About — women on the mat

BJJ for
women.

Real safety isn’t luck. It’s training.

Women in jiu-jitsu

Women have trained martial arts for centuries — a London poster from around 1910 already advertised “women only classes” in jiu-jitsu — but their place in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more recent, with the sport officially recognised in 1970.

Yvone Duarte made history as the first female competitor in 1985 and the first woman ever awarded a black belt, in 1990. She fought for female inclusion, persuading the Rio de Janeiro federation to create a women’s division — the first competition was held in 1985.

Recently there has been a massive increase in girls and women training BJJ worldwide — and our mats are proof.

London poster from circa 1910 advertising women-only jiu-jitsu classes
London, c. 1910 — women-only jiu-jitsu classes, over a century ago.

ROOTS girls today

ROOTS BJJ has a strong team of girls and women training and competing at local, state, national and international level. Professor Paulo awarded instructor Phillipa her black belt — the standard, passed on.

Our women’s program emphasises real self-defence while helping every member build confidence, develop strength and make some awesome friends — in a supportive, judgement-free space. No experience needed.

Get fit. Build confidence. Learn real self-defence.

Classes run at Brookvale every week — check the timetable or book a free trial below.

Professor Paulo tying Phillipa's new black belt
Professor Paulo ties Phillipa’s black belt — the standard, passed on.
Yvone Duarte, first woman awarded a BJJ black belt
Yvone Duarte — first female black belt, 1990.
Two young ROOTS competitors with medals at the NSW championships
ROOTS girls on the podium — NSW championships.
ROOTS team member Melissa during a competition match
Melissa in competition.
ROOTS team member Dhulassi competing at a submission-only event
Dhulassi under the lights — submission-only, 2019.

Your first class is women-only — and free.


Book a free women’s class