“There’s a time and place for everything.”
Some lessons can only be learned through challenge, and sometimes, training with men provides that extra push. It forces adaptation, builds resilience, and mimics real-world scenarios. But that’s s a conversation for another day.
Today, let’s talk about the power of women training with women.
In a world where we are often encouraged to be strong in solitude, there’s something undeniably powerful about coming together. Small classes, large classes it doesn’t matter. The right group of women will bring out a version of you that you didn’t even know was there.
The key is finding your vibe. A space where you feel encouraged, respected, and genuinely excited to learn. Where you walk in knowing that today, you’ll leave stronger than you arrived.
Where do you feel the most growth? Where do you feel valued? These are not trivial questions.
They matter because the answers will determine:
•Your commitment -If you love where you train, you’ll show up.
•Your consistency -When you feel supported, you’ll keep coming back.
•Your results -Growth happens where passion and perseverance meet.
Yes, a large part of success comes down to discipline, but don’t underestimate environment. The right space can make the difference between progress and burnout, between doubting yourself and pushing past your limits.
Jiu-Jitsu Saved My Life
I had been practicing Jiu-Jitsu for a while, enjoying the challenge, the skill-building, and the mental clarity it provided. But I never realized just how much it mattered,how much it could actually save a life until one night.
I was seven months pregnant when my “person” at the time decided to choke me and tackle me to the ground.
I had no warning, no way to prepare, just raw instinct and training kicking in.
The moment I felt his hands around my neck, I knew I couldn’t panic. I couldn’t afford to freeze. My body remembered what to do before my mind could even process what was happening.
I tucked my chin, preventing the choke from cutting off my air.
I created space using frames, just like in Jiu-Jitsu.
I used leverage not strength to shift and get out.
Everything I had learned in class, all the hours of drilling techniques, suddenly had real-world consequences. This wasn’t just about sparring on the mats. This was life or death and because of Jiu-Jitsu, I survived.
That night changed everything.
I had been teaching yoga for over five years, but after that night, I knew I had to do more. Sharing Jiu-Jitsu became a mission.
It’s not just self-defense. It’s not just exercise.
It’s freedom.
It’s confidence.
It’s survival.
Why Women Training with Women is a Game-Changer
I’ve had the privilege of training in all-women’s Jiu-Jitsu classes. To say it’s been life-changing is an understatement.
It’s not just about technique or fitness it’s about the energy in the room. It’s about walking into a space where every woman understands the struggle, the doubts, the hesitation and chooses to lift each other up rather than tear each other down.
Here’s why training in an all-women’s class is an experience like no other:
1. Comfort Breeds Confidence
There’s something deeply reassuring about stepping onto the mats and knowing that the people around you get it.
They understand how intimidating it can be to start something new.
They understand the frustration of feeling behind or not strong enough.
They understand the mental blocks that sometimes hold us back more than the physical ones.
Training with women eliminates a lot of the unnecessary pressure. You’re not worried about being too weak, too slow, or too unfamiliar with the sport. Instead, you’re focused on learning, growing, and getting better without feeling like you need to prove yourself to anyone.
2. We Get Stronger Together
Let’s be real: The world constantly tells women to compete against each other. Whether it’s in careers, relationships, or even personal goals, we’re taught to compare instead of collaborate.
But on the mats? That mindset disappears.
When one woman lands a technique, we all celebrate.
When someone struggles, we help, not judge.
When the training gets tough, we remind each other that we didn’t wake up to be weak.
As Myra likes to say, “We didn’t wake up to be weak ladies”. That phrase has stayed with me in every tough session, in every moment when I wanted to quit. It’s s a reminder that we are more capable than we think.
3. Jiu-Jitsu is Overcoming Challenges
Jiu-Jitsu, yoga, and personal training aren’t just about physical strength they’re about mental strength, too.
Every class is a challenge. Every round is a puzzle to solve. Every technique you learn builds confidence in ways you never expected.
You start trusting your instincts more.
You stop second-guessing yourself.
You realize that your body is stronger than your doubts.
One day, you hesitate before going for a submission. The next, you commit without thinking. That’s what growth looks like.
Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just about self defense it’s about resilience. Overcoming obstacles. And, as I learned firsthand, it can also be a lifesaver.
Giving Back: Filling the Cups of Others
I’ve had my cup filled by incredible women in the Jiu-Jitsu and yoga communities. Now, it’s my turn to do the same.
That’s why I’m beyond excited to teach all-women’s yoga, Jiu-Jitsu, and personal training at De Andas Brothers Boxing Gym.
It’s not just about fitness. It’s about creating a space where women can:
Unleash their inner warrior
Let go of stress and self-doubt
Learn self-defense and self-discipline
Build unshakable confidence
And let’s be honest now that I’m teaching, I have even less of an excuse to skip my own training!
To the Women Reading This: Come Train With Us!
If you’ve been thinking about trying Jiu-Jitsu, yoga, or personal training but have been hesitant, this is your sign.
You don’t need to be in shape.
You don’t need to be flexible.
You don’t need to be strong.
You just need to show up. The rest? We’ll figure it out together.
I invite you to join me at De Andas Brothers Boxing Gym and experience the magic of an all-women’s s class. Come move, train, and find the version of yourself that refuses to quit.
Because trust me she’s in there.
With Gratitude: A Thank You to My Professors
Before I end this, I need to take a moment to acknowledge the people who have shaped me my professors, my mentors, my fire-starters.
Your voices echo in my mind when I doubt myself.
Your belief in me fuels my belief in my goals.
Your discipline, your strength, and your wisdom continue to inspire me every time I step on the mats.
I am who I am today because of the people who have poured their energy into me. Thank you.
And to every woman reading this I hope to see you on the mats soon. Let’s train, grow, and lift each other up. The world is waiting to see what were capable of.
See you at De Andas Brothers Boxing Gym. Let’s go unleash our inner warriors.
