As a parent we all want what is best for our children. We want to provide them with as many opportunities to learn, grow, and develop into their best possible selves. By exposing them to a wide variety of activities they can find outlets that will aid them in living […]
I feel great! This is a sentiment often expressed by BJJ practitioners after a training session. Despite grueling warm-ups, intense drills, and challenging spars, at the end of class there is usually a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. This is not surprising since physical activity has been linked to improved […]
It takes a certain type of woman to forge her path in what is considered to be a man’s world, but when it comes to the business world and being on the mats, Ann-Marie Bernitt is boss. Her petite structure and sweet demeanor will have you fooled. But make no […]
The BJJ competition scene is particularly tough for jiujiteira who fall into the Heavy and Super Heavy divisions. Competition is scarce and the matchmaking is rarely balanced due to limited weight divisions. The Heavy division for Grappling Industries is anyone over 165 pounds. IBJJF has a Heavy division for ladies […]
Brazilian jiu jitsu (hereafter bjj) has become a wildly popular and fun, competitive sport. While the origins of Jiu Jitsu date back to Japan centuries ago, its integration and evolution have drastically changed to what it is today. While it may be a male-dominated sport, there’s several reasons to suggest […]
I don’t do it for the patch on my back, I don’t do it for my professor, and I don’t do it for my teammates. I don’t do it for the podium, I don’t do it for the medals, and I don’t do it for the fans. I don’t do […]
Well, you did it! You put your hand to the plow and didn’t look back. You got your ribs popped and your knuckles swollen, and you survived. You passed the tests, calmed your nerves, and although you’re exhausted, you earned your new belt!. If you are like me, the first […]
If you have been training in this sport for a while, grinding away at improvement, chances are you’ve felt burnt out from time to time. As much fun as this sport is, sometimes working so hard with such intensity can leave us feeling frustrated, tired, and thinking of quitting. If […]
Training with a chronic illness can be a challenge, a challenge I am familiar with. I live with two chronic illnesses — endometriosis and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Both of these illnesses make training BJJ hard at times. Neither of them are curable. There are treatments that make both […]
As I write this, I am an experienced purple belt making my way to brown. I highlight this to ensure that I am keenly aware that I have much to learn and that my thoughts and growth in the future may differ from present thoughts. Additionally, if you read […]