By Alexi Cool
The women's Jiu Jitsu community in 2024 is incredibly different than it was ten years ago. I began training in 2010 as the only female at a small MMA gym. When female my size joined, that's when my training really began. I felt as though I got to truly test myself, physically and mentally, and I am so grateful for the perspective that experience gave me. After falling in love with grappling I joined a BJJ academy in 2011 where I found one female blue belt. This experience was different. Although she outranked and outweighed me she stalled on top, wouldn't let me work, and did not give me advice. Still, I'm grateful for this perspective - I don't want to make anyone feel the way she made me feel and I've made sure to teach every female willing to learn from me.
In 2013 I competed in Jiu Jitsu for the first time at Ohio Grappling Challenge (now AGC). There were 3, maybe 4 girls in my division. I remember watching the blue belts, it was so intense! If there were any upper belts they'd split the crowd as if a unicorn was walking by. For a few years our divisions were so small they would usually combine us so I often competed against girls 20+lbs heavier and even got to go against girls with higher rank! Fast forward to today and there are female-only tournaments and academies.
Divisions have been growing in size and it is inspiring to see so many ladies getting on the competition mat. Though, I still only see a handful of women per class. Not everywhere, some academies have got it figured out, but there are still a few missing the mark when it comes to retaining their female members. Why? Let's explore some obstacles that many women face in Jiu Jitsu.
We'll move right past first impressions because most of my best training sessions happen at "whole in the wall" gyms where 99% of the members are socially awkward. Though, this environment can be tough to navigate especially while you're there to be physically aggressive with complete strangers. On top of that there is a hierarchy mindset that can be off putting. However when used correctly
upper belts lead from the front and show other members how to be good training partners. The favoring of competitors over hobbyists and pushing all members to compete is the biggest mistake I see academies making. For women, being a (typically) smaller person, this all can be intimidating.
Events for ladies such as open mats, classes, seminars, and other female-only get-togethers are the most effective way to foster the women's Jiu Jitsu community. From this experience, I've created Girls Love Gis events where we get to connect through grappling while exploring other interests. My mission is to use these events to bring like-minded ladies together so that we may inspire and help each other
grow. In collaboration with this effort, I've created a platform to connect martial artists and businesses where you can find local academies, health clinics, and more. Also found on the site are fightwear brands, marketing resources, and more information about Girls Love Gis. To host a female-only event at your academy visit
yellowpagesfight.com. When we help each other out, we all win.
yellowpagesfight.com. When we help each other out, we all win.
Shop our Women's Jiu Jitsu Collection here.
