Proper training etiquette between male and female practitioners continues to be an important topic of discussion in jiu-jitsu. New Wave standout Oliver Taza recently shared his insights on what men should avoid when training with women, offering practical advice that promotes better training experiences for everyone involved.
“Training with partners of different sizes and strengths requires adjustments,”
Taza explains in his recent social media post.
“When men train with women, there are specific approaches that can make the experience more productive and respectful for both parties.”
Taza outlines three key practices men should avoid when sparring with women:
First, he advises against simply holding women down using superior strength.
“Instead of holding them down using strength, switch from position to position,”
Taza recommends. This approach encourages technical development for both training partners rather than creating frustrating stalemates based purely on physical advantages.
Second, Taza addresses how men should respond when finding themselves at a technical disadvantage.
“When you’re on the losing end of a technical exchange, be happy working with later stage defense that will improve your overall game,”
he suggests. This mindset not only shows respect for your partner’s skill but also creates valuable learning opportunities for defensive techniques.
Finally, Taza emphasizes the importance of control when applying submissions.
“When you have a submission, don’t just rip it. Give your partner time to tap,”
he states. This consideration is crucial for preventing injuries and maintaining a safe training environment.
Taza‘s advice echoes similar sentiments recently expressed by ADCC champion Adele Fornarino, who emphasized the importance of technical exchanges over relying on strength advantages and matching a partner’s intensity level appropriately.
The comments section of Taza‘s post revealed widespread agreement among practitioners, with many noting that these principles apply not just to male-female training scenarios but to any situation involving significant size or strength disparities between partners.
“Literally nothing there is ‘women-specific’ – applies to literally everyone, especially if they’re significantly smaller,”
commented one user, receiving significant support from others in the community.
As Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continues to grow in popularity among practitioners of all genders, these conversations about respectful training practices become increasingly important for creating inclusive gym environments where everyone can develop their skills effectively.
