Yesterday was International Women’s Day, and I love being able to celebrate the fierce, capable, and strong woman I have become. This was never something I accomplished of my own accord, but through the countless people supporting me and being there for me to provide comfort, wisdom, and the tenacity to keep powering on. It’s astounding to see the growth of women in MMA and the sport of BJJ. Such a wide array of women of diverse backgrounds, body types, and training styles all making their mark in a world dominated by men, and now they are making waves and even headlining their own events. Some people are still in the mindset that combat sports isn’t a place for women, so it is such an awesome thing to see so many ladies defy the odds at every turn.
The UFC started in 1993, and it took until 2012 for a woman to be featured on the promotion’s card. Dana White at one point had even strongly and vehemently disagreed against women fighting for him, and now you have arguably one of the greatest female combat sports athletes in Amanda Nunes drawing in huge crowds to revere in her prowess. Fight to Win has now put on several all-female cards, and have even gone a step further and given women a voice in the commentator position. Publications such as Jiu Jiteira Magazine and Queen MMA Media have given ladies the spotlight and a voice to advocate for their place in a heavily testosterone laden world. Every single day there are stories of women doing things and accomplishing tasks once thought impossible, but it is only impossible until it is done.
Women are doing amazing things all over the world. Whether you agree with her policies or not, it’s still remarkable to me that a woman is in the White House in a vice presidential role. There are women breaking down barriers and walls every single day and it would be a disservice to not acknowledge all in which they do and are capable of. We have a purple belt woman at my gym who was able to drill throughout her pregnancy and was back on the mats pretty much full time a mere 2 weeks after giving birth. The guys were flabbergasted and hella impressed haha. Not to mention all the women pushing themselves and cutting weight even during cramps and hormonal fluctuations. Women are badass.
By no means is this meant to denigrate men, but instead to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of our fellow mothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, friends, leaders, and innovators. I am constantly awed and inspired by the fervor and vivacious females I see on the news, in the media, and in my life. I hope I can make as big as a mark on someone else’s life in the way that it has on me and I will keep trying my hardest until that goal has actualized. After my short time on this earth, I’ve come to the conclusion that I can do anything if I put my mind to it and dedicate the time, patience, determination, and willpower to make it happen. We are women, now hear us roar.
