The Gracie Women Empowered program is a self-defense and empowerment program designed to help women build confidence and gain the skills necessary to protect themselves in dangerous situations. The program was created by Rener and Ryron Gracie, two of the most respected figures in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® (GJJ) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The Gracie Women Empowered program has been designed to provide women with an effective way to defend themselves against physical attacks, as well as providing them with the tools they need to take control of their own safety.
Why is Self-Defense Important for Women?
Self-defense is an important skill for anyone, but it is especially important for women. Unfortunately, women are more likely than men to be victims of violent crime. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, women are nearly three times more likely than men to experience sexual assault or rape. In addition, many women have experienced other forms of violence such as domestic violence or stalking. Self-defense can help give women the confidence they need to protect themselves against these types of attacks.
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the perfect self-defense system for women, but only if it is taught correctly. If you’re unsure about learning BJJ for fear of injury, embarrassment, or any other reason, then the Women Empowered program is perfect for you! If you’ve tried BJJ at another school and had a negative experience, give Women Empowered a chance, and we guarantee it will win you back to the mat!
What Does the Program Entail?
The Gracie Women Empowered program consists of 20 skills focusing on the most common threats that women face. Each skill focuses on different aspects of self-defense and includes a variety of techniques such as striking, grappling and ground fighting. The program also teaches situational awareness and strategies for avoiding dangerous situations in the first place. In addition, participants learn about how to use their environment as a weapon and how to use verbal de-escalation techniques when faced with a potential threat.
The Women Empowered program also emphasis the various phases of an assault by both a stranger and a non-stranger. For example, an assailant will identify an unsuspecting target. Eventually, they will try to isolate and subdue the target. Eventually, the attacker will try to control an exhaust a target. Finally, they will finish carrying out the assault. After learning the various stages of an assault, you learn the skills that are most likely to succeed at any given stage of the attack. It includes both standing and ground tactics, as well as several simple weapon defenses.
20 Essential Techniques
Law enforcement officials and survivors of sexual assault helped us identify the 20 most common attack strategies that a male assailant is likely to use on a woman. From hair-grabs and choke-holds, to bear hugs and weapon defenses, the Women Empowered program covers it all.
The Empowerment Mindset
Beyond the physical techniques, Women Empowered also reinforces awareness principles, risk assessment, and verbal and psychological strategies a woman can use to set safe boundaries with others – even if the perpetrator is someone she knows. At the core of this mindset is the belief that we are worth defending!
Step 1: Learn the Techniques
We have divided the 20 Women Empowered techniques into 15 one-hour classes so that you can complete the course at your own pace. We designed each lesson so you can start the program at any time and complete the 15 lessons in any order. Upon enrolling, we will issue you a Women Empowered attendance card on which we will track your progress every step of the way.
Step 2: Develop Your Reflexes
Once you complete each of the 15 Women Empowered lessons once, you will qualify to participate in the Reflex Development (RD) classes where you will learn how to combine the 20 techniques to address the most common occurrences in a real self-defense situation.
Step 3: Earn Your Pink Belt
Once you complete each of the Women Empowered lessons four times, and you’ve completed at least 8 Reflex Development Classes, you are eligible to test for promotion to pink belt! During this 30-minute test, we will assess your execution of all 20 essential techniques. If your performance meets Gracie University standards, you will qualify for promotion to pink belt. Please note that there is an evaluation fee each time you take a test, and when you pass the test, you will receive your official Women Empowered Pink Belt and promotion certificate at no additional cost. As a pink belt, you will be more than ready to move on to the Gracie Combatives® program should you choose to continue the jiu-jitsu journey!
How Can I Get Involved?
The Gracie Women Empowered program is offered at various locations around the world at Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center® (CTC’s) including gyms, martial arts schools, and community centers. You can find out more information about classes near you by visiting their at GracieUniversity.com to find a location near you. Additionally, there are online courses available that can be taken from anywhere in the world at any time.
Conclusion
No matter what your level of experience or fitness level may be, there is something for everyone in this empowering program! By taking part in this program you will gain invaluable skills that will help you feel safer and more confident in any situation you may encounter!