Sydney Samoska I think this is a really interesting point. We do have a number of resources and tools for tackling the physical aspects of training, but the mental part is something that we hesitate to share. https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/database

There is a section on the social models of BJJ training that delve into the psychological side of our sport. There is also further reading for each point. Perhaps it may be worth our time to bring some of these ideas to the mat so we can all be more cognizant of this invisible hurdle we are all trying to pass. After all, the mental part does not discriminate with age, body type, or identity.

I’m looking forward to working on key details with the teens getting from side to top control! I feel that it is such a huge opportunity for them to learn how to transition to more dominant positions seamlessly—very important for our competitors. 

I think there's a lot to be said about the timing and having a person in your life make that introduction. I wanted to try my first class as a teen, but I was way too self-conscious to go through with it. I'm glad I circled back around, and Leticia (Meadow's mom) definitely helped in putting ROL on my radar. 

The community aspect is huge. I remember hearing so much about how bjj brings people of all different types together. I thought it was just a cliche, but now I see that we really are a hodge podge mix of folks. 

Thank you for sharing your story! It really inspired me when I first started working here, seeing how much you trained. I think there's something really powerful about having a female presence on the mats, especially for the new ladies. I think it's probably just as important for moms to see other moms on the mat too! It's incredible to be able to recognize you may not be where you'd like to be, but that just like starting for the first time, the journey back takes time. 

You could have left your experience at just trying a class with Tim and never putting a gi back on, but you came back again and again and again… and even competed! That’s something most people will never do.  👊

I have visited two gyms so far: Legacy in Burbank, CA and BJJ Lab in Naperville. Both times, I made sure to reserve a spot ahead of time, and I tried my best to respect their gym culture. My time at both gyms is something I'll remember.

When I went to Legacy, I checked out their 9am Saturday Women's class. Behind where we lined up in rank order, were the portraits of 4 BJJ icons and in front of us, two female black belts. It was a huge class of 15-20 women from teens to late 40s. Class started off with wall to wall drills, then moved into technique, and finished up with sparring which almost everyone stayed for. Throughout the class, Professor Monica bumped some girlie pop from a huge speaker. It set the tone for a fun, but focused class. The next time I'm in California, I'll be sure to return to Professor Monica and Professor Angelique's class. 

I like the bump sweep.