Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner Cathryn Discianni recently shared valuable insights for women looking to join BJJ academies during her appearance on the Jits and Giggles podcast. Drawing from her extensive experience, Cathryn highlighted three crucial red flags that potential female students should watch out for when selecting a training facility. Discianni became a black belt world champion this past December.
The first and most significant warning sign, according to Cathryn, is the absence of female practitioners at the academy. “If there’s no other females training there, why is it? Location wise or like what actually happened that there aren’t any?” she emphasized, suggesting that women should investigate the reasons behind such gender disparity.
Cleanliness emerged as the second critical factor in Cathryn’s assessment. “How well does the gym take care of itself?” she asked, noting that attention to basic hygiene and maintenance can indicate how much an academy values its members. She specifically mentioned the importance of regular mat cleaning, available cleaning supplies, and even basic amenities like stocked toilet paper in the bathrooms.
While acknowledging that some “gritty” gyms can still provide excellent training, Cathryn maintained that cleanliness generally “sets a good standard” for academy operations.
The final red flag Cathryn discussed was the gym’s culture, particularly how newcomers are received. “Did someone say hello?” she questioned, explaining that proper academies should have systems in place to welcome new visitors, whether through front desk staff or current students. She emphasized the importance of a friendly atmosphere where existing members actively introduce themselves to newcomers, rather than creating an unwelcoming environment.
Through these insights, Ivy aims to help women make informed decisions when choosing their BJJ training environments, prioritizing safety, hygiene, and positive culture.
