I am currently a student at Ronin athletics in Midtown. I joined the school to participate in the all women’s self defense program created by the Gracie Family, “Women Empowered.”
At first, I was very intimidated by the school and the program, but the instructors and the students were very welcoming to me as a newcomer. Christian Montes and Lara are really great instructors. Since I started my time in this program they have been very informative and they really take the time to coach and guide us through all of the techniques in great detail.
Since the day that I was randomly attacked near my home, I have been reluctant to go out anywhere by myself. Participating in this program has slowly helped me to become more confident in walking around by myself again. My husband still picks me up when I am coming home late, but it’s nice to know that I am learning how to defend myself. I really like coming to the school and drilling the techniques with my training partners.
We train in a very safe and friendly environment. Each class we are taught a new technique from the Gracie program and take turns drilling them with each other. Unlike most BJJ programs out there, we DO NOT free spar or roll in this class. It is geared specifically for women and designed to prepare us specifically for the kind of scenarios we may encounter on the street.
After completing my first training cycle, I have earned one stripe on my white belt. I believe there are 15 classes and you have to take each one 3 times. Then at the end of the program I will be able to test for the “Women Empowered Pink belt.”
Ladies, if you are reading this, don’t wait around until you are attacked by some low life on the street to start training. Start learning how to protect and defend yourself now, BEFORE anything bad happens to you. Ronin Athletics provides a free trial class so don’t hesitate to go over and give it a go. You will not regret it. If you do go, tell them that Christine sent you!
Just a life long New Yorker sharing the journey through my lens. Please take note of a post’s date. The views I express here are subject to change and evolving as I grow and learn.