One of my students sent me a letter that made my month. I have been teaching a women’s only class for over a year now and loved every minute of it. The transformations I have seen in spirit and body have been amazing. Nothing is more satisfying than when a woman puts life in a chokehold.
Moving from a mindset of insecurity towards empowerment changes everything in positive ripples.
Within our bubble of the Jiu Jitsu community, when we hear someone say “Jiu Jitsu changed my life” or even “Jiu Jitsu saved my life,” we nod in understanding. These statements don’t surprise us. These Jiu Jitsu stories tell us what we already know. BJJ becomes exponentially more than getting into shape or self defense aspects we thought we started training for.
I want to collect and share some of these life changing stories with others. Hopefully they motivate someone in need to start training, or convince someone on the brink of quitting that perseverance is worth it.
Woman Puts Life In A Chokehold
Now, the letter from a female student (shared with permission):
“Jiu Jitsu has changed my life. Literally.
I went through a divorce four years ago with two small children, breaking free from an abusive situation. Shortly after moving out, I was in a serious car accident and couldn’t do much physical exercise, so over the years I started gaining a lot of weight.
I was depressed, lost, and chasing male attention or mind altering substances to try and fix my overwhelming hurt. I wanted so bad to be a good influence and role model for my children, but I couldn’t get myself out of the rut. It seemed like the moment I would make some progress, life would throw me another curve ball.
Two years ago, my ex-husband was convicted of child abuse and his visitation rights were removed. I felt terrible, like somehow it was my fault that my little girl had been hurt.
About 6 months later, a friend of mine told me about a women’s self-defense seminar being offered in Springfield. I was immediately intrigued and made sure to attend. The gym was offering free Jiu Jitsu the entire month following the seminar, and I was instantly hooked.
I noticed that my mind started to become clearer, my body felt stronger, and my emotional health was improving. Jujitsu empowered me in every way – physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. I was completely stimulated and engaged and challenged on all levels, so it left no room for my mind to wander.
No matter what kind of day I had, every time I stepped onto the mats it all melted away. I had never experienced anything like it, and I knew that each time I trained I would leave feeling better. I was able to handle every day stress and even offer a better version of myself to my children.
In a year and a half, I have lost 60 pounds, found new employment, implemented healthy eating practices for myself and my children, become efficient at defending myself, competed and medaled in 3 local tournaments, and developed a network of loving, caring, and kind people that train with me day in and day out.
I have come a long way, and I want to help others that feel hopeless to experience the freedom and empowerment that jujitsu can offer. Being a single mom of two, it is a struggle to afford to purchase gis, rash guards, monthly tuition at the gym, and tournament expenses. Add child care and it gets tricky, but I make every sacrifice possible to continue training.
I have cut back on extra expenses (eating out, buying clothes, internet, etc) in order to afford this important investment. I really believe jujitsu is for everyone and it improves your life on so many levels.
Why not give it a try?
-Sara”
Thank you so much for sharing!
What an amazing story.
Has Jiu Jitsu changed your life? Send me your story to add to the collection (email lucas@bjjselfhelp.com).