Women at a martial arts centre in south west London say they are finding empowerment through Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), a self-defence martial art and combat sport.
BJJ is focused on grappling with an opponent on the ground, and women training at the Bu’sen studio in Twickenham say it has played a vital role in both their physical and mental strength.
Zinmar Win, a BJJ blue belt, was born in Myanmar and said she originally turned to the sport for mental clarity during the country’s military coup in 2021.
She said: “When you’re in a BJJ session, you can’t think of anything else for that hour. You are present in that moment.
“It teaches us to use the body parts that we’re really strong at.
“I never thought I’d be this strong at this age.
“I’m in my forties and I never thought I’d be this strong.”
India Black, who began training at Bu’sen one month ago, said: “It’s definitely been a massive confidence booster, especially as a woman.
Black said: “The women can absolutely smash it, we’re incredibly strong, incredibly flexible, and I think it’s really important to be able to step into that empowerment.”
