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Life gets busy. School schedules shift, work piles up, kids’ sports overlap, holidays take over…and sometimes your Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training just doesn’t fit into your week. It’s completely understandable. Every member at G.I.R.L.S. Gym whether they are kids, adults, beginners, or competitors goes through seasons where something else pulls their attention.
But here’s the part most people don’t realize until after they’ve taken time off: Coming back is much harder than simply staying consistent. Not because you’ve “lost everything,” but because you’ve lost momentum. Why Time Off Feels Reasonable, Until It Doesn’t When you step away for a few weeks or months, it feels logical:
But the hard part comes later, when you walk back into class and notice:
It’s not that you got worse. It’s that others kept moving forward while you paused. Most people don’t see this coming. And it’s usually the feeling of being behind, not the actual skill loss, that makes returning intimidating. The Secret to Staying Confident: Even One Day a Week Works The good news? You don’t need five days a week to stay sharp. You don’t even need three. Training one day a week is enough to keep you competent, connected, and confident. Even a single weekly class helps you:
Consistency beats intensity. Always! We see it every year: Our teammates who stay even lightly engaged return smoothly. The ones who step away completely usually face the hardest mental hurdle coming back. Training Builds Comfort - And Comfort Fades Fast People assume technique is the first thing you lose, but really, it’s comfort. Comfort with the space. Comfort with teammates. Comfort with the pace. Comfort with being on the mats at all. When you stop entirely, all that comfort fades faster than you’d expect. When you stay even minimally consistent, it stays alive. For Parents of Kids and Teens Kids and teens feel the effects of time off even more intensely. They notice when partners have leveled up. They feel shy when they’re rusty. They worry about disappointing coaches, even though nobody expects perfection. Just one class a week keeps them:
And it reinforces an important lesson: You don’t quit the things that build you. You adjust. If Training Really Isn’t Possible for a Season Sometimes life truly doesn’t allow even one day a week. If that’s where you are, here’s what we want you to remember: You’re not starting over. You didn’t lose everything. You just took a step or two back and that’s easy to rebuild. Skills come back. Timing comes back. Confidence comes back. Often faster than you think. And when you’re ready to return, you won’t be walking into a room that’s moved on without you, you’ll be walking back into a community genuinely excited to see you again, and ready to help you get back to your progress. Progress isn’t erased by time off. It’s only paused. And we’ll be here to help you unpause it What We Want You (and Your Kids) to Know Whether you can train 1 day a week or 5… Whether you’re in a busy season or hitting your stride… Whether you stepped away intentionally or accidentally… You always have a place here. Your journey matters. And your team will be ready to help you keep moving forward, no matter how long you’ve been gone.
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Why Kids Don’t Always Want to Show Up
Let’s be honest — kids are human too. After a long day at school, sometimes they’d rather flop on the couch, catch their favorite TV show, or dive into a video game. Other times they might just feel tired, cranky, or unmotivated. And we know — when your child says they don’t want to go, it can be tough as a parent too. You’re tired, they’re dragging their feet, and it would be easier to just stay home. But what happens when they show up anyway? That’s where the growth begins. The Transformation After Class Parents see it all the time: the same child who didn’t want to come to class leaves sweaty, smiling, and proud. Martial arts has a way of shifting energy. The discipline of showing up, even when it’s hard, teaches kids resilience. And for parents, that small victory is worth it — because you’re helping them learn that effort leads to reward. It’s a lesson that will serve them in school, at home, and in life for years to come. The Benefits of Martial Arts for Kids 1. Discipline and Routine Showing up builds consistency. Kids learn that sticking with their commitments matters, even when they’d rather do something easier. 2. Confidence Through Achievement From learning a new skill to mastering a challenge, kids see the results of their hard work. That pride carries into every area of life. 3. Healthy Movement In a world full of screens, martial arts gives kids a chance to move, build coordination, and enjoy being active in a fun way. 4. Friendship and Belonging Classes create a sense of team. Kids learn respect, cooperation, and encouragement while making real connections. Why Parents Value Martial Arts Parents often share that the best part isn’t just the skills their child is learning — it’s the changes they notice outside of class. Kids might arrive tired or unmotivated, but they leave with a smile, a sense of accomplishment, and the confidence that comes from putting in the effort. We know it isn’t always easy to encourage kids to come to class on the hard days — but those are often the days that matter most. And in the long run, it’s worth it. Martial arts isn’t about perfection. It’s about the small victories — walking through the doors, stepping on the mat, and giving effort even when it’s tough. Those habits of resilience and perseverance shape kids into confident, capable young people ready to face challenges far beyond the gym. If you’ve visited more than one Jiu Jitsu school, you’ve probably noticed that no two are exactly alike — especially when it comes to traditions. Some gyms follow a very formal set of rules, while others (like us!) take a more relaxed approach.
