I believe that especially as women, we speak down to ourselves because we are conditioned not to be boastful or take pride in our accomplishments. Using qualifying statements like, ‘I’m not sure’ when answering a question, or ‘I might be able to do that’ when taking on a task. We want to give ourselves a cushion in case we fail–but doing so ultimately ensures that we do fail.
keep reading!While grappling has had a significant impact on my emotional well-being; it has not always been to my advantage. In fact, at several points in my jiu jitsu journey I have contemplated quitting altogether because it became a source of frustration, anxiety, and self-doubt. Over the past year I have been able to reevaluate my relationship with the sport with the deliberate intention of addressing my mindset. Looking inward, I discovered that I was relying on jiu jitsu to automatically heal me. The reality is that I learned I could use jiu jitsu as a tool in my arsenal to cope with emotional challenges.
keep reading!A skill my coach has been trying to reinforce in me is not to look at him when he is coaching me. As soon as I turn my head to see if my coach is going to reassure me, my attention is pulled away from the roll. For obvious reasons, this can’t be happening when I’m competing. But why am I so eager to look around the room when I am at practice?
keep reading!Although many of us are in jiu jitsu for recreation, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a low priority. But doesn’t it seem irresponsible to put training before… more important matters?
keep reading!I feel as a woman there is a unique kind of pressure to strive for this carefully-curated lifestyle–you know the type. The ‘influencer’ life. The mother who not only gets her kids to school on time, but packs them adorably-arranged homemade lunches each day. The artist with a studio full of projects waiting to be sold for clamoring fans. The athlete who collects gold medals while wearing those perfectly-matching sweat-wicking outfits and a ponytail that magically stays in place.
keep reading!Tap Cancer Out is the grappling community’s most charitable movement to support cancer-fighting organizations.
Learn about how grapplers of all experience levels worldwide can channel their passion for the sport into life-changing community action.
keep reading!Grappling is therapeutic. It can also be stressful, frustrating, and time-consuming. These tips can help get you to the mat when you need it the most.
keep reading!Female black belts are still a rarity in our sport, and it is even more extraordinary to find a woman who is the owner and head instructor of her own BJJ academy. Juliana Fontoura gave me a peek into the rewards of instructing and gym ownership, as well as how being a female in leadership sets her academy apart.
keep reading!When I meticulously drafted my plans for 2020; including competitions I hoped to enter, seminars I would travel to, and nutrition and strength-building programs I would follow to meet those goals… I expected to hit some bumps in the road. But the challenges I anticipated coming across were far more manageable–balancing my workload, nursing injuries, maintaining focus during practice.
keep reading!After the roller-coaster that was the year of 2020, plenty of us are looking forward to a year with bigger, better possibilities.
Each year, we make New Year’s resolutions promising to transform into the best version of ourselves.
NEWSFLASH: turning a new page on the calendar is way easier than kicking old habits.
Keep reading to learn how I made lifestyle changes that stuck for good!
keep reading!