BJJ for Women

What are the benefits of BJJ?

  • Body awareness and connection. Valuing what your body can do, rather than what it looks like.

  • Understanding your body. It has attributes that will help you succeed in a BJJ match.

  • Body confidence. Feeling grounded and strong.

  • Fitness. Nothing does it quite like BJJ!

  • Community. Joining a community of people with a shared passion. The community is what you go for when you think are too tired to train.

  • Working your mind and learning a new skill.

  • Getting used to being in uncomfortable situations and remaining calm.

  • You might decide to compete which can be a great experience. 

Am I too old to start?

It is a physically tough sport so this question should be less about age and more about how young your body feels and how fit you are. You won’t know until you try! 

Is BJJ safe for women?

Yes, BJJ is safe. However some gyms don’t create the right training environment for women, so the question really should be ‘Is this BJJ gym safe’. For more info on this check out our Safeguarding in BJJ article. 

Is BJJ good self defence for women?

Yes BJJ is great self defence for everyone.

  • It teaches you how to handle compromising positions, and how to submit your attacker. 

  • How to remain calm and think clearly whilst being physically dominated. 

  • To feel confident which is an energy people pick up on.

  • Teaches you your limitations and your strengths 

Do I need to be strong to train BJJ?

No, but it can help! Training BJJ will make you strong over time. 

Is strength training alongside BJJ a good idea?

Yes because it helps prevent injuries and can improve your overall performance on the mat. 

It feels scary to start - what can I do?

Reach out and we’ll be happy to help. At Myriad we offer a free trial, and have developed 4 week intro course for beginners so you can learn with others at the same level within a structured program. We also organise regular women’s open mats.

Written by Shanti

As co-owner of Myriad Jiu Jitsu, Shanti is heavily invested in supporting the women of Myriad in their training. She organises regular women’s open mats for all ladies who train BJJ, and is co-founder of Women Who Fight.

For any queries about starting BJJ, get in touch below.