Pub Corner

Refusing Silence

jiujiteiramagazine February 1, 2021 2 min read

I am a sucker for a good quote. A few choice words strung together in a sentence can create a connection, inspire us in the pursue of greatness, and at times, be revolutionary. One of my favorite quotes that lits up a holy fire in my belly is attributed to the former first lady, Eleonor Roosevelt, who said: “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” I couldn’t agree more.

Women who dare to make themselves heard and pursue goals traditionally assigned to men are still considered to be disobedient. Ring any bells?

In March we celebrate Women’s History Month and the theme this year is “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced.” Without a doubt, history and Jiu-Jitsu has given us extraordinary ladies. I enjoy looking back and drawing inspiration from their powerful examples. But we don’t only have to look back to find women pushing aside boundaries and obstacles that have long confined our opportunities and abilities in life and in the sport. Just read through the pages of this magazine.

Strong and Silenced, by our contributing writer Charlotte McKinley on page 16 zooms in on the problem. Read the story and find the information and encouragement you seek to speak out and refuse to be silenced.

Still a male-dominated sport, the panorama in BJJ is, however, changing. A new generation of Jiujiteiras are charging full speed ahead and they refuse to be quiet. One of these young athletes is Sophie “the Dog” Sharp. Talented, outspoken, ambitious, and determined there is no stopping this girl from achieving her biggest dream of one day winning ADCC. Story on page 28.

We traveled around the country to bring you coverage of women in BJJ at some of the most recent events: Fight2Win 162 in Miami, the ladies of High Rollers 5 in Las Vegas, Submissions on the Shore in Galveston and Girls in Gis seminar in Houston, TX.

Speak against discrimination, isolation and misogyny. If something is bothering you at your gym, if you suspect unfairness at a competition, issues with a coach or training parter, speak up. Speak your truth. Feel free to disobey and break the rules if they are unfair. Take it to social media. Send us an email. Just don’t be quiet.

There are no well-behaved Jiujiteiras. We are by the very essence of our nature, women who refuse to behave.

Oss!

– Evelyn Sutton