I almost don't want to post anything in fear that it may disrupt Van Sensei's beautiful writings. But I am curious if there are any female grapplers out there willing to raise their hand and be counted. I have been training for about 2 months now and really dig it. Anyone else?
Good training, Peace Out...
Laura
Women Grapplers
Moderator: Available
Women Grapplers
Hey bb,
I have only been training in BJJ for 2 months. My class is awesome. There is a handful of highschool guys, a few college guys, a couple of guys in there mid 20's, and a few guys in there late 30's. Including myself there are 3 girls and another potentially starting next week.
We all roll together. I like practicing new techniques with a girl because we all seem to want to talk our way through it until we have it down. With the guys the talk isn't there and that makes it more difficult for me to wrap my brain around the technique.
When I am doing randori(sp) I like to roll with a guy. All of them are better than me so they point out what I did wrong, what to look out for, and how to get out of it. Everyone is so patient and they only use enough skill as necessary to keep me at bay. No chips on their shoulders about rolling with a girl.
Initially I was into it strictly for self defense but then I had the opportunity to go to a Renzo Gracie seminar and roll with some really nice female sport grapplers. That changed my whole outlook on grappling. It is fine that I have some good techniques that will work on some scum who doesn't know anything. But after rolling with these girls I realized that I am missing out on another aspect of grappling that will only benefit me tremendously in a self defense situation. Because all of my techniques were countered or ended up being used against me, it made me think about how I would react in a real situation if I couldn't pull off any of my techniques on an attacker. Mentally I would panic and physically I would be in deep trouble. But I feel that if I start approaching grappling from a sport aspect it will train me to expect not pulling off a technique and enable me to react quickly with a counter move, help me keep calm when something doesn't work, and develope my sensitivity which will allow me to better anticipate what is coming next and what to do about it.
I can understand why the girls don't stick with the sport grappling class. It isn't easy and there is nothing glamorous about it. I have so many bruises and cuts. My complexion is a nightmare right now from all the sweat from me and on the mat. Then there are the people outside the class commenting on how unlady like it is, how bad my bruises look, maybe I should just join a gym if I want to be strong, saying I just like guys on top of me, explaining to my boyfriend why I have fingerprint bruises in precarious spots.
But you know what? It is worth all the hassle I get. I have never felt better in my life. But to others maybe it isn't worth it.
How come you don't do the sport grapple class?
Peace Out....
Laura
I have only been training in BJJ for 2 months. My class is awesome. There is a handful of highschool guys, a few college guys, a couple of guys in there mid 20's, and a few guys in there late 30's. Including myself there are 3 girls and another potentially starting next week.
We all roll together. I like practicing new techniques with a girl because we all seem to want to talk our way through it until we have it down. With the guys the talk isn't there and that makes it more difficult for me to wrap my brain around the technique.
When I am doing randori(sp) I like to roll with a guy. All of them are better than me so they point out what I did wrong, what to look out for, and how to get out of it. Everyone is so patient and they only use enough skill as necessary to keep me at bay. No chips on their shoulders about rolling with a girl.
Initially I was into it strictly for self defense but then I had the opportunity to go to a Renzo Gracie seminar and roll with some really nice female sport grapplers. That changed my whole outlook on grappling. It is fine that I have some good techniques that will work on some scum who doesn't know anything. But after rolling with these girls I realized that I am missing out on another aspect of grappling that will only benefit me tremendously in a self defense situation. Because all of my techniques were countered or ended up being used against me, it made me think about how I would react in a real situation if I couldn't pull off any of my techniques on an attacker. Mentally I would panic and physically I would be in deep trouble. But I feel that if I start approaching grappling from a sport aspect it will train me to expect not pulling off a technique and enable me to react quickly with a counter move, help me keep calm when something doesn't work, and develope my sensitivity which will allow me to better anticipate what is coming next and what to do about it.
