- My logo to represent Women in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
I’m not a super political person. For the most part I’d rather watch an episode of Star Trek or play a board game than debate politics. I tend to avoid them, much to my father’s dismay, as I have yet to engage in a single conversation with him about politics or history–his favorite subjects.
One subject I do get very passionate about, though, is feminism and violence against women.
As you are aware, I’ve been designing gis like crazy for Meerkat & Parttimegrappler‘s DESIGN-YOUR-OWN-CRAZY-ASS-BJJ GI challenge! So far I’m up to 19. Nope, not obsessed at all!
Mostly they’ve been really nerdy, but then I started thinking of making a female empowerment gi, which of course led to Rosie the Riveter, then to researching some feminist symbols, which led me to Say NO – UNiTE, a very powerful website. “Based on country data available, up to 70 per cent of women experience physical or sexual violence from men in their lifetime.” Additionally, 1 in 3 women and girls worldwide may be abused in their lifetimes.
I created a gi to help raise awareness of violence against women. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one way for women to help protect themselves. The numbers are to call attention to those startling statistics. The logo with the handprint was changed from blue to red to create an even more powerful visual representation. I put the handprint behind the flap of the gi so it is only partly showing because it is an issue that hides in plain site. The JiuJitsoka logo was created to be a strong representation of women in jiu jitsu. It is a logo I plan to use more, and I would be happy to share with anyone who would like.
My own personal creation. I’m very proud of this.
The gi also has a number of strong feminist icons/ideas. RADICAL to indicate radical feminism as well as me being a radical woman by simply being in a very male dominated sport. And the symbol for women with the added fist to show empowerment.
I created a profile on Say No-UNiTE called Women in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I uploaded my JiuJitsoka logo there, and when my profile is approved I am going to upload this gi onto there. I’ve decided this gi will be a reality, regardless of whether it wins the contest or not. This issue is too important, and me being a woman wearing this gi will be a very powerful statement.
I encourage all of you to create a profile there and look for actions near you. Looks like I’ll be starting my own here, as they have no existing chapters here in Korea. Once my profile has been approved I’ll let you know, and please consider joining with me in my effort to raise awareness of this important issue.
Political talk over. Papa would be so proud.
I think this is an awesome design concept for a womens Gi 🙂
Awesome gi!
I like the female symbol with the fist.
Love the gi!
I also wanted to say, I could have written that first paragraph myself. Looks like we geek grapplers have similar roots. lol
Love this – the gi, the post, the subject ! Great job!!! I worked for a dv shelter for 7 years, and I too find bjj as a great self defense for women. Some in the dv movement fear that telling a women to take a self defense class will give her a false sense of security about fighting back against her abuser, and even worse, give her the Jennifer Lopez, Enough, idea that she can kick his butt.
My hope is that they understand the confidence it can give a woman to fight back to at least defend yourself and get yourself out of harm
I also had a hard time explaining to some of my dv peers my decision to take bjj with my husband so we can fight each other – very complex issue. 🙂 Difficult concept for some to understand.
Great subject matter – one that we should always bring to the forefront – great job!
I don’t generally like putting patches on my gi: I’m not really into fashion statements or showing off my team when I train.
However, as a feminist, the one patch I would consider would be from a women’s charity (my personal choice would be Equality Now, as I’ve been supporting them for a number of years). So, nice to see that this gi design, rather than just a fashion statement or repping a team, has a serious message, which is something I haven’t seen much in the BJJ world (having said that, there have been a few instructionals where the instructor is displaying a charity on their gi, which is cool – e.g., Rodrigo Medeiros in Essential Guard, IIRC, or the close association BJJ School has with Future Champions).
Thank you so much for that link. I will replace one of the knee patches with that logo when I get this gi made. This gi *will* be a reality.