Hello to my girlies and ladies of the internet! When I saw the Tapout brand worn across chests throughout school growing up, never did I ever think that I would become a part of the “tap out” community. This brand was founded in 1997 by a few who noticed martial arts merch was no where to be found. I didn’t know much about it back then, but now that I am fully immersed in the martial arts world. I understand the obsession to rep what you love and to support the founders in their dream of introducing more MMA merchandise into the population. As a sport focused on heavily by men, I would like to address that women can be a big part of it as well. I’m here to tell you a little more of my own experiences today in hopes that just one more woman will be inspired enough to give Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a try. Let’s get after it!
What Does BJJ Stand For?
I began training BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) with my husband approximately 2.5 years ago. Since then, I’ve developed a whole new understanding about myself in more ways than one. I noticed significant improvement in both my mental and physical health. I move better, I learn better, and I recover better. (Because if I don’t, I 100% notice the difference in my game).
If you’ve ever played sports you’ll know that some people have more of a competitive spirit than others. I can’t help but be one of the ones more interested in competing. So when I found out a few days in that competing was an eventual option, I was hooked.
In the past I used to focus on growth in my game because of that goal, but eventually it started to become a part of my lifestyle. I shoot for training at least 2 days a week. 3 when I can make it (because your girls got to work), and 4 or more when I’m feeling extra awesome.
Balancing Life and BJJ: Pushing and Pausing When Necessary
Over time, I tended to forget about the competing goals. I focused more on just making it to class enough to continue growing my knowledge in the jiu jitsu world. Eventually, I realized that I need to flow with the cycles of life. When I can go hard for a few weeks, I need to embrace it, but also to acknowledge when I need to step back and take some time off.
It’s a hard road finding that balance, but here we are again in learning how to create that balance around new habits in our life, which is the entire point of this whole blog. Understanding when to push or when to slow down. Feeling the human parts of you that need a break. Even if your mind is ready for more action.
There’s been times since the beginning where I thought I may just stop going. If I didn’t have my husband to support my ups and downs, I may have done just that. But as a great accountability partner, he encouraged me to find that perfect flow that feels right for me. Even if it means going different times and days than him.
I love to do everything together as much as possible, he’s my best friend. But unfortunately in life or in marriage, recognizing that you have different goals to grow independently is something that you are forced to face here and there, and the mental game that comes along with starting up in a combat sport like jiu jitsu is one hundred percent one of them.
Why I Landed On Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
As I grew throughout these last few years, I realized more and more that if it wasn’t for BJJ, I would be a totally different person. Even though I feel like I was already on the best path forward for myself, it kind of catapulted me into the person I truly want to become. I feel alive and full of wonder when I’m there, I find focusing comes easy and pushing myself to do things I never thought I could feels exhilarating. It’s an incredible realization.
Having a supportive and understanding coach is a super important part of your path as well. We trained Muy Thai for a minute at another gym nearby years before finally taking the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu leap as a way to incorporate more fun into our relationship instead of working everyday and then coming home to sit on the couch for hours. It’s really important for us to stay active and in charge of our days instead of succumbing to new shows or scrolling on the internet (unless you’re reading some awesome blog like HB). 🙂 <3
Find Your Fit
At the previous gym, we didn’t feel supported in our personal goals. Or even feel like we were an actual part of the community there, so when they adjusted the hours and it made it harder to get there on time, we decided to opt out of continuing on that path. Years later when we were having a discussion on our fun moments, BJJ was brought back up and we decided to look for a new gym right then and there.
We found a new one right down the road that had just opened up and I called right away. From the start, our coach was incredible to talk to, clearly loving what he does and giving that sense of community we so desired from day one. It felt like we were supposed to find this place, so we signed up and got after it.
Starting was hard. You know nothing and get humbled every single time you do anything at all. It sucks, but it also teaches so much discipline, humility, and patience. I absolutely love it. I know now at this point that I will never quit, it’s become part of me, and even if it take the next 20 years to get to my goals, I have no problem incorporating it into my life around other things.
Tap Before It Snaps!
Last week I had the opportunity to compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the very first time.
Competing was igniting. It was humbling. It was perfect.
I come from a very competitive family and we tend to be sore losers at times. Although I’ve worked on becoming better at this, I get a little frustrated when I know I’m not the best. But that’s the thing about jiu jitsu. Someone will always be better than you, and accepting that becomes part of your training… unless you want to snap your arm. Meaning that you best tap before it snaps!
Knowing when to tap out is something that seems unreal. Like, to be in a comprised position with sweat dripping from yourself and others smashed against you with full pressure, is such a weird feeling at first. Until it’s not.
More From Habitual Balance: Why Staying True To Natural Intentions Can Allow Room For Personal Growth
Ladies – You Can Do This Too
Now those positions are comforting, because I’ve learned to breathe better, think more under pressure, and focus on my next plan of action instead of freaking out and spazzing.
Although I lost my matches, I had so much fun learning about myself and about my game. While I started out like most white belts and did nothing for the first handful, by the last match I felt like myself again. I was more calm, cool and collected and it felt as though I was back in my regular gym.
A lot of people may chalk losing up to others being younger, more skilled or promoted differently. However, I know it’s due to how I handled the situation and that I can learn from these experiences to improve my game in the future. I also know that conditioning will always be the key to longevity. No matter which sport or training you decide to introduce to your life.
Take the Leap and Try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
If I can muster up the strength and courage to begin training jiu jitsu at 30 as a female, I know you can do the same. If you’re able to start earlier in life, I strongly encourage doing so. It’s one thing I wish I would have known existed because I look at these 17 year olds with such awe. They are so amazing at this time in their lives, and if they stick with it? They will become incredible athletes by the time they’re 30, rather than just starting.
Just don’t forget to fuel your body properly. It is essential to becoming stronger and more resilient with anything you do. As we age, we tend to let life take over and work get in the way of being our best selves both mentally and physically. We need to put rest, recovery, and nutrition above all else so that we can truly get the most out of our being. Because once you feel good, you will have the energy and effort to help others feel their best as well. <3
I challenge you to find your nearest BJJ gym and try a class. I promise if you love it half as much as I do, it can truly change your life.
Thank You For Reading Today’s Post Calling All Women! Introducing How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Can Be Life-Changing!
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for being part of this incredible journey with me. Whether you’re a fellow Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast or just starting to explore BJJ, your support means the world to me. If you haven’t already, follow us on Instagram.
