5 /5 Brandi Lewis: I signed up for the 8-week womens Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu course at Gracie Barra Champaign and Ive ALREADY BENEFITED SO MUCH from just one class! I can now get myself out from underneath somebody, to on top of them, and then *away*... 2 hours ago I could not. That one maneuver hit harder than anything (though I learned quite a lot more in the same class). I immediately demonstrated it to my husband once I got home and was able to do it successfully on my first attempt, how impressive! Details which I loved about my first class: I was paired with another woman similar to my size and I practiced with the same partner throughout the entire session which reduced many of my anxieties about getting started. The instructors were focused on everybodys safety and remained ever aware of each individuals comfort level. Their instructions were clear, easy to follow, and made sense. I felt safe the entire time and was constantly encouraged to ask questions, I was never made to feel unintelligent, uncomfortable, or triggered. That was monumental as I am an absolute beginner, easily intimidated, and female. Overall, this gym has a very inclusive and welcoming vibe from the moment you walk through the door and everybody seemed to enjoy being there. Their commitment to teamwork and maintaining a safe space was so evident in their etiquette toward one another as well as toward the individuals they were instructing, everybody had fun. Icing on the cake: between classes it was incredibly inspiring for me to actually SEE another woman rolling on the mat with a much larger man, and *completely* holding her own. I happy-cried about it on my drive home, Ill definitely be sticking around after these 8 weeks are over -- I am so excited for this new burst of empowerment and am looking forward to learning and building more confidence, thank you GB Champaign!!!
