Atlantic Canada's first women's open mat

November 8, 2011

Chikara Magazine was pleased to be part of Atlantic Canada's first women's open mat. The open mat was held at Abhaya Mixed Martial Arts Centre in Wolfville, NS and gave BJJ and no-gi practitioners the chance to roll with other women in the sport. Melyssa Marie (BJJ Blue Belt) was thrilled to be hosting this monumental event.

"I was pleased to be involved with this event and be a member of the host club. It was exciting to see so many women rolling on the mats that I train on everyday. I also love how encouraging and supportive we are of each other. It makes us part of a bigger team, as well as our own club teams." said Melyssa Marie

Sandra Dunn (BJJ Blue Belt) from New Brunswick trains with only men, so it was really a thrill for her to participate in the open mat and get a feel for rolling with women.

"It's incredible to roll with women. I want them to move to New Brunswick." said Sandra Dunn

For Courtney Pratt (BJJ Purple Belt) it was a great day for women in the sport. Courtney has been at the forefront of women's BJJ in Atlantic Canada by being the first women to start an all female grappling class.

"Let's hope this is the beginning of a movement of sorts here in the maritimes. Throughout Canada and the States, it is uncommon to see higher numbers of women training and competing in BJJ. My goal has been to encourage women to try it and for those already training, to know that there is a wider group of ladies who support each other, and make the sport fun to be a part of." said Courtney Pratt.

Chikara Magazine would like to know what you think of the open mat concept. Is this something that your club might be interested in trying?