My October Lifestyle Camp was an absolute hit!! A huge thank you goes out to everyone would attended the camp & to the amazing sponsors (Fuji Sports, Juice Plus+, Menhune Soaps, Shapes Gym, Finding Samata & Fortitude and Wellbeing).
Here are a few snippets from the lovely Jodi Schwartz article!
" Morning person or not, the ladies of the camp got up early each morning to be greeted by a stunning array of fresh fruit before taking a short walk to the beach for sunrise yoga led by the brilliant and beautiful Jiu Jitsu Yogi, Jasmine Bienvenue . Each day, Jasmine explored different flows where she encouraged a connection to the body and breath before laying and meditating in a sweet savasana as the sun came up.
The practice was followed by a hearty nutritious breakfast which offered a choice of fruit, eggs, yogurt, gluten free or rye toast with coffee and tea. All meals were prepared by the woman of many talents, Tina West, with help from sous chef Jodi Schwartz.
At 10.30am Sophia McDermott taught the BJJ sessions. Sophia who is a world, no gi world and Pan Am Champion as well as the 1st female black belt from Australia shared her knowledge BJJ with a particular focus on techniques that were better suited to women. After a couple of hours of BJJ techniques and open rolling came where the pictures of smiles do not do the happiness and joy felt justice.
After a good training session, The ladies had worked up an appetite were ready for lunch. They were greeted with a nourishing lunch of protein, vegetables and complex carbs before relaxing in the afternoon. The next three to four hours were open for whatever suited. Many of the girls went to the beach, some to the pool, some shopped, went to a movie, or took a much needed nap. There was also little downtime for walks, relaxation, meditation, private lessons or snap chat sessions.
Evening activities varied day by day, which included workshops that alternated with a focus on the body and mind/spirit. Sophia taught a toning & sculpting workout, a nutrition workshops, partner stretching and a BJJ Q&A session. Tina west took charge of the Warrior Within empowerment workshops, sound therapy and guided meditations. You can check out all of Tina’s talents and skills here and here.
Dinner was always ready after the workshops to make sure that ladies were refulled and recharged from all the activities of the day. Although, the focus of the camp was about health and good nutrition if needed, the ice cream shop and convenient store was just a quick walk away for those with chocolate cravings."
It is a euphoric feeling for five days where women from all over the US and World come together to meet, learn, experience, share and make lifelong connections. The sisterhood developed is on a different level than one most have ever experienced. Each day and session seemed to light more of a fire within each woman, inspiring each one of us to be the wonderful person that we are, listening to our hearts and choosing our own paths. #bethestarofyourownlifeIt.
I am super excited to announce that I am starting a women's only class at the UFC gym Blue Diamond every Saturday at 12pm. All welcome regardless of affiliation or belt rank. My focus will be on you ladies and teaching techniques that are better suited for women. My aim with these women's classes is to create a fun, supportive and safe environment where women can learn BJJ and feel empowered. My mission is to teach BJJ and selfdefense to as many women as possible. Every women should learn the basic skills to effectively defend themselves. #empoweredwomen
A couple of weekends ago I was honored to be invited at the Girls in Gis 8th Anniversary. This epic organization which is dedicated to women in Jiu Jitsu and providing a support network for all who train, turned 8 this year!!!!
7 time World Champion Hannette Staack and I were the guests of honour and we showed some techniques on the Saturday and then we each offered a seminar on the Sunday. There was a really nice turn out and it was so good to see all of us collectively supporting this movement.
We each received an award for the work we do and out contribution to women's bjj. I want to thank Shama Ko, the mother ship, and founder of Girls in Gis for the opportunity and all that she does to lift women up.
Me with Athena, my eldest daughter
I was honoured to be interviewed by the organisation BJJ Mums which is based in Europe. My focus with this interview was to spread the word about making the time to train even if you are a new mother. I know for so many new mothers that not having the time to train and to do the things they loved doing before the baby is a big issue.. so big that I think postpartum depression is actually linked to a loss of identity.
I encourage all women to lean in, ask for help, think outside the box and do what ever it takes to find solutions so that they can do what they love doing. I also encourage all women to make sure they are the lead actor in their own movie and not just the supporting role.. Click here to read the full article: http://www.bjjmums.com/bjj-mums-on-interview-i-sophia-mcdermoot/
I am so honoured to be the representative of this awesome new black neon/pink Sekai gi from Fuji Sports. I worked with the team to make sure the neon pick was just right and it popped from the black. These gis are the best women's fit ever. If you would like one you can order directly from my site shortly. :)
I have lots of travelling planned which is so fantastic since i get to meet so many amazing people. My next stop for seminars in in Michigan adn Scorpion Fight Systems. I will be teaching pressure passing and spider guard and also sharing diet and nutrition tips. If you are in the area pelsae come along. Details on the flyer to register!
The Early Bird special for my lifestyle camp in Florida is almost over!!! The special expires at the end of this month. So if this camp is something that you want to do, get in touch with me or book your spot to ensure the discounted rate.
This camp is perfect if you would like to escape the Winter blues and hang out at a beach front mansion, learn BJJ from the lovely Gezary Matuda and myself and have the opportunity to experience health eating, meditation, body/mind/sol healing and yoga.
So far ladies from all around the world, of all ranks, from all different schools have registered!. I am sooooo excited to be part of this sisterhood that unites us all, regardless of where we are from. This camp will be epic!
Thank you to or sponsors who will be providing their awesome products in your goodie bags on arrival: Fuji Sports, Pulse Skincare Co, Monkey Tape, Fortitude Wellbeing, Defense Soap and other local companies also.
Click the 'download' botton on this link for more info: https://sophiadrysdale.squarespace.com/lifestyle-camps/
Join my Facebook group all about my camps and seminars here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1735578096676542/
