Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Is One of the Best Martial Arts for Women
- Ewan Feek
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the fastest-growing martial arts in the world and increasingly, women are stepping onto the mats and discovering just how transformative it can be.
At 4Honor Academy Ireland, we see first-hand how BJJ empowers women physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether the goal is confidence, fitness, self-defence, or simply trying something new, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers benefits that go far beyond training.
1. Strength Without Size or Power
Unlike many sports or martial arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not about strength or aggression. It is based on leverage, timing, technique, and body awareness, which means smaller or lighter individuals can effectively control larger opponents.
For women, this is especially powerful. BJJ teaches how to:
Use positioning rather than force
Control space and movement
Stay calm and problem-solve under pressure
This makes it one of the most practical and realistic martial arts for real-world situations.
2. Practical Self-Defence Skills
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses heavily on close-range scenarios, escapes, and controlling an opponent on the ground where many real-life confrontations unfortunately end up.
Rather than relying on strikes, BJJ teaches:
How to escape from pins and holds
How to defend from underneath
How to create space and safely disengage
Because it is trained against resisting partners in a controlled environment, the skills developed are realistic, pressure-tested, and adaptable.
3. Increased Confidence and Mental Resilience
One of the biggest changes women report after starting BJJ isn’t physical, it’s mental.
Training regularly builds:
Confidence in your own ability to handle difficult situations
Mental toughness and emotional regulation
Comfort with being uncomfortable and pushing past self-doubt
Many women find that this confidence carries over into everyday life - work, relationships, and personal boundaries.
4. A Full-Body Workout That Builds Real Fitness
BJJ is a highly effective form of exercise that improves:
Strength and muscle tone
Cardiovascular fitness
Mobility, balance, and coordination
Unlike repetitive gym routines, no two classes are ever the same. Training stays engaging, challenging, and mentally stimulating, making it easier to stay consistent long-term.
5. A Supportive and Inclusive Community
For many women, walking into a martial arts gym for the first time can feel intimidating. That’s why environment matters.
At 4Honor Academy, we prioritise:
Safety and respect on the mats
Controlled, technical training — not ego or aggression
A welcoming atmosphere for beginners
Women train at their own pace, with no pressure to compete, spar hard, or “prove” anything. Everyone starts somewhere, and progress is personal.
6. Learning to Trust Your Body
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches body awareness in a way few other activities do. Over time, women develop:
Better movement confidence
Improved posture and balance
Trust in their physical capability
This can be especially powerful for those who have felt disconnected from sport, fitness, or physical confidence in the past.
7. It’s for Every Woman - Not Just Athletes
You don’t need to be strong, fit, flexible, or experienced to start BJJ. Women of all ages and backgrounds train for different reasons:
Fitness and wellbeing
Confidence and self-defence
Stress relief and mental clarity
Learning a new skill
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu meets you where you are and grows with you.
Thinking of Trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Starting something new can be daunting - but it can also be life-changing.
If you’ve ever thought about trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but felt unsure, nervous, or “not sporty enough,” you’re not alone — and you’re exactly the kind of person BJJ is for.
We welcome beginners and offer a supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and build confidence at your own pace.
Get in touch with 4Honor Academy today to try a class or learn more about our women-friendly training environment.
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