Part 19 of 21 improvements BJJ has had on my life. This series was inspired by Tangled Triangle: 21 Days of Improvement. You can read my Part 18 here!

19/21 Improvements from BJJ:  Loud Voice

Right now, with social networks and other tools on the Internet, all of these 500 million people have a way to say what they’re thinking and have their voice be heard. – Mark Zuckerberg

What happens when all 500 million people start talking at the same time? Their voices get drowned out. Finding your voice amongst many can be a challenge. As a woman in jiu jitsu, I automatically had a louder voice by virtue of being in such a minority group.

This is who I am - a subgroup (blogger) of a subgroup (woman) of a subgroup (jiu jistu person).

I’m a subgroup (blogger) of a subgroup (woman) of a subgroup (jiu jistu person).

Finding your voice and maintaining your voice are two entirely different things. I feel blessed that people come here, interact, and come back later. Being a woman in jiu jitsu has given me a louder voice than I would have in other areas, such as teaching, or being an ex-pat, or even a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer.

And while I write about some silly things or some not-awesome things, I honestly try to use my voice and this platform in a positive manner, to help benefit women in this sport. I want to once again thank women who have written in telling their stories, and want to continue inviting women to submit your stories to be heard.

Jiu Jiu’s Question: Do you feel more heard or less heard since starting in BJJ (or your sport)? Do you stand out or do you get lost in the crowd? Are you one of a kind to others, or one of many.