I can understand why the girls don't stick with the sport grappling class. It isn't easy and there is nothing glamorous about it. I have so many bruises and cuts. My complexion is a nightmare right now from all the sweat from me and on the mat. Then there are the people outside the class commenting on how unlady like it is, how bad my bruises look, maybe I should just join a gym if I want to be strong, saying I just like guys on top of me, explaining to my boyfriend why I have fingerprint bruises in precarious spots.
But you know what? It is worth all the hassle I get. I have never felt better in my life. But to others maybe it isn't worth it.
How come you don't do the sport grapple class?
Peace Out....
Laura
Women Grapplers
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>I think women (my opinion and feedback from other women) are more often looking for techniques to deal with a situation and get out and away...
{snip}
I always feel like I am working with a tree trunk,(these guys are as big as houses) but I keep trying.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
BB:
It becomes necessary, when a female is taken to the ground by a big guy who’s intent is not just to get you to tap out, to escape.
This is why Uechi-ryu and grappling (bjj) are perfect for cross training.
There are so many Uechi-ryu techniques that are not allowed in NHB and UFC fights. The main reason they are not allowed is that they do extensive damage to the combatants.
The devastating elbow strikes that Van Canna has us practice at the TC classes is one technique that will allow you to escape. By using a grappling technique to clear space and then utilizing the Uechi-ryu elbow strikes in a "TC" manner will cause a serious amount of hurt on the biggest male. The head and neck is probably the only place a small stature female can hurt a large stature male. To be proficient at this though, you must roll with these bigger men to properly learn the techniques to clear the space first. Then after you are comfortable enough with grappling, the Uechi-ryu portion can be added to the mix.
You have to be careful when you strike while on the ground though. It is harder to control these techniques than while standing.
Laura has one of the best instructors around in Joe Pompfret because of his fantastic Uechi-ryu skills and his rapidly gaining bjj skills. By learning both of these fighting arts simultaneously, you can make even the biggest man leave you alone.
After watching Joe fight in the NHB series, you can see why the other Uechi-ryu Sensei's are flocking to Joe's seminars to learn this other aspect of self-defense and then bringing the studies back to their dojo to practice with their students.
I have practiced using elbow strikes while defending the shoot. It almost always works as long as you are not kicking when the shooter begins his tackle. You must have both feet on the ground, be in a wide stance, and you must use the TC power to launch the elbow. Even while practicing this at a slower speed to keep injuries down it works well. I wonder if the students of the dojo's who own High Gear Suits practice this. Of course the High Gear Suit does not protect the neck so damage may still be inflicted on the attacker if the strike was perfectly thrown on target.
I think it is great that women want to be able to defend against assaults realistically. Even the best striker can find himself or herself rolling on the ground. However, unless you are worried about only women attacking you, you better get used to “rolling with the men.”
------------------
Len
{snip}
I always feel like I am working with a tree trunk,(these guys are as big as houses) but I keep trying.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
BB:
It becomes necessary, when a female is taken to the ground by a big guy who’s intent is not just to get you to tap out, to escape.
This is why Uechi-ryu and grappling (bjj) are perfect for cross training.
There are so many Uechi-ryu techniques that are not allowed in NHB and UFC fights. The main reason they are not allowed is that they do extensive damage to the combatants.
The devastating elbow strikes that Van Canna has us practice at the TC classes is one technique that will allow you to escape. By using a grappling technique to clear space and then utilizing the Uechi-ryu elbow strikes in a "TC" manner will cause a serious amount of hurt on the biggest male. The head and neck is probably the only place a small stature female can hurt a large stature male. To be proficient at this though, you must roll with these bigger men to properly learn the techniques to clear the space first. Then after you are comfortable enough with grappling, the Uechi-ryu portion can be added to the mix.
You have to be careful when you strike while on the ground though. It is harder to control these techniques than while standing.
Laura has one of the best instructors around in Joe Pompfret because of his fantastic Uechi-ryu skills and his rapidly gaining bjj skills. By learning both of these fighting arts simultaneously, you can make even the biggest man leave you alone.
