People who train: Stories from the Mat with Marie

Marie’s Journey Through Jiu-Jitsu Classes for Women

At Gracie Barra Greensboro, Jiu-Jitsu classes for women are about so much more than learning takedowns and submissions. They’re about reclaiming confidence, building resilience, and becoming part of a community that truly supports each other.



In our People Who Train series, we feature the real stories of women who stepped onto the mats with questions and insecurities, and found clarity, purpose, and strength. Today’s spotlight is on Marie, a busy mother of two who found her power and peace through Jiu-Jitsu.

“Since I’ve been doing this, I just feel a lot more comfortable and confident in my own skin.”

Marie, Blue Belt at Gracie Barra Greensboro

Meet Marie: Single Mom, Therapist, and Martial Artist

Marie first walked into the doors of Gracie Barra Greensboro in September 2021. She’s not your typical martial artist, she’s a full-time private mental health and addiction counselor, a single mom raising two kids, and someone who had never done a combat sport before. And yet, despite the demands of her personal and professional life, she made the choice to train. Not just once a week, but four times, every week.



For Marie, Jiu-Jitsu for women isn’t a hobby, it’s a lifeline.

“This is one of the few places where I feel like I can fully focus on myself. When I’m on the mat, I’m not thinking about work, or laundry, or emails. It’s my space to breathe and grow.”

Marie’s story doesn’t stop with her own transformation. Inspired by her consistency and newfound joy, both of her children joined shortly after she did. Her son has even taken on a leadership role, helping with kids' classes and mentoring younger students. The ripple effect of her commitment is now shaping the next generation.

“I’ve seen a huge transformation in both of them,” Marie shares. “They’re more self-assured, and they’re stepping up as leaders. That’s something they’ll carry for life.”

How Jiu-Jitsu Helped Marie Build Confidence and Resilience

Before joining Jiu-Jitsu, Marie described herself as shy and unsure. Like many women, she had spent years prioritizing others and playing it safe. That all changed on the mats.



“I used to be the quiet one in every room. Jiu-Jitsu flipped that script. I started to believe in myself in ways I never had before.”

Marie explains that one of the most powerful aspects of her training was learning to sit with discomfort. Whether it was the close contact of drills, the challenge of learning new techniques, or the emotional vulnerability that sometimes surfaced during class, she faced it all with courage.

At first, she admits she would sit in her car outside the academy, questioning whether she could go in. But slowly, those feelings faded as she built a habit of showing up, again and again.

Coach Jessica shares this insight:

“What Marie did is exactly what we want to teach every woman, not to be fearless, but to take action even when fear is present. That’s what makes a warrior.”

Now, Marie stands taller, speaks more confidently, and has developed tools to manage anxiety and self-doubt, tools that she says carry over into every aspect of her life, from parenting to business to friendships.

Training as a Woman in a Male-Dominated Space

When Marie first started, she was the only woman in her class. That might sound intimidating, but at Gracie Barra Greensboro, she found something she didn’t expect: respect.

“The guys were so supportive. I never felt like I didn’t belong. Everyone treated me like a teammate, and that helped me grow.”

Still, training with men presented its challenges. As a woman, Marie had to navigate not just technique, but her own beliefs about what she could or couldn’t do. Over time, she realized that success in Jiu-Jitsu classes for women comes not from size or strength, but from smart training, technical precision, and trust in your partners.

“It’s not about being stronger than someone else. It’s about being smarter, more precise, more aware. That’s something women excel at when given the chance.”

Marie advocates for integrated training, but she also understands the need for safe, empowering women-only spaces, especially for beginners. That’s why the women’s program at Gracie Barra Greensboro exists, giving women the option to build skills and confidence in an environment that meets them where they are.

“We’ve created something really special here,” Coach Jessica says. “Our women’s Jiu-Jitsu classes are built on encouragement, respect, and empowerment. Every woman leaves feeling stronger.”

Bouncing Back from Injury: Strength in Community

A while ago, Marie suffered a significant setback, a broken foot during training. For some, that might have been a reason to give up. But for Marie, it became yet another lesson in perseverance.

“Even when I couldn’t train, my teammates kept me involved. They checked in on me, encouraged me, and made sure I knew I still belonged.”

She returned to training as soon as she was able, more determined than ever. Her resilience is a testament to the culture at Gracie Barra Greensboro, a culture that celebrates every victory, large or small.

“Jiu-Jitsu didn’t just help me heal physically. It reminded me that I’m not alone. That I’m capable. That I can overcome anything.”

Coach Jessica adds:

“Injuries happen, but quitting doesn’t have to. Our women lift each other up, both on and off the mats. That’s what makes this more than a gym, it’s a sisterhood.”

Why So Many Women Are Choosing Jiu-Jitsu

There’s a reason more and more women are signing up for Jiu-Jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Greensboro. It’s not just about learning self-defense (although that’s part of it). It’s about reclaiming space. It’s about discovering what you’re made of. And it’s about finding your people, other women who get it, support you, and cheer you on.



Whether you’re a working professional, a college student, a mom, or someone simply looking for a new challenge, there’s a place for you here.

Coach Jessica offers this encouragement:

“It’s not about having the right body or background. You just have to be willing to start. And we’ll walk with you every step of the way.”

Start Your Own Story Today

Marie’s journey is one of many, and yours could be next. If you're ready to find your strength, connect with a powerful community of women, and challenge yourself in the best way possible, there’s no better time to begin.

📩 Email us at info@gbgreensboro.com
🎯 Or click to book your free trial class.

Join a growing number of women discovering what’s possible through Jiu-Jitsu.

Gracie Barra Greensboro is ready when you are!