Who was it that used to defend this thesis statement? None other than Grandmaster Helio Gracie, who left us two years ago on January 29, 2009.
The master was right. These days, Jiu-Jitsu is being practiced by more and more women as a means of self-defense, as a sport and as exercise. At the 2009 World Championship there were 143 of them signed up. At the 2010 Worlds the number jumped to 176.
The growth of female Jiu-Jitsu is one of the themes of Brazil’s “Sensei Sportv” television program this Saturday, featuring super model white belt Carol Francischini practicing self-defense positions with her boyfriend, Guilherme Valente.
As an homage to the philosophy of the late teacher, GRACIEMAG put together a special Training Program on self-defense.
Rush to get yours at bookstores. Or click here to subscribe and get the inside scoop, the latest training techniques, and everything else there is to know about the gentle art of Jiu-Jitsu in the comfort of your own home every month.
Don't mess with this top model. Photo: Publicity/Sportv.