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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrqFqdTG0cA
Keith Owen talks about his latest blog (Can Women do Jiu Jitsu) and clarifies some points made in the article. He expounds on what he thinks should happen on how to get more women involved in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
his blog: http://keith-owen.blogspot.com/2013/...-women-in.html
Thoughts?
Didnt find anything from his blog to be too offensive. However, it sounds like his years of frustration with women quitting could contribute to current/future female students not staying. He says he wants women to stick around, which im sure he does, but when a women comes in and he has the mindset that she's not gonna last, he might unknowingly not put in the same focus or positive energy that he would with a male student.
I think the biggest problem when promoting BJJ to women, or men as well, is that most people really dont know what training in BJJ is like. I think there are a ton of women out there who would absolutely love BJJ and make it their life, but they'll never try it because they have a false impression of what it actually is. When i talk about BJJ/MMA to people with no experience in it, they assume the class is full of ego driven Ultimate Fighter "Let me bang bro!" type meatheads. With that impression, it's not surprising why so many women wouldnt even want to give it a shot. In that respect, he's right about women needing to promote BJJ to other women, giving them a realistic view of what an average class is like and all the positive things they can gain from it, aside from just being able to defend yourself.
As a women who has been doing this for over a year, I can say the school and instructor has a lot to do with creating a welcome environmentthat makes us want tto return. My first school was a traditional one and the instructor didn't care about the few women he had in class. I was the only one who competed and he wouldn't show up for my matches and would only support the men from our school. I knew one guy from our local 10P and after meeting more of the team at a competition and going to a class, I knew I needed a new school in order to grow in the sport. 10th Planet Chicago North has been so welcoming since day 1. They were happy to have a female training and I let other girls at competitions know how great everyone is. I hope with our new location, we can get even more women into the sport because it is great for confidence, self defense or even as a new workout. I'm not sure I would still be doing jiu jitsu if I was still at the old school since I felt unwanted there every time I walked in the door. Since I left them, the few other women they had also left so he is an all male school which isn't a surprise to me at all.
There are some bad ass chicks in my class and i laugh every time they choke out one of the dudes. it's really rewarding
There's a few female grapplers I train with too at a few of the schools I visit, they're beasts as well. Slowly but surely the numbers will grow....Quote:
There are some bad ass chicks in my class and i laugh every time they choke out one of the dudes. it's really rewarding
I'm a small school but half of my competition team is female and it all goes back to what Amber said: the instructor and the environment play a majority role in retention and expansion. I've made it a priority to make females welcome, ease them into co-ed situations at their pace and be sure their experience was positive. After one, then came another, and now I have about 10 females that are very dedicated. I just promoted my first female student to Blue and now she helps coach classes also. This further gives the rest a demonstration that their work will be rewarded and perpetuates the law of attraction, etc. That goes along with what Keith Owen was stating, as the females do a lot of their own recruiting and encouragement. It's pretty cool, actually! One thing I'd like to add is that we don't have any of that "Alpha" female or male crap: someone doesn't chill out and be a teammate then they get promoted to spectator....permanently. Helps with men and women. I DO find, however, that 10th Planet people tend to be the most chill and open minded folks anyway so official schools shouldn't have a problem. I'm technically a Ronin but I copy the vibe :cool:
I had a girl quit class during warm up series 2 because she thought the Marcelotine was to violent. She sad it wasnt a sport for girls because of the submissions...
dont train with li step 1
Bjj is hard enough being a guy (i weight about 170 and 5,7" tall), so much respect to all women that do bjj!
I wonder how many women would maybe like to try MMA or bjj or whatever, but their husbands/partners don't really like the idea of their Mrs rolling about with a bunch of big strong athletic skilled fighter dudes? I can imagine that your 'average Joe' (especially a guy that doesn't train) may be a little insecure by that. :-)
Sam: that is another aspect to this thread. Can you imagine an average JOE being with Ronda Rousey?? I think for a woman that are already in a relationship, the guy has to be in it also for him to understand what she is going through. If she is not in a relationship yet, I think MOST women would want a guy who can submit her... Its all goes back to basic human needs...the need to feel protected. Even though she know she is able to protect herself. Just my 2 cents.
As far as women coming into the sport. Since we started 2 years ago, I seen an increase in both girls and women in the gym and at the tournaments. So slowly but surely, they are coming in. For those who competes, I've notice the same face, so they are staying in. THose that don't compete, I do see the turn over.
I had that problem when I started training. Guys were intimated by the fact that I did jiu jitsu and muay thai. They also didn't like how I knew more aboutmma. The guy I'm dating now is my main training partner and it is great because he pushes me harder than anyone else does. I can see this being a problem for women who are in relationships or have guys who don't train. That's why the guys who train already need to get their girlfriends or wives involved. Joe and I never fight because we are always able to take out frustrations on the mat while rolling with each other :-)Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Sales
that's hot, i love a strong tough chick dudes that are intimidated by a strong chick are just a bunch of bitches. And should just turn there nuts inQuote:
Originally Posted by Amber Kamischke
hahaha :-)Quote:
Originally Posted by derrick ikwueme
As a father....I hope that Cora remains boyfriend free for a very long time....don't have time for all this gf/bf drama, need to focus on being a world champion. With that being said, I know how things are and I hope Karma doesn't turn into a vengeful BH...
I don't have kids yet, but damn i'd be a nervous wreck if i had a daughter.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cora Sek
You feel my pain?? LOL why you think I try so hard to turn her into a boy?? LOL
LOL don't worry man your doing a good job of turning her into a " trained killer " that's the next best thing. and should certainly help you sleep a little better. one day when i do have kids male or femail jiujitsu will be manditory like any other household chore & non negotiable. they can play any sport they want hopefully soccer, but jiujitsu will be required.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cora Sek
I would be very hesitant dating someone i train with. If you break up, i would think that be kinda awkward seeing the other person every day and having dramaQuote:
Originally Posted by Amber Kamischke
Derrick: besides Jiu Jitsu, Cora also excel in running. THat girl is FAST. She wanted to join the track league, but their schedule conflict with her Jiu Jitsu so, no track until she gets to middle school. Colleges doesn't offer scholarship for Jiu Jitsu (they should), but they do for track, hopefully she get good enough for that. Or there is always wrestling, just hope she can remember not to pull guard...LOL
If she gets a chance try soccer, you get crazy agility, speed, cardio, squirl running on a telephone line style balance, giant leg cannon muscles great for triangles. Scholarships, professional leagues, U.S national teams at every age group up to the senior team if selected, and international travel great for life experience. I was lucky enough to travel to mexico & the netherlands for youth soccer tourneyments with my club team at 12 & 15 that helped really open my mind to new thingsQuote:
Originally Posted by Cora Sek