At G.I.R.L.S. Gym, we’re not big on tradition for tradition’s sake. Our focus is on community, training smart, and growing together. But if you’re new here (or visiting somewhere else), it can be helpful to know what kinds of customs are common in the BJJ world — and where we stand on them. Here are a few you might run into:
Because we believe culture matters more than ceremony. At G.I.R.L.S. Gym, we care more about creating an inclusive, encouraging, and empowering environment than sticking to rigid traditions. That said, we do believe in respect — and part of that is understanding the customs at other schools when you visit. If you’re unsure, just ask. It goes a long way. Our way might not be traditional — but it works for us. And more importantly, it creates a space where people feel welcome, seen, and excited to learn. At G.I.R.L.S. Gym, we believe in the power of community and the incredible potential within each of our members. One of the inspiring aspects of our martial arts academy is our approach to hiring coaches. Instead of looking outside for instructors, we nurture talent from within our ranks, allowing our most passionate members to step into coaching roles.
One of the many things that set our coaches apart is their genuine desire to help others grow. Long before they took on official coaching roles, these individuals demonstrated a commitment to supporting their fellow members—sharing tips, encouraging progress, and fostering a welcoming environment. Our coaches aren’t just knowledgeable— they’re dedicated martial artists who prioritize their own training and growth. Each coach maintains a consistent schedule, recognizing the importance of having a well rounded skill set. That is why you'll see them training in both Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing classes. This commitment to training in both of these disciplines not only sharpens their skills but also elevates the learning experience for our members. In addition to their martial arts training, our coaches invest time into enhancing their coaching skills through monthly training sessions. This commitment ensures that they stay updated on the latest teaching techniques and best practices, allowing them to deliver the highest quality instruction to our members. Before stepping into a coaching role, our members must reach a high level of proficiency. In Jiu Jitsu, this means achieving a purple belt, while in Kickboxing, they must attain Level 5. This ensures that our coaches have a solid foundation in the disciplines they teach, allowing them to offer valuable insights and guidance. At G.I.R.L.S. Gym, our coaches are more than just instructors; they are role models who inspire others to push their limits and pursue their martial arts journey. We take pride in cultivating this homegrown talent, and we are excited for them to continue to share the passion and expertise they bring to each class. When we think about competition, it’s easy to focus on winning or losing. But in Jiu Jitsu, just stepping onto the mats for a competition is a victory in itself, no matter the outcome. For everyone involved in this amazing art, the journey of competition is packed with benefits that go far beyond the results.
• The Courage to Compete First and foremost, it takes a lot of courage to step onto the competition mats. You’re joining a small but dedicated group of individuals—only a fraction of Jiu Jitsu practitioners choose to compete. By making that choice, you’re demonstrating your commitment and passion for this art. The real win? Facing your fears and challenging yourself in an environment that pushes you to grow. • Self-Discovery and Personal Growth Competing is a powerful way to learn about yourself. You’ll not only refine your Jiu Jitsu skills but also gain insights into your own strengths and weaknesses. The pressure of competition can reveal capabilities you didn’t know you had and highlight areas where you can improve. Each match serves as a reflection of your training and dedication, helping you pinpoint what to focus on during your practice. • Overcoming Fear Let’s be honest—competing can be scary! But confronting that fear can be incredibly rewarding. Every time you step onto the mat, you learn that you can overcome challenges, both in Jiu Jitsu and in life. This experience builds mental toughness and resilience, making you stronger in all aspects of your journey. • Exposing Weaknesses Competing also provides a unique opportunity to identify weaknesses in your game. In the heat of a match, you might find that you are not able to perform certain techniques as well as you thought. Instead of seeing this as a failure, view it as a chance to learn and grow. Each experience on the mat is a stepping stone toward improvement. • Setting and Meeting Challenges Competing gives you a chance to set a significant challenge for yourself and strive to meet it. Preparing for a competition requires hard work, dedication, and a commitment to improvement. Regardless of what happens during the match, the simple act of showing up and giving it your all is something to be proud of. We wholeheartedly encourage everyone to try competing at least once. Remember, we’re not focused on the results; we’re genuinely proud of you for stepping onto the mats and taking that leap. Embracing competition in Jiu Jitsu offers so many benefits that extend beyond just the mat. It’s about the journey of self-improvement and the growth you experience with each match. By participating, you’ll learn valuable lessons about fear, resilience, and the importance of continuous learning. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or thinking about stepping onto the mats for the first time, know that every moment spent competing is a step toward becoming a better version of yourself. Embrace the challenge, and let this journey shape you into the person you aspire to be! In the world of martial arts, particularly in disciplines like Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, growth and progress can often feel elusive. As practitioners, we train alongside peers who are also striving to improve, which can blur our own sense of advancement. This phenomenon makes it essential to cultivate an awareness of our personal achievements, no matter how small they may appear. Recognizing and celebrating these small wins can significantly enhance our motivation, confidence, and overall journey in martial arts.
