Interview with Coach Jessica Affolter
Jessica Affolter
To start, could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your Jiu-Jitsu journey? How did you get started on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Hey! I am Coach Jess, a purple belt here at Gracie Barra Greensboro. I started my Jiu-Jitsu journey in February of 2021 after being with my husband (Professor Lucas) for about 1 year. I was a little hesitant to start. I have been an athlete my whole life, so after graduating college in 2020, Jiu-Jitsu was the perfect transition to stay active and still involved in a team sport beyond school years! Joy-Jitsu offers a wonderful community and workout all in one!!
Even though more women are joining BJJ, Jiu-Jitsu has historically been a male-dominated sport. As a female practitioner and now a coach, what have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think the biggest challenge women face in Jiu-Jitsu is being underestimated size and strength play a big role in practicing the sport, so it is frustrating or challenging if there is a male counterpart who doesn’t understand how to train with you (using all of their strength to prevent a movement, OR, not trying with you at all). However, communication is key and advocating for yourself is very important.
What was the most difficult part about earning your purple belt, and how did you overcome it?
I was about 7 months postpartum when I earned my purple belt, so I think the most challenging part about leveling up was not feeling totally ready mentally, or worthy of it. Since the last part of my blue belt journey was spent being pregnant / recovering, I wasn’t sure if I “deserved” that next step. Overcoming this feeling comes with putting in the work- training whenever I can, teaching, and staying active and strong.
What inspired you to open Gracie Barra Greensboro, and what were some of the biggest obstacles you encountered in bringing this vision to life?
Having a school was a dream of my husband, and I wanted to support him in anyway I could to make that dream a reality. We are so thankful we get to help transform people's lives through Jiu-Jitsu!
How has your experience as a woman shaped the way you coach and mentor students at Gracie Barra Greensboro?
I coach with a lot of transparency, and try to break things down in a simpler way (when possible). I think it is super important to challenge yourself and not give up. Jiu-Jitsu is really hard, so it is very important to keep showing up for yourself and for others. Especially as a woman, it is important to focus on improving your technical game!
Do you think Jiu-Jitsu is becoming more inclusive for women? What changes have you seen, and what improvements do you think are still needed?
I do believe it is becoming more inclusive for women! Our women’s program is a great example of this. Although we do offer women's only classes, we also have a wonderful amount of women showing up for our co-ed adult classes (sometimes 1/2 to 1/3 of the class is female!).
Challenges I have seen: it is scary to make yourself vulnerable to try something new- especially with something that is very physical and in other people's space. You definitely have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable!
Another challenge is ego: we are doing our best to create a community that puts ego aside. We are a team that is stronger together, here to push each other to get better and work on growing our humility and integrity through the practice of this art.
Can you share a moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey where you felt truly empowered or made a significant impact on someone else’s journey?
Personally, when I can go to competition and execute and showcase my hard work, that is very empowering. Otherwise, I hope I can be looked at as motivation for other people to continue working hard and showing up to Jiu-Jitsu!!
As the Program Director of Gracie Barra Greensboro, what are the most frequent concerns women have before joining Jiu-Jitsu?
I think a big concern women have before joining is the feeling of “looking silly”, or “not knowing anything”. But my answer is “you don’t know what you don’t know!”. Also, Jiu-Jitsu is silly, but also REALLY FUN.
Balancing coaching, training, running a Jiu-Jitsu school, and now being a mom must be quite demanding. How do you stay motivated and manage your time?
It is very demanding, however we have a great community behind us! Staying motivated comes from having discipline, which I need to be mindful of and practice! Some days are more successful than others for sure. I am working on creating a more solid and predictable routine, but I think we all know sometimes things don’t go according to plan and you have to “roll with the punches”. It’s all about adapting and overcoming and giving yourself grace when necessary.
What advice would you give to women who are hesitant to start Jiu-Jitsu, whether because of intimidation or other concerns?
Just try it and see how it goes! It took me a few classes to be convinced that I liked it!! I am naturally competitive, so trying something new and not being super great at it right away is very humbling it is a challenge that is very rewarding, and it becomes more fun the more frequently you show up!!!! Do it for YOU!
Finally, outside of the mats, who is Coach Jess? What are your passions and interests beyond Jiu-Jitsu?
Just try it and see how it goes! It took me a few classes to be convinced that I liked it!! I am naturally competitive, so trying something new and not being super great at it right away is very humbling it is a challenge that is very rewarding, and it becomes more fun the more frequently you show up!!!! Do it for YOU!
Finding the right Jiu Jitsu school can be a life-changing decision. Whether you're looking to improve your physical health, boost your confidence, or become part of a supportive community, choosing the right training environment is essential. In this guide, we'll help you understand what makes a great Jiu Jitsu school and why Gracie Barra Greensboro might be exactly what you're searching for.
Finding the right Jiu Jitsu school can be a life-changing decision. Whether you're looking to improve your physical health, boost your confidence, or become part of a supportive community, choosing the right training environment is essential. In this guide, we'll help you understand what makes a great Jiu Jitsu school and why Gracie Barra Greensboro might be exactly what you're searching for.
My name is Lucas, I’m from Brasilia,Brazil. I started jiu jitsu when I was 16 years old. As a regular kid in Brazil I started practicing martial arts when I was a kid with capoeira. After a few years I had my first contact with Muay-Thai and 2 years later I had my first class in Jiu-Jitsu and like most of the people I loved since that I never stopped.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or simply BJJ, offers a wealth of benefits that go beyond physical fitness. You'll find it enhances your strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Mentally, it sharpens your resilience, stress management, and problem-solving skills. Socially, it builds a supportive community that fosters camaraderie. The practical self-defense techniques boost your confidence in real-world scenarios. Embrace a healthier lifestyle with respect, humility, and lifelong personal growth. Curious about how it all ties together? Lucas Nabuco, Head Professor of Gracie Barra Greensboro, and will show you the benefits that practitioners can gain from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
This article talks about everything about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, from the origins to benefits.
Jiu Jitsu offers a thrilling journey of physical and mental growth. However, ensuring a safe and injury-free practice is vital for sustained progress. Preventing Injuries Prioritize a thorough warm-up routine before training sessions. Focus on technique over brute force to minimize strain on muscles and joints. Listen to your body's cues during practice—discomfort or pain […]
The article talks about why Jiu Jitsu is the best self defense option for women and any other person.
The article mentions the visitors from other Gracie Barra schools from various places and welcomes visitors to a Jiu Jitsu roll.
Why Jiu Jitsu is the best choice for anyone looking for a new physical activity, want to get into the martial arts world or even just learn self defense for everyday situations. It talks about the benefits of Jiu Jitsu.
FAQs: Common questions beginners have about starting Jiu Jitsu.
