Rolling with the Girls

Women who roll: Kim Eadie, Y’ael Lennon, Kyle McGregor and Sarah Donegan.

LOCAL women are taking to the mats to learn the world’s fastest growing martial art, Jiu Jitsu.

Kim Eadie, coach at Hunter Central Academy said there was a growing demand for a women’s class following some self-defence displays.

“After we did a demonstration in Muswellbrook, women approached me and said they’d love to learn how to do what I did,” said Ms Eadie.

“Since then we’ve had strong interest for a women’s only class,” she said.

“Most assaults on women end up with them being pinned on the ground and Jiu Jitsu teaches women how to defend themselves in that exact scenario,” she said.

“With Jiu Jitsu we teach women how to overcome a stronger opponent through technique.

“A lot of women have always thought about doing it and a women’s only class to make them feel more comfortable,” she said.

“I’d like to also encourage women who have been assaulted to come along because it can really help rebuild their confidence,” Kim Eadie said.

Jiu Jitsu has helped catapult many women into sports super stardom, with females often headlining mixed martial arts competitions.

Women’s Jiu Jitsu starts in Scone: Sarah Donegan, coach Kim Eadie and Y’ael Lennon.

Kim Eadie said it is always inspiring to see women do extraordinary things.

“I love to see women realising what they are capable of,” she said.

“It is an extraordinary sport where you can learn the skills to control and submit an opponent that is two or three times your size.

“What I love abut Jiu Jitsu is anyone can do it, no experience is needed, it doesn’t matter what age you are or how fit you are.

“We want people to feel welcomed, relaxed and it’s a fun environment,” she said.

“We have intervals of more intensive work, which is great for fitness, but it is also quite technical which is challenging and addictive,” said Kim Eadie.

The female class begins on Wednesday, February 24 at 10am.

There is also a beginner’s mixed class, which has women training, on Friday at 6pm.

For more information contact the Hunter Central Academy.