After watching Joe fight in the NHB series, you can see why the other Uechi-ryu Sensei's are flocking to Joe's seminars to learn this other aspect of self-defense and then bringing the studies back to their dojo to practice with their students.
I have practiced using elbow strikes while defending the shoot. It almost always works as long as you are not kicking when the shooter begins his tackle. You must have both feet on the ground, be in a wide stance, and you must use the TC power to launch the elbow. Even while practicing this at a slower speed to keep injuries down it works well. I wonder if the students of the dojo's who own High Gear Suits practice this. Of course the High Gear Suit does not protect the neck so damage may still be inflicted on the attacker if the strike was perfectly thrown on target.
I think it is great that women want to be able to defend against assaults realistically. Even the best striker can find himself or herself rolling on the ground. However, unless you are worried about only women attacking you, you better get used to “rolling with the men.”
------------------
Len
Women Grapplers
I did judo for 3 years of college at the club.
I had lots of fun an enjoyed the training. Actually when I trained it was taught by the son of the Korean National Team's Olympic coach -- so what we learned was only sport.
I found that this sport-only focus to be unfulfilling and was part of what brought me to Uechi.
I have not grappled really in a long time - but some things are like riding a bicycle.
I was by no means an expert and could definitely use some retooling on my groundwork skills.
Dana
I had lots of fun an enjoyed the training. Actually when I trained it was taught by the son of the Korean National Team's Olympic coach -- so what we learned was only sport.
I found that this sport-only focus to be unfulfilling and was part of what brought me to Uechi.
I have not grappled really in a long time - but some things are like riding a bicycle.
I was by no means an expert and could definitely use some retooling on my groundwork skills.
Dana
Women Grapplers
I am not a "grappler" but we do train in ground techniques for the obvious self defense benefit.
Sport grappling is certainly fun to watch as we have grappling classes twice a week in our studio. There is an occasional women in that formal class but they don't seem to stay with it.
When you watch these guys everything moves from one move to a counter move to another counter move to an eventual submission. I think women (my opinion and feedback from other women) are more often looking for techniques to deal with a situation and get out and away.....not necessarily looking to counter and prolong the encounter, so the sport grappling may not have the long term appeal for women for that reason.
I have on occaision have ask one of the grapplers to work with me on something to help brainstorm, and I always feel like I am working with a tree trunk,(these guys are as big as houses) but I keep trying.
What kind of stuff are you covering? Is your class a mix or just women? What is the age mix?
It looks like fun!
bb
Sport grappling is certainly fun to watch as we have grappling classes twice a week in our studio. There is an occasional women in that formal class but they don't seem to stay with it.
When you watch these guys everything moves from one move to a counter move to another counter move to an eventual submission. I think women (my opinion and feedback from other women) are more often looking for techniques to deal with a situation and get out and away.....not necessarily looking to counter and prolong the encounter, so the sport grappling may not have the long term appeal for women for that reason.
I have on occaision have ask one of the grapplers to work with me on something to help brainstorm, and I always feel like I am working with a tree trunk,(these guys are as big as houses) but I keep trying.
What kind of stuff are you covering? Is your class a mix or just women? What is the age mix?
It looks like fun!
bb
Women Grapplers
Hi!
You asked Why I don't do grappling?
Basically, I have a neck injury that just makes it too risky to roll around with that level of intensity.
But that doesn't mean that I don't approach the rest of my training with a great deal of hard work. I still have to do everything else everyone is doing. I spar, I take(and give) many a hard take down, shoulder throws and still have to escape ground holds. I just know that I have to avoid my head being pinned in a certain direction.
I am constanly covered in bruises too and I can leave my fair share as well. For a special occaision I find myself deciding what to wear based on how well it covers the bruises on my arms?
