When you’re looking to become more active or need an effective way to relieve some of the daily anxiety and stress about life, consider starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Commonly known as the ‘gentle art,’ it is a martial art practice that utilizes pressure, technique, and leverage to win over your opponent.
From knowing more about the martial art to even the Weight division’s for women’s BJJ, here is a comprehensive starter guide to help you learn more about this ancient and popular art form.
Knowing About Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Women
While it’s called Brazilian, this martial art form actually originated in Japan. While it was initially meant only for men, that changed during the 1970s. Yvone Duarte became the first black belt in BJJ during the 1980s.
Quite a few organizations are dedicated solely to this martial form, including the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. International competitions like the Ultimate Fighting Championship have also become globally renowned over the years.
What Is A Women’s BJJ Competition?
As with all sport and martial art forms, various competitions are held over the year that focus on women’s BJJ. The first competition exclusively for women in BJJ was held in 1985.
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation also introduced an exclusive women’s tournament in the sport in 1998. There were initially only two weight divisions due to a lack of females.
Today, there are multiple weight divisions for Women’s BJJ. Competitions play a significant role in the martial art form, and hundreds of players compete globally every year.
Competition not only helps you understand how you rank against other fellow women players but is also a great way to enhance and enlarge your BJJ experience.
As you continue competing, you will have the opportunity to compete with different players with different styles, enabling you to get better at playing with anyone.
How Is It Beneficial?
Regardless of whether you decide to participate in a competitive Jiu-Jitsu match or not, there are numerous benefits you could get just by practicing martial arts. Some of the benefits include:
- Learning self-defense techniques
- An excellent way to get in shape
- Improve physical endurance and stamina
- An optimal way to burn off stress and relieve anxiety
- Continual training and consistency helps build character
While competition can definitely be a quick way to get tons of experience, there’s no pressure to compete until you feel fully prepared. It would be best if you remembered that competing can also be a fun experience in itself.
Be Comprehensively Prepared Beforehand
Despite a large number of women participating in martial arts today, it can still be highly intimidating right before you attend your first class. It can be incredibly stressful if the gym or class you’re planning on taking is filled with men.
While you can feel a bit awkward and out of place during your first few classes, you will eventually get accustomed to people losing and making mistakes and even make a lot yourself. If you genuinely want to be consistent towards BJJ, you have to get over this initial hurdle. Starting can be stressful no matter what you’re trying. But after a month or so of regular classes, you will start looking forward to BJJ and eventually even participating in competitive matches!
