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 […]
My first journal was a yellow legal pad that I stole off my dad’s desk, which I wrote on with the Bic pen from my mom’s checkbook. I still remember her digging around in her purse for it a few days later when it was time to pay the mortgage. […]
They say that age isn’t a number, but an attitude. If that’s the case, then Elaine Beiersdoerfer knows how to age well. At 72, and a grandmother of seven, this blue belt may be better known as the Jiu-Jitsu Grandma. Elaine started jiu jitsu at the age of 69. […]
Wondering what Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is all about? Curious to give it a try, but know next to nothing about it? Don’t panic. We all start somewhere! This article will give you a tiny peek into the world of Jiu Jitsu and why so many women are growing to […]
It all began with the new girl. She showed up a few months into my BJJ journey, slightly bigger than me and somehow already wearing a matching set of colorful rashguard and spats. I pictured myself patiently teaching her the one move I had learned, giggling at how awkward […]
For many Jiu Jitsu is a sanctuary to escape the trials and tribulations of our day to day lives. It is a place for us to put our worries and stresses on hold. For Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt Elena Stowell it became a pathway through grief after unexpectedly […]
Martial arts have been a part of human culture for thousands of years. From traditional to modern, self-defense to sport, meditation to combat, martial arts continue to evolve. Two martial artists, Sunny Prosser and Tess Malpas of Humans of Martial arts, aim to deeply discover not only martial arts but also […]
Long before starting BJJ, I did karate in a small dojo on the upper west side of Manhattan. My instructor at the time was well known (in karate, anyway) and our Friday night sparring class was where all the champions were- big black belt men with dark eyes, quietly taping […]
If you participate in any of female grappling groups on social media, you’ve no doubt seen the stories about coaches or teammates who have been accused of inappropriate behavior, domestic violence and/or sexual assault. While many of these posts have to be labeled with the word alleged, it’s no secret […]
Inclusivity and valuing human diversity is a growing movement. There are many examples of people who are working hard to ensure that anyone–of any religious practice, personal value, gender identity, sexual preference, or political view–is truly included in jiu-jitsu and beyond. However, there are still times that people are […]