Small wins are the incremental victories that occur throughout our training. They might not be as dramatic as earning a new belt or mastering a complex technique, but they are vital markers of progress. For instance, consider a common scenario in kickboxing training: a student might find that they can maintain a faster pace during pad work for a longer duration than they could in previous sessions. This improvement, though it may seem minor, is a clear indication of increased endurance and dedication. Similarly, the ability to remember and execute more elements of a striking combination represents a significant step forward in memory and technique. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, small wins manifest in various forms as well. One might find that they can stay on top of their rolling partner for an additional 10 seconds compared to their last practice. This achievement reflects not only physical ability but also an increased awareness of positioning and control on the mat. Additionally, if a practitioner manages to reduce the number of times they get swept or submitted during a round—from five to three, for example—it signifies growth in their defensive skills and strategic thinking. These small victories are crucial because they build the foundation for more substantial accomplishments over time. The aspect of consistency in attendance can also be viewed as a small win. For many practitioners, particularly those who juggle busy schedules, simply making it to two classes in one week instead of one can be a monumental achievement. This commitment demonstrates a willingness to prioritize training and personal growth, even in the face of challenges. Each instance of showing up for class, despite the obstacles, reinforces the habit of training and contributes to a deeper sense of achievement and personal accountability. Recognizing small wins is essential, as focusing solely on grand achievements can lead to frustration and disappointment. When we set our sights only on the big milestones, we may overlook the incremental progress that occurs daily. Instead, by establishing small, attainable goals, we create opportunities for regular successes. These moments of achievement provide a sense of fulfillment and motivation, encouraging us to continue pushing ourselves in our training. Celebrating these small wins is equally important. Sharing achievements with training partners or coaches can enhance the sense of community within the academy. A simple high-five after a strong round, a shout-out during class, or even a personal acknowledgment of progress can foster an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. The journey in martial arts is rich with small victories that deserve recognition. By shifting our focus to these incremental achievements, we can cultivate a more positive and fulfilling training experience. Every small win contributes to our larger goals and serves as a reminder that progress is a journey, not just a destination. As we continue to train, celebrating each achievement along the way becomes vital, embracing the growth that comes from our dedication and perseverance. If you are having trouble recognizing small wins, chat with a coach, they have likely already noticed your improvements. After my first three fights, I faced a new challenge: finding opponents. The lack of female fighters made it increasingly difficult to secure bouts, and I often received calls when others backed out or couldn’t find an opponent. Known for accepting fights others would not, I fought some incredibly talented opponents and gained unique experiences. Many of my fights ended in TKO, with me often on the receiving end, and I even had one fight where the referee stopped the match early while my opponent was standing in my guard—an example of the many challenges I faced.
I traveled alone to various states, eager for every opportunity, but often I would have a long year and a half wait between fights, making it hard to get comfortable in the cage. Then, in 2009, I received a call that would change everything: an opportunity to fight the well-known Strikeforce fighter, Miesha Tate. This was a significant opportunity. For the fight, I agreed to drop to a weight lower than I had ever fought at, 140 pounds. I drove to Tacoma, Washington, with the heater blasting while wearing a sauna suit to lose the extra pounds, ultimately weighing in at 138 — two pounds lighter than required. On fight night, as the main event, the atmosphere was electric. Facing Miesha, my adrenaline surged, and instead of fear, I felt excitement for such a tremendous opportunity. Miesha, aware of my Jiu-Jitsu background, aimed to keep the fight standing. In the first round, we exchanged strikes, but she was getting the better of me. As I entered the second round, my corner urged me to get the fight to the ground. Unwisely, I dropped my hands into a Jiu-Jitsu stance, and before I could execute my plan, Miesha threw a head kick that knocked me unconscious just eight seconds in. I don't remember the moments that followed, but I was told I took about eight more strikes that resulted in a broken orbital bone and a severe concussion, ultimately ending the fight. After that bout, I only fought once more. Still recovering from the previous match, I stepped into the cage against Sarah D’Alelio. Although I had significantly improved my striking, I felt an overwhelming dread as I entered the cage. That apprehension manifested when I made a poor shot for a takedown and was caught in a standing Armless Darce choke. This marked the end of my MMA career. While I still, to this day, receive occasional fight offers, I learned that fighting hindered my ability to be the best coach I could be. My focus shifted to supporting my athletes—helping them grow and succeed while recognizing the toll that fighting had taken on my body. This journey has taught me invaluable lessons, and I’m grateful for every experience, every challenge, every victory, and every loss. Without those experiences, I would not be as good of a coach as I am today. After my first fight, I received an unexpected call from one of the commentators who had watched me compete. There was an opportunity to fight at the Alaska Fighting Championships (AFC) in June of 2006, just a month away. This time, it would be a professional bout, meaning I would get paid, and my travel and hotel would be covered. However, accepting a professional fight meant I could no longer compete as an amateur. Given the long wait I had experienced to secure my first fight, I decided to go for it.
