Familia

One of the things I most appreciate about BJJ is the sense of family that is created through the sport. I know I touched on this in a previous post, but walking into the gym today I realised how much I enjoy the company of my training buddies. I also miss many friends that have sinced moved either back to their homeland or to other countries.

I have an awesome training partner in Tomi-san. Tomi is a purple belt at our academy (Bangkok BJJ) and he always take the time to roll using technique with me. I think this is invaluable as a girl. Tonight I had to really pay attention to my own awareness (awareness of position, losing positions, recovery etc) and I appreciated how I was given the time to develop this awareness and try incorporate my game. Believe me, Tomi could walk through me if he so desired!

I also appreciated my friends who mentioned that have read this blog. I know it's early days, but my guys seem really supportive, so thanks! I think it's important to note that I really want to hear what my male friends have to say and that this is a forum for sharing thoughts and ideas as well as promoting women :) I know many friends (guys) that comment that rolling with women is different in some ways (not just with regards to the weight and strength differentiation) and this I find interesting too.

I would like to invite all my girlfriends from the Phillipines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore, to name just a few, to send in any materials - be it pictures, ideas, thoughts, reflections. I think it would be neat to have a forum, one place where we can collectively come together to not only promote women in the region but share our journey together too. Of course, I have girlfriends in the USA, UK and Australia and I welcome the sharing of anything BJJ from them too :) BJJ, espeically women in BJJ, is still a relatively small community and, as stated at the start, the community created is all part of an extended 'family'. Besides being exclusionary is just not necessary. I just hope to highlight how the community in SEA is developing with such amazing talent so that people coming to live/work/holiday in the region know that us gals (and guys!) are out here and having a blast :)