAPIST WILL ANSWER by offering her clinical advice. E-mail her your questions with the
YOUR QUESTIONS ON THE NEXT ISSUE! subject "Head Game" : [email protected]

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