Here, two-time jiu jitsu world champion Kim Blake talks about how shes shattering stereotypes in martial arts.
Kim Blakehas always lovedmartial arts.
All that changed when she was 41.
After recounting her longtime love of martial arts, her friend asked, Whats stopping you now?
Thus began Blakes groundbreaking career in the field.
In 2019, she earned her second BJJ World Master Champion title.
When you first started training in martial arts, what was representation in the sport like?
Its beena mans world for so long.
And the womens competition would be done so fast because there were so few competitors.
But the more women who do it, the more other women want to do it.
Now, you have a lot more women competing.
Just do it even if you just show up and watch at first.
My second piece of advice is to just do you.
But we can both do the damage in our own way.
Commit to doing just a little bit better every day.
What change do you hope to effect in the martial arts world?
I want to empower women, especially women my age.
The way that Im going to do this is with my son.
Hes opening up a gym later this year, where I will teach jiu jitsu and empower women throughself-defense.
Whats your advice for women who are interested in martial arts but havent taken the leap?
Women dont want to be put in a compromised position.
Learn it to be able toget home safely.
Learn it to keep your mind active.
Learn it to stay in shape.
What do you hope the jiu jitsu world looks like 10 years from now?
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
This article was originally published onAug.