I work with the big guys almost exclusively in class mostly because of my size (no one would ever consider me petite). I am quite accustomed to working with mens size and strength and on the ground I am capable of getting out of a lot of trouble. I know my weakness is my head and neck, but I have had to work around that.
Though my major training is kenpo, our school emphasizes alot of cross training in styles as well as basic self defense. Kata practice requires multiple applications for the same movement. Once trained in basic self defense techniques we are required to adapt them into reflexsive techniques. We also get to train in some very traditional martial arts weapons. The Broad Sword may not be my major source of self defense.....but hey...it looks cool!
I still have lots to learn and plan on training for many more years.....the importance is you are having fun in what you are doing.
Good luck on your grappling!
BB
You asked Why I don't do grappling?
Basically, I have a neck injury that just makes it too risky to roll around with that level of intensity.
But that doesn't mean that I don't approach the rest of my training with a great deal of hard work. I still have to do everything else everyone is doing. I spar, I take(and give) many a hard take down, shoulder throws and still have to escape ground holds. I just know that I have to avoid my head being pinned in a certain direction.
I am constanly covered in bruises too and I can leave my fair share as well. For a special occaision I find myself deciding what to wear based on how well it covers the bruises on my arms?
I work with the big guys almost exclusively in class mostly because of my size (no one would ever consider me petite). I am quite accustomed to working with mens size and strength and on the ground I am capable of getting out of a lot of trouble. I know my weakness is my head and neck, but I have had to work around that.
Though my major training is kenpo, our school emphasizes alot of cross training in styles as well as basic self defense. Kata practice requires multiple applications for the same movement. Once trained in basic self defense techniques we are required to adapt them into reflexsive techniques. We also get to train in some very traditional martial arts weapons. The Broad Sword may not be my major source of self defense.....but hey...it looks cool!
I still have lots to learn and plan on training for many more years.....the importance is you are having fun in what you are doing.
Good luck on your grappling!
BB
Women Grapplers
Laura-sama,
You post that you would panic in a real situation where your grappling skills might not work. Good and realistic analysis of your possible response to such a situation is what will help you learn how to cope with that problem should it arise.
One thing many people in a grappling situation forget is that, just because you are rolling with someone, you can still bite, gouge and hit!
In an in-close grapple, you still have the use of one of the most formiddable weapons a human has - and one which we rarely train to use - your teeth.
Given the amount of damage a bite can do and how it can disrupt an attacker's moves, this is something to consider in a real situation.
A grab and gouge is also a very great possibility in a grappling situation. Not just the obvious attack to the privates, but to places like the eyes, Adam's Apple, that nice area in the armpit, you get the idea.
In Judo and most sport forms of Ju Jitsu, these attacks are disallowed for the very good reason of avoiding serious injury or fatalities happening in randori (and you did spell it right,m BTW).
Next time you are in a clinch and get taken, consider some of these moves and how they would have changed the outcome in a real world situation.
You might be surprised at what you find out.
Respectfully,
Lee Darrow, C.Ht.
You post that you would panic in a real situation where your grappling skills might not work. Good and realistic analysis of your possible response to such a situation is what will help you learn how to cope with that problem should it arise.
One thing many people in a grappling situation forget is that, just because you are rolling with someone, you can still bite, gouge and hit!
In an in-close grapple, you still have the use of one of the most formiddable weapons a human has - and one which we rarely train to use - your teeth.
Given the amount of damage a bite can do and how it can disrupt an attacker's moves, this is something to consider in a real situation.
A grab and gouge is also a very great possibility in a grappling situation. Not just the obvious attack to the privates, but to places like the eyes, Adam's Apple, that nice area in the armpit, you get the idea.
In Judo and most sport forms of Ju Jitsu, these attacks are disallowed for the very good reason of avoiding serious injury or fatalities happening in randori (and you did spell it right,m BTW).
Next time you are in a clinch and get taken, consider some of these moves and how they would have changed the outcome in a real world situation.
You might be surprised at what you find out.
Respectfully,
Lee Darrow, C.Ht.
