Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for women
Every adult class at our three academies is open to women, with no experience needed. Here is what training is actually like, and how to start.
An art built for the smaller person
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was developed so that someone smaller and lighter could deal with a larger, stronger opponent, using leverage, timing and position instead of strength. That makes it one of the most practical martial arts a woman can learn.
It is also a very good workout that does not feel like one: an hour of problem solving with a partner, where you build strength, fitness and confidence without counting reps.
What your first class is like
Classes start with a warm-up, then your coach shows a technique and you practise it with one partner, step by step. Later in class there is controlled sparring, called rolling, where you try the techniques against someone resisting. You can tap at any moment to stop, and you can ask your coach to pair you with someone closer to your size.
- Wear comfortable athletic clothing; we lend you a gi for your trial
- Tie long hair back and leave jewellery at home
- Arrive a few minutes early to meet your coach
- Bring water and go at your own pace
Self-defence for women
The skills BJJ teaches are the ones that matter most in a real confrontation: escaping a grab or a hold, getting back to your feet, and controlling someone bigger without having to strike them. You practise them against resistance every class, which is why they hold up under stress.
More on our self-defense classes
Who you will train with
Classes are led by instructors in the Carlson Gracie lineage of Grand Master Marcus Soares, Canada's only 9th-degree red belt. Dana Adams, a brown belt with more than 16 years of training under Marcus, supports new students and families across all three academies.
Where to start
Complete beginners start in our Foundations class, where the pace is controlled and the coaching is closer:
- Vancouver: Tuesdays and Fridays at 6:00 PM
- Langley: Mondays at 7:00 PM
- Maple Ridge: Thursdays at 7:00 PM
Questions women ask before starting
Our BJJ classes are mixed, and every adult class at all three academies is open to women. If you would like help choosing a first class, call the academy and we will suggest the best one for you.
Yes. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was designed so that a smaller person can deal with a larger one using leverage and position rather than strength. It focuses on escaping holds, getting back to your feet and controlling someone, which are the situations women most often need to handle.
In mixed classes you will partner with both women and men. You can ask a coach to pair you with someone closer to your size, and you can tap to stop at any moment. Training with bigger partners, at a pace you control, is also how the self-defence skills are built.
Comfortable athletic clothing is fine for your first classes, and we lend you a gi for your trial. Tie long hair back, trim your nails and leave jewellery at home.
No. Fitness and flexibility come from training, not before it. Complete beginners start in our Foundations class, where the pace is controlled and the coaching is closer.
Adult memberships start from $169 a month for unlimited classes at all three academies. You can start with two weeks of classes for $29.
Your first class is the hardest step
Two weeks of unlimited classes for $29. No experience needed, and we lend you a gi.
Prefer to talk? Call 604-725-9797.