This camp is the second in the minicamp format: 2 full days of technique, gi and no-gi rolling, discussions covering a myriad of topics from competition, to relationships in the gym, to taking time off for injuries, to nutrition, and weight cutting. There was a smattering of familiar faces, but mostly new ones, an indication of how many women participate in the sport. There is a teambuilding exercise that breaks the ice and we begin warming up. We run through technique, which has something for everyone; the beginner camper who is uncertain if Jiu-Jitsu is for her got to see the mechanics, and the “how to”. The more advanced students got details, mind blowing details that when utilized take your percentages up from “that move doesn’t work for me” to “Holy crap; I threw this on in class when I got home and shazaam.”

We engaged in” flow rolling” an ego-less exercise with no winners or losers, just partners exchanging ideas and energy endlessly moving, working technique after technique until time is called. Then we went live. We are a special kind of lady. We are the kind who will manipulate each other’s limbs and try to choke each other then laugh, high five it out, and do it again, harder. We laugh about blackened eyes, bruises, and smelly gis. Then we show each other our super secret ninja moves, all the while under the watchful eyes of our head, and assisting instructors. There were breaks for lunch and dinner where new friendships were formed. The community I have become a part of in the past year and a half is full of great ladies. Each camp has given me so much more than I could have wished for myself. The opportunity to learn from champions and leaders in my sport, they show not only tested technique but how to move through this sport with grace unparalleled. From my fellow campers, both those who have more experience and talent and those who are newer to the sport, I have gotten support, kind words, a couple of filthy jokes and some super secret moves I will unleash at my home gym.

There are always tears at the end of camp, both happy ones because of the new great friends we have made and sad ones because we can’t take them all with us. Deep friendships are cultivated, new friendships are forged. Notes will be sent back and forth across the internet detailing every nuance of the “lockdown release,” retelling of funny moments, and promises to do it all again. Perhaps being part of this other special team is at the heart of why camp is so special, all of the separate parts of what makes camp great pale in comparison to the magic that happens when you get a bunch of crazy broads together who have a great love for Jiu-Jitsu, and immense respect for our instructors, who continue to inspire us to be as terrifying on the mats as they are.

-Lola Newsom
Blue Belt, Marcelo Garcia’s Academy