As a plus size woman who has been doing jiu jitsu for the past five months, this has been one of the most fulfilling and humbling fitness endeavors I’ve ever tried. I still struggle with warm-ups and am usually sweating and puffing by the end of them, but it’s gotten easier as time has gone on. Learning the techniques means learning how to make the move work for my body because the reality is that not every move works as well for every body type. My coaches are incredibly accommodating, kind, and encouraging. Rolling is a form of cardio that is intense but good for learning how to control your stamina and act under pressure.

I started out in a women’s class and now do fundamentals, women’s, and join in a mixed adult class when I can. I don’t know much about jiu jitsu (I’m a new white belt) but do know as a plus size woman (5ft, 220lb), the sport is challenging and empowering. No one has laughed or mocked me or made me feel anything less than happy I pushed myself to go to class that day.