JIU JITSU FOR WOMEN

For many years, women were generally taught the same as men when it came to self defence. The idea of striking, punching and kicking was universal regardless of what system they did.

Since the introduction of Gracie Jiu Jitsu to the world in 1993, it has gone from strength to strength. Before that, the idea of someone smaller and weaker, defeating someone larger and stronger, was theoretical at best. Now it is widely accepted that this is indeed realistic and possible, given the right training.

There is no doubt that Gracie Jiu Jitsu is the most realistic form of physical self defence for women. Not only that but it is also amazing for fitness, health and well being.

What makes it the best for women?

• It relies on leverage not size or strength

• The positions heavily favour the woman in a sexual attack

• It is survival based

• No need to be fit athletic or strong

• You can defeat someone much bigger heavier and stronger

• You get to spar with fully resisting opponents regularly

• You defend against strikes grabs and chokes

• Builds comfort and familiarity in worst case scenarios

• Is energy efficient

• Gives you confidence

• Gives you a genuine chance of prevailing in an assault

This is not to say that women shouldn’t learn how to use striking because they should. However, it should be more to compliment their Jiu Jitsu, rather than it being exclusive. They should also consider adding other aspects to their self protection arsenal to help their Jiu Jitsu. For example the ability to use improvised weapons as well as how to defend and use common weapons.

A great idea would be to also become street smart. This would go under the category of soft skill training. There are many areas to study to become street smart.

They include:

• Awareness

• Pre threat cues

• Understanding predatory behaviour

• Dealing with adrenaline, shock and fear

• An understanding of self defence laws

There are many more. However I believe combining these skills with Gracie Jiu Jitsu, or even the sport version of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, would serve women well in most self defence scenarios.