Should women be able to compete in men’s? divisions at grappling tournaments? While the women’s divisions continue to grow in many tournaments, we’ve all seen the lone 135 blue belt who drove several hours to have no competitors.? At best she’ll have to fight up a weight class (or two) to have a match.? That being said, is a 145 lb woman at a “natural” disadvantage against a 145lb? man? Or is she at a disadvantage only if the man resorts to brute strength versus technically sound jiu jitsu?? Your 2 cents:
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July 15th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
I beleive that this is a tricky question. I think it will depends on the individuals skill and fitness level. With that being said, skill will always beat sloppy jiu jitsu.
July 16th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
The problem with this scenario, in my opinion, is ego. Some men have a hard time leaving their egos off the mat. With the exception of the men I used to train with regularly, I got such little respect for my skill. Their only intent, it seemed, was to teach this little girl a lesson that dared entered their domain. Once they realized I had some skill, then it was brute strength thrown against me.
So, if the men can leave the ego off the mat and rely strictly on skill, I don’t see why a woman could not compete with the men, if that’s what she wanted to do.
July 17th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
I think sure. While men are generally stronger then women, women are generally more flexible than men, which if you know how to use it(speaking as a very flexible person), it will beat strength 90% of the time. I think because of this it’s fair.
July 19th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
sometimes a girl shows up to a tournament and theres no other women her weight, or maybe she just wants a challenge. in the grand scheme of things, especially at lower belt levels were all there to learn and get better. jiu jitsu is jiu jitsu and if a woman wants to test hers in a mens division why shouldnt she?