The winter isn’t over, but the wait is. Girls in Gis is back at it in Colorado and we have an all-star event planned for you. Our long time supporters at Katharo BJJ have graciously offered to host the first event of 2016. We had a chance to chat with our guest instructors about what drives them, have been changed by BJJ and what challenges they have had to overcome. Read their inspiring stories.
Mary Knox is a purple belt at Katharo BJJ and has been training for 6 years. Her first mentor was her husband who was a purple belt by the time she started. She began her training at home with him as he taught her basics until she was more comfortable with the movements. She says “He is still my motivation. I also love getting to be a part of a family of jiu jitsu practitioners.”
One of the many benefits Mary has seen is that BJJ, along with a healthy diet, BJJ has helped her lose 100 pounds and become athletic. She has also made amazing friends and loves the confidence BJJ has given her. She has some pretty sound advice for a newbie, “it’s (BJJ) a physically and mentally tough sport, but the result, if you stick with it, is invaluable. Just start. Start anywhere. You don’t have to be confident or athletic or strong. That will all come from training BJJ. That’s the reward.”
Like so many of us Mary has had her share of challenges to face. The greatest challenge she’s had in BJJ was recovering from an ACL injury. It took 8 months to rehab after surgery. Thankfully she had a lot of great support from my husband and friends. She continues to be inspired by them as they push her every day to keep on going.
Jenifer Hordinski is a blue belt at Katharo Training Center. She has been training for a year and a half. Her My son started training Jiu-Jitsu first. After seeing how much it did for his personality and being that they are very similar, it seemed like a good idea for her as well. Her son was diagnose with borderline autistic 2 years ago. Jiu-Jitsu helped him be more comfortable with people, relating to others, and engage with his peers. She had been taking striking classes before she started training Jiu-Jitsu. When she decided to try a class she fell in love right away as it was so mentally stimulating for her.
She has been obsessed with this sport ever since as it has made me a more confident woman. It has also helped her be the mother and wife she is today. “I would recommend BJJ to any person. The reasons why we begin BJJ may be different, but the reasons why we continue to train are the same: it pushes you to be the best version of yourself in every aspect of your life..” says Jenifer.
The greatest challenge she has had to overcome is being a small person in this sport. “It’s hard to continue to train sometimes when you get smashed so much! I’ve learned to be quick and to reply on my defensive game.” says Jenifer. Jenifer teaches the women’s only classes at Katharo Training Center and shares this knowledge with the many girl on the team.
The girls at Katharo will also be running a fundraiser selling Colorado Grappling Girls calendars for $15 benefiting Shama Ko in effort to or assist her with medical bills. Donations can be made at: www.gofundme.com/d28mgf44
We are very honored to have these ladies along with coach Cerissa as our hosts for this event. Come get warmed up and help us kick off the year. Please register for the event at www.girls-in-gis.com/blog/girls-in-gis-colorado-littleton-3