In the BJJ community, we believe this fantastic martial art is for everyone. However, over 90% of the students in the average Jiu-Jitsu class are men.
Being in a male-dominated setting can intimidate women who want to try Jiu-Jitsu training. That is why women-only BJJ classes must be fixtures within the community.
Women-only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) classes can provide a more supportive, safe, and effective environment for women to learn, practice, and advance in the sport. Here are some detailed reasons why these classes are valuable:
1. Comfort and Safety
Physical Comfort: In mixed-gender classes, women may feel uncomfortable grappling closely with male partners, especially if they’re new to the sport. Women-only classes allow them to train more freely without these concerns.
Reduced Risk of Injury: Men generally have a higher body weight and physical strength than women, which can increase the risk of accidental injuries. Training with partners of similar size and strength can help women feel safer and practice techniques with less risk.
2. Sense of Community and Support
Building Confidence: Learning with other women allows students to see relatable role models and sparring partners who can support and encourage each other. Women who train together often find strength in shared experiences.
More Relatable Role Models: In women-only classes, female instructors or higher-belt female students may be more present, providing examples of achievement and skill that feel accessible.
3. Less Social Pressure and Self-Consciousness
Less Intimidation: Training with men, especially in a male-dominated environment, can be intimidating for women. Women-only classes allow students to focus more on their technique and progress, free from external pressures.
Reduced Self-Consciousness: Women may feel more self-conscious about body image, appearance, or performance in co-ed classes, which can distract from their training experience. In a women-only setting, they may feel more at ease.
4. More Focused and Relevant Training
Technique Modification: Some techniques in BJJ can be modified better to suit women’s generally smaller frame and strength. Women-only BJJ classes can allow instructors to tailor lessons to focus on these adjustments without disrupting a co-ed class.
Addressing Specific Challenges: Women may face unique challenges, such as defense from aggressive attackers in self-defense situations. Women-only classes can focus on techniques that are directly applicable to these scenarios.
5. Encouraging Long-Term Retention
Reducing Dropout Rates: Women often leave BJJ because they feel isolated, uncomfortable, or unsupported in mixed classes. A women-only class creates an inclusive environment where women are more likely to stay engaged and committed to the sport.
Creating Leadership Opportunities: Women-only classes allow female students to step up as leaders, coaches, and mentors, which is crucial for retention and motivation and for building a stronger women’s community in BJJ.
6. Improved Focus on Mental and Emotional Aspects
Promoting Empowerment: A women-only class can focus more on mental resilience and empowerment, helping women build confidence both on and off the mat. The supportive environment encourages self-expression and growth.
Creating a Safe Space for Vulnerability: BJJ can sometimes bring up emotional or psychological challenges, especially for survivors of trauma. Women’s only BJJ classes can allow participants to feel more open to discuss or work through these aspects without judgment.
7. Improved Skill Progression
More Opportunity to Drill Techniques: In women-only BJJ classes, participants may find it easier to ask questions, practice techniques, and make mistakes without feeling scrutinized in a women-only environment, which can help them progress faster.
Developing Competitive Skills: Women’s classes provide a space where women can practice and refine techniques against opponents closer to their size and skill level, which is crucial for preparation in women’s BJJ competitions.
Girls in Gis & Other Women’s BJJ Programs
Women-only BJJ classes ultimately provide an environment that encourages safety, self-confidence, and retention, making BJJ more accessible to women of all backgrounds and experience levels.
One group of female BJJ practitioners is Girls in Gis. Since 2009, Girls in Gis has been organizing women’ s-only BJJ classes worldwide.
If you’re a female BJJ student, we strongly suggest you contact women’s BJJ programs like Girls in Gis(or create your own group).
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great martial art because of its effectiveness and its ability to create communities. Women need a place where they can learn to defend themselves and feel empowered.
We strongly recommend that gyms create women-only Jiu-Jitsu classes so that females can feel safe, improve their self-defense skills, and make lifelong friends.
Bobby is martial artist for almost 20 years with a BJJ black belt under Professor Sergio Miranda. He is also a karate black and former combat sports athlete, who loves all things grappling.