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This past weekend I attended the 1st Annual AZ Women’s BJJ Spring Retreat in Prescott AZ. Seven of my female teammates accompanied me to the retreat including my Mom....and we had a blast!!
I can’t say enough to actually describe how great this event was, the retreat was put together and ran by the amazing Professor Sarah Black, with workshops taught by Professor Luka Dias, Professor Heather Rafferty, Professor Lisa Pages, Seta Ruepenny, Nana Hosokowa and I am so honored to say that I got to teach as well along side AZ’s top female Jiu Jitsu practitioners.
I have been training for about 8 years now and one of the things I really love about Jiu Jitsu is the friendships I have made along the way. I have competed against almost all of the women that I was standing in line with over the weekend (and I still love them all even if they have beat up and choked me) It was a surreal feeling to be standing in between the women I looked up to and was inspired by when I first started training.
I have been training for about 8 years now and one of the things I really love about Jiu Jitsu is the friendships I have made along the way. I have competed against almost all of the women that I was standing in line with over the weekend (and I still love them all even if they have beat up and choked me) It was a surreal feeling to be standing in between the women I looked up to and was inspired by when I first started training.
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It was great to meet so many new Jiu Jitsu girls this weekend, I am excited to see see them at other events and be able to have had a part in their journey.
In addition to lots (and I do mean LOTS) of Jiu Jitsu, there was zip lining, rock climbing, games and a campfire.
In addition to lots (and I do mean LOTS) of Jiu Jitsu, there was zip lining, rock climbing, games and a campfire.
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We had 3 cabins filled with over 70 women, we slept on bunk beds, shared 1 bathroom per 10 ladies and a common area shared by about 35 women and believe it or not, we still like each other (well except Sam, we might not like her as much now) although she did have us laughing non stop.
My Mom....she is a true warrior! She participated in everything! (Don't tell her I told you but, she is 70!!)
My friendships with my teammates grew even stronger and I love each one of them in their own little "special" way.
My Mom....she is a true warrior! She participated in everything! (Don't tell her I told you but, she is 70!!)
My friendships with my teammates grew even stronger and I love each one of them in their own little "special" way.
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I’m hoping this will become an annual or even semi-annual event and hope to continue to have a part in it. BIG thanks to all who had a part in making this event possible and so much fun...Those who helped out, took pictures etc...and an extra BIG thanks to those who encouraged me to zip line, I would have backed out for sure if it wasn’t for all of the peer pressure!
*Caution! Jiu Jitsu Camps are not for the weak! I left there, sore, tired, my brain is exhausted and I may need treatment for TMJ because my face hurts so bad from smiling and laughing for 3 days straight!
*Caution! Jiu Jitsu Camps are not for the weak! I left there, sore, tired, my brain is exhausted and I may need treatment for TMJ because my face hurts so bad from smiling and laughing for 3 days straight!
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Sarah.....let me know if anyone is missing....
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Thank you Sicchic & Jitzsoap for donating the raffle prizes!
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