Negotiating for myself was daunting, and my inexperience showed. Although most professional fighters have coaches flown in for their fights, the AFC wasn't covering that expense, so I agreed to go alone to Alaska. The thought of flying alone for the first time was scary, especially knowing I would be stepping into the cage without anyone present who truly knew or cared about me. My partner, Gary, would often remind me of a scene from a Chuck Norris movie where Chuck Norris stepped off the plane alone but brimming with confidence. I was determined to embody that spirit; I was a fighter, and nothing would hold me back. Upon landing in Anchorage, I was picked up from the airport and taken directly to the weigh-ins. I had put in the work to cut weight, spending the night before leaving Portland in the sauna. However, when I arrived at the bar for weigh-ins, I was not met with a warm welcome. As I sat down to fill out my paperwork, the other fighters and their teams vacated the table, leaving me alone. When my name was called, I stepped onto the scale and successfully made weight at 155 pounds—10 pounds lighter than my previous fight. After this, the promoters took me to their office for a video interview, which was another first for me. Though I felt unprepared, I managed to get through it. On fight day, I felt the adrenaline building as I warmed up with people I had just met. To my surprise, we were the co-main event! As the moment approached, the ring announcer asked the crowd, “Are you ready for a bitches brawl?” Then it was finally time for my entrance, they played my video from the night before, and the announcer let out a shriek to mock my appearance. I couldn't shake the feeling that such a response wouldn’t have happened for male fighters. Regardless, I brushed it off; I was focused on the fight ahead. Once inside the cage, I squared off with my opponent, Susan Arnett. The referee asked if we were ready, and with a resounding "FIGHT!" the match began. I knew my strength lay in Jiu-Jitsu, so I aimed to get the fight to the ground. However, my striking skills at the time were lacking compared to my opponent’s, and I found myself on the receiving end of powerful punches that rocked me each time one would land. I quickly realized I was concussed, but the fight pressed on. Just under two minutes in, I managed to secure a takedown, still managing to land on bottom, I transitioned into guard. As she threw punches, I seized the opportunity to trap her arm and lock in an armbar. That day, I endured more punishment than I ever had before, but I turned what looked like it was headed to be a loss into a glorious victory. Standing in the center of the cage, lightheaded and bleeding, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment as my hand was raised in victory. After the fight, I flew home at 2 a.m., my face already bruising from the beating I had taken, but I felt exhilarated. This moment marked a significant milestone in my journey as a fighter. Stay tuned for my final blog post next week, where I’ll reflect on the rest of my fight career. In 1996, I embarked on a journey that would change my life forever. Like many, I started training with a passion for martial arts, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that my aspirations extended beyond just training- I wanted to fight. At that time, mixed martial arts (MMA) was still in its infancy, and in many states, it wasn’t even legal. For a female fighter, the hurdles were even greater. Opportunities were scarce, and the idea of a woman stepping into the cage was still met with skepticism.
