Survivor's Stories

I came out of an abusive situation a few years ago then ended up with me being assaulted and stalked. It derailed my life. I was in therapy because of something someone else had done to me. I couldn't go certain places because of that person. I had to learn my triggers and how to avoid them. I had to function well enough to keep my job. I was tired of all of it and I wanted to do something that was just mine. Not related to my assault, but just for me. I had done Judo as a ch

I’m 50 years old. I’ve had many abusive relationships. It was incredibly difficult to get out of my last one, which was a 20 year marriage. I needed a lot of help, because I was under full coercive control. After I left, he was still abusive to me. One time, we were on the street in front of my new home. He became aggressive, puffing out his chest, posturing over me and growling with his fists clenched. I was so scared I ran down the street. And something in me just snapped.

I grew up in an environment that wasn’t safe. My father was physically abusive towards my mom and that’s something that just after years practicing Bjj so I realize that for sure had influence my choices and help my strength to stay in BJJ even facing all challenges. I am Brazilian. I did boxing for a while and when got a chance try jujutsu fell in love and never stop it. It’s been 22 years practicing and 12 that I teach. A few years ago, I caught myself in a situation that I