RPMA Monthly Newsletter

February

Dates to Remember

Member Spotlight

This month's featured member is BEATRIZ! 

What first drew you to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and what has kept you committed to it for so many years?

I started at 15; at the time it was because my mother wanted me to have a way of defending myself since I was getting a little more independent. I tried it pretty willingly, and it was *fun*. At that point I had been swimming for my school team for a couple of years, but I found it increasingly boring--BJJ was doing something cool, that made me think, and incidentally made me stronger. 

 The community aspect is also a huge component of why I stayed-- Leigh and Brennan and the entire community really helped me through some rough patches in high school. I've had the opportunity to train in a couple different countries now and the instant connection at new gyms is always a plus.

You’ve trained and traveled in many different places—how has experiencing BJJ in different gyms or cultures shaped your approach to teaching?

There's different BJJ styles in different gyms in the same city, let alone different countries! A lot of the people at our gym come from a very strong American high school and college wrestling background, but we also have a bit of the Japanese cultural influence due to the history of our instructors. For the most part, my jiu jitsu style is quite wrestling influenced, so when I trained in Singapore, there was a bit of a style clash as the gym I went to there had a much stronger judo/Japanese background. The Brazilian instructor there has experience with wrestling and no gi, but as a lot of the people at the gym were interested in the gi and judo style throws, he tailored his teaching to what people preferred. 

The gyms I trained at while travelling tended to have a pretty big international proportion, so I wasn't just rolling with Singaporeans or Australians. People everywhere have different paths into bjj and it influences their style while rolling, and that exposure has helped me look at ways I can adjust things to what my students want to learn, not just what I want to teach.

What do you enjoy most about teaching  women-only classes, and why do you think these spaces are important?

Well it's always nice to roll with people who are within a foot of my height haha. But more importantly, I like to show people that Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone! Even someone who is smaller can learn techniques that are functional against bigger people, we just have to be very technical about it. I have had to learn how to modify certain techniques or focus on some things over others because they're just more efficient for me as one of the shortest people on the mats, and I'm glad I'm able to teach that to others so they don't have to spend as much time figuring this stuff out.

Perhaps more importantly is the sense of safety that a women's only class can bring. In jiu jitsu, you are putting yourself in physically vulnerable positions, and that can be scary! As time gets on and you start learning skills to get out of those positions, you get more confident in your own ability to get out, but those first classes can be very hard, especially if you are going up against someone who is bigger than you.

It can be intimidating being one of only a few women on the mats, so having that sense of community is also super important. I want people to come out of women's class with the confidence to start rolling with everyone, but also knowing the women in this community have each other's backs, both on the mats and off. 

As a blue belt with a long BJJ journey, what’s one lesson—on or off the mats—that BJJ has taught you that still resonates today?

This is going to be so cliche but keep getting back in the saddle. I've had a whole bunch of different reasons that I've stopped doing Jiu-Jitsu, but I've had even more reasons to come back.  I didn't train during college, and I took some time off for medical reasons, but I always knew I would be getting back on the mats eventually. Having that goal of coming back has kept me motivated and I'm so glad to be training back where I started.

What advice would you give to women considering starting BJJ but feeling nervous or unsure?

Just start! You might think you need to get in shape or that you could never roll with a guy or whatever, but start with baby steps-- come to one class a week, come to women's class, just come. It can be scary, but at the same time it is so rewarding and honestly fun, it'll all be worth it!!!!

School Break Camps

Registration is Open for this year's kids BJJ camps during school breaks! 

Spots are limited, so don't wait!

School Break CAmps

Friendly Reminders

New Member Prices. 
Current Member Rates are staying the same!

Tournaments

Congratulations to everyone who attended Grappling Industries in Syracuse!

What's next? Grappling Industries in Buffalo February 28th!
Registration can be done online on the Grappling Industries website.
If anyone needs help with registration, please feel free to reach out
Grappling Industries BUFFALO - Smoothcomp

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating this month!

Locker Rental Available!

Leave Us a Google Review

We value your feedback! 
If you've enjoyed your experience with us, please take a moment to leave us a review on Google. Your reviews help us improve and attract new members.
Show us your Google Review and get a cool RPMA Sticker!

Google Review

Like and Share Our Posts!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Like and share our posts so we can reach as many people as possible!

FacebookInstagram

Stay connected with our dojo community by joining our Discord server. 

 It's a great place to ask questions, share experiences, and keep up with the latest news. 
Download the app and join.

Discord

Celebrate your Birthday at RPMA!

Did you know that RPMA hosts birthday parties?? 
Show your friends how awesome BJJ can be, and celebrate your birthday at the dojo.
Check out our Birthday Party page for more info!

Birthday Parties

RPMA Merch!

Look great while representing the dojo!
2 great ways to shop for RPMA Gear

Zenko- Ships directly to you
Dojo- Purchase from our in stock merch and pick at the dojo! 

RPMA Shop

Gift Certificates Available!

Tired of gifting toys? Not sure what to get that person in your life who seems to already have everything? 
Gift an experience instead!! 
Gift certificates available for Memberships for Kids and Adults!

We want to hear from you!

Want to let us know we are doing a good job, or have suggestions on ways we can improve? We want to know! Feel free to drop your suggestion in anonymously, or write your name if you want us to follow up with you! We appreciate any feedback as it helps us improve!

Check in!

Remember to check in to every class you attend!! BJJ, Judo and Muay Thai!

For kids, attendance tracking is essential for promotions, and regular participation is key to progress.

 Use the iPad by the cubbies, or download the gymdesk app to check in on your phone.

To ensure a safe and respectful environment:

What to Wear/Not to Wear

Wear:  Comfortable athletic clothing. Rash Guards are recommended. Spats, leggings or shorts.

Not to Wear:  Jewelry, watches, or any loose clothing that might get caught during activities. T-shirts. Any clothing with zippers, buttons, sparkles, or anything that sticks out or can hurt others.

What to Bring Every Day:

• Belts :  This is mostly for Kids! Don't forget to bring your belts so you can get your promotions on time! Belts are also sometimes used for games. Be sure to have your belt.
• Water Bottles:  Staying hydrated is crucial, so make sure to bring a water bottle. We have a water bottle refill station. The refill station is for filling water bottles. It is not a water fountain, so please do not place your mouth directly on it.

Thank you for being a part of our dojo family.