Kátia at the centre of a bad-ass crew
Kátia at the centre of a bad-ass crew
Grassroots organisation of Women’s BJJ Open Mats is spreading in Europe. On 12 September, Kátia Rosado, blue belt out of Brazilian Power Team Portugal, welcomed 17 women from white to brown belt to the first women’s open mat in Portugal. The open mat was kindly hosted at Gracie Lisboa and it is clear from Kátia’s effusive joy after the event that a good time was had by all:

There are days like this!! 17 warriors on the mat from 10 years up to 47, from 3 diferent countries but proving that BJJ is an universal language and as someone said, “BJJ is not a sport, it’s a disease!!” A BIG BIG THANK YOU to all the girls

First women's open mat, Lisbon
First women's open mat, Lisbon

…que há dias assim!! 17 guerreiras no tapete, dos 10 aos 47, de 3 países diferentes mas a provarem que o jiu-jitsu é uma linguagem universal e que como disseram “…não é um desporto, é uma doença!!”…UM MUITO MUITO OBRIGADO A TODAS!!

Kátia is a dedicated exponent of women in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and not only did she organise the Portuguese Women’s Open Mat, she extended her trip to London for the 2010 SENI competition in order to attend our Q2 Open Mat at Dartford BJJ and, for the second year running, will be putting together a women’s only ‘super seminar’ for the Monday after the 2011 European Championships in Lisbon, so watch this space! A second Portuguese open mat is slated for December and Kátia hopes to make these a regular occurrence; a weekend break to southern climes for BJJ and good company can be a great salve to British winter blues.

Rolling at Lisbon's first women's BJJ open mat
Rolling at Lisbon's first women's BJJ open mat

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