As the years passed and my training continued, I witnessed a slow but encouraging shift. By late 2004, I had spent around eight years honing my skills, far surpassing the time many of my male training partners had trained, who were already competing. I began to openly express my desire to fight, sharing my ambitions with my training partners. However, when I received my first amateur fight offer to fight in May of 2006, the tide of support seemed to wane. My training partners, who once encouraged me, began to express concern about my decision to enter the cage. Some even went to the extreme of telling me they would not show up to support me or help me train in an attempt to dissuade me. Instead of breaking my spirit, their actions only fueled my determination and confidence. The promotion West Coast Fighting Championship announced my debut fight on the radio, branding me as ‘Savage’ Sarah Oriza. As the date approached, I faced my first major challenge: making weight. Once a naturally skinny kid, I had struggled with my weight after having children and discovering I was insulin resistant. I was weighing around 185 pounds at the time and needed to cut down to 165. With a strict diet and suffering in the heat of the sauna to cut the rest through water weight, I managed to shed the necessary pounds in time for the weigh-ins. As the fight approached, I experienced a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Walking around the venue, I spotted my opponent and couldn’t help but notice her extremely muscular arms. I turned to my friend, questioning if they appeared as large as I thought. My friend reassured me that they didn’t, and with my poor eyesight, I took her word for it. After weigh-ins, we indulged in burgers, and I lost track of my promise to stop after eating half. I had told my friend to stop me, she explained that my joy while eating had made it impossible for her to intervene. As I prepared to step into the cage, the support of my husband Gary, one friend, and one of my students bolstered my confidence, even if some of my teammates were absent. In the back, I felt a rush of adrenaline, an exhilarating blend of calmness and excitement that I had never experienced before. When the moment finally arrived, I walked out to my entrance song, "Welcome to the Jungle," a fitting tribute to the chaos of entering the cage with me. The fight began with me executing a successful take down, I locked in a fully extended arm bar, but was not willing to apply the pressure to break it, and she was not willing to tap, eventually I abandoned the arm, switching to her other arm, ultimately she escaped. We returned to our feet, and I took her down again before the round ended. As I sat in my corner during the break, exhaustion washed over me, and I questioned whether I could continue. Yet, with the encouragement of my husband and friend, I rose to my feet and dominated the fight for the next two rounds. When the final bell rang, the decision was crystal clear. All judges declared me the winner, but a moment of confusion ensued when the announcer mistakenly called my opponent's name. Thankfully, he quickly corrected himself, proclaiming me, Sarah Oriza, as the victor. After the fight, I collapsed in the back, needing time to recover. Eventually, I stood up, filled with pride and a sense of accomplishment. This fight marked a pivotal moment in my journey. Suddenly, everyone wanted to train with me, and those who initially doubted my ambitions acted as if they had always supported me. I learned invaluable lessons that night: the importance of cardiovascular endurance, the discipline required for weight management, and the mental shift needed to inflict damage when necessary. This was only the beginning of my journey as a fighter, and I knew many more lessons awaited me in future bouts. Check back next weekend for the next chapter in my fight story. For 19 years, Subleague has been the cornerstone of Oregon's jiu jitsu community, and is the longest running tournament in the state. Subleague is dedicated to the growth of Jiu Jitsu and has played a pivotal role in nurturing the local jiu jitsu scene. Subleague’s impact cannot be overstated.
In the early days, when jiu jitsu was still gaining traction in Oregon, competitors would weigh in, and their weights were often simply noted on wristbands. Attire was casual— baggy shorts and loose t-shirts were the norm. Gone are the days of shoes on the mats and referees in jeans. In 2010, G.I.R.L.S. Gym made a significant mark on Subleague by bringing nine female competitors to the tournament, accounting for over half of the female athletes in attendance. At that time, Subleague had very few divisions for women, highlighting the need for growth in female participation. Thanks to the efforts of G.I.R.L.S. Gym and the increasing interest in women's jiu jitsu, Subleague has been able to expand its offerings, now providing multiple divisions for female competitors. This growth not only encourages more women to participate but also fosters a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere within the community. Sarah, the owner of G.I.R.L.S. Gym, has been a driving force in this journey. She has worn many hats— competing, coaching, and even taking one of her children to compete at Subleague. Additionally, she has stepped into various working roles at Subleague, throughout the years actively supporting them however she can. Subleague's commitment to supporting jiu jitsu during its formative years, when it wasn't as popular, has been crucial in building the local scene. While there are now many great up-and-coming tournaments, G.I.R.L.S. Gym remains steadfast in its support for Subleague, prioritizing participation in their events. When more teams choose to show up and compete at Subleague, it leads to larger divisions and increased opportunities for everyone involved. This collaborative spirit strengthens the jiu jitsu community as a whole. Over the years, Subleague has transformed into a highly organized and professionally run event. The dedication of the staff and volunteers has elevated the tournament experience, ensuring that each competition is efficient, safe, and enjoyable for everyone involved. This growth reflects Subleague's dedication to jiu jitsu competitors, providing valuable experience, and cultivating a vibrant community. |