In recent years, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has gained immense popularity, especially among women seeking practical self-defense skills, fitness, and empowerment. At Dark Horse, we’re proud to offer a welcoming space for women in Denver to train, including a dedicated women’s Jiu-Jitsu class every Tuesday at 5:30 pm. Whether you’re curious about getting started or already familiar with BJJ, we will explore the benefits of training and what to expect before you hit the mats! 

Why Women Should Train Jiu-Jitsu

1. Effective Self-Defense

Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art designed for smaller individuals to defend themselves against larger opponents. It focuses on leverage, joint locks, and grappling techniques to neutralize threats, making it a great self-defense tool. You will learn how you can use technique against your opponent and will get consistent training to make sure you know what to do in an unfortunate situation. 

2. Boosts Confidence

Learning how to protect yourself increases your confidence, both on and off the mats. You’ll feel more secure in everyday situations, knowing that you can handle yourself if needed. Speaking from experience, after you consistently do something hard like jiu-jitsu you will feel like there is nothing you can’t do in this world! So, gear up for a great adventure of mental and physical self-improvement!

3. Full-Body Workout

Jiu-Jitsu offers an intense, full-body workout. It combines strength, cardio, flexibility, and endurance. As you roll, you’ll notice improvements in your physical fitness, and each session is a new opportunity to build your skills.

4. Stress Management and Resilience

Self-defense scenarios can be stressful and unpredictable. BJJ training conditions individuals to handle stress and remain calm under pressure. As women practice techniques and engage in sparring, they develop mental resilience, allowing them to think clearly and make rational decisions during high-stress situations.

5. Supportive Community

Training alongside other women fosters a strong sense of community. At Dark Horse, our women’s classes are designed to be inclusive and supportive, with fellow practitioners helping each other grow in skill and confidence. As an adult, it can be hard sometimes to find new friends, so why not try a new hobby that can bring more friends into your life?

6. Encouragement to Stand Up for Themselves

Through BJJ training, women learn the importance of asserting themselves and standing up for their own safety. This mentality can translate into daily life, giving women the tools they need to advocate for themselves and set boundaries confidently.

Join Our Women’s Jiu-Jitsu Class at Dark Horse Combat Club

Are you ready to embark on your self-defense and Jiu-Jitsu journey? Dark Horse offers a safe, empowering environment for women in Denver to train. We invite you to join us for our women’s-only Jiu-Jitsu class every Tuesday at 5:30 pm.

Whether you’re looking to get fit, learn practical self-defense skills, or simply try something new, our women’s class is the perfect place to start. Our experienced instructors will support you at every step, helping you grow in confidence and ability!

What Our Women Say

We know how nerve-racking it can be to step on the mats for the first time, so we hope reading about other women’s experiences at our gym can help you feel more confident, motivated, and of course, excited!

“Dark Horse has been like a second home to me. I trained in high school at the Longmont location, and they built my confidence up so high I was able to move myself across the country for college. 6 years later when I returned to Colorado I walked into a Dark Horse gym and was greeted by name with a bear hug. The women’s program is something I hold so dear to my heart and being able to share BJJ with the people around me makes me feel so fulfilled. Building up an amazing community, instilling confidence, and keeping the women in my life safe! What’s not to love!!”

          – Olivia 

“Jiu-jitsu has completely changed my life in the best way possible. It’s helped me get stronger, feel more confident, and has taught me useful self-defense skills. Beyond just the physical benefits, it’s also been a great mental boost, making me more resilient and focused. What’s been really incredible is watching our women’s class grow. Seeing more and more women join, build their skills, and cheer each other on has been so inspiring. It’s amazing to be part of such a supportive community, and I can’t wait to see how we keep growing together!” 

          – Samantha

“The women’s class has not only been amazing for physical activity, it’s also given me a sense of womanhood that I’ve never felt a part of before. I feel part of a community of such strong, confident women that I can have so much fun with even while learning serious self-defense skills. Aside from that, the sport has helped me develop a great level of body awareness and mobility in a really fun and unique way!” 

          – Carly

What to Expect Before Your First Class

1. No Experience Necessary:

If you’re new to Jiu-Jitsu or self-defense, don’t worry! Our Tuesday women’s class at 5:30 pm is beginner-friendly. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the basics, ensuring you feel comfortable and safe from the moment you step on the mats.

2. What to Wear:

You’ll want to wear comfortable, athletic clothing for your first few classes. As you progress, you might invest in a Gi (traditional Jiu-Jitsu uniform), but for now, leggings, shorts, and a form-fitting top will work just fine.

3. Come with an Open Mind:

BJJ is a skill that develops over time. You don’t need to be perfect on day one. Come ready to learn, make mistakes, and improve each time. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and stay consistent!

4. It’s All About Technique:

While strength helps, Jiu-Jitsu is primarily about technique. You’ll learn how to leverage your body and use your opponent’s movements to your advantage, which means anyone can excel, regardless of size or physical strength.

Ready to give jiu-jitsu a try? 

Sign up now and experience the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu firsthand!  We can’t wait to see you on the mats at Dark Horse Combat Club for our Tuesday 5:30 pm women’s Jiu-Jitsu class with coach Arianna.

Take the first step in your self-defense journey today!