BJJ GIRL OF THE MONTH: KAY FURY

Kay FuryI’m excited to announce my newest BJJ Girl of the Month, Kay Fury! This BJJ Girl has been training for nearly a year, and has fallen in love with training. She is dedicated and an example that motivation breeds results.

A few questions with Kay Fury

Why did you start training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Kay Fury: I started BJJ, because I work in a field, where the potential for violence, is very high, and behaviors are not predictable. Recently, some co-workers had been harmed. I wanted to learn self-defense. I also wanted something that would give me a really great workout. So, I started BJJ for those reasons, but falling in love with it was a total accident.

Kay Fury Class

How did you find out about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Kay Fury: I found out about BJJ when I started searching for the best ways to defend yourself. It lead me to martial arts, and ultimately BJJ. I chose it because it seemed like the very best for self-defense, and I really liked that there was no striking involved (because in my work environment I am not allowed to “strike” someone.) I liked that BJJ taught ways to hold someone down without harm to that person, which was exactly what I needed to learn.

What have you found to be the most difficult as a woman in this sport?

Kay Fury: What I found challenging as a woman in BJJ, is that it is really difficult to get other women to try it! It looks so intimidating to the outsider, that it is so hard to get another girl to throw on a Gi and step on the mat. I also think that to the outsider girl BJJ looks, well, not very glamorous. I’ve actually had a friend who is a girly-girl say “You don’t look cute at all! That’s not cute!” In response to a picture I took of myself in training mode. Nope, BJJ certainly doesn’t make a girl look cute- no make-up, any hairstyle ends up gross and sweaty, and you’re ultimately also covered in other peoples’ sweat.

I’ve also found that not every woman is supportive of other women learning and progressing in BJJ. It’s sad, but it’s the truth. If I see another girl in a GI, I automatically go into kindergarten mode, and I’m like- “hey, hi! Hi! Hi! Hi! Want to be friends? Here’s a friendship bracelet, cool!” I can barely contain my excitement. But not every girl is super thrilled that there’s another girl there…. Or maybe it’s just me and I’m a little bit crazy.

 

Kay Fury has been training for 10 months now at her current Jiu Jitsu home is Gracie Humaita Cleveland under Darren Branch, and has become fully addicted to this sport. As a woman and fellow ground sister, I have to say it really makes my heart happy to see more and more of you get into this amazing art. It has so many benefits that I just don’t know where to begin.

I would like to take this moment to thank Kay Fury for taking the time to answer some questions for me. I know you are one busy woman and am very grateful for allowing me to steal your attention long enough to write a little about how awesome you are. I hope to continue seeing you on the mat, even if it’s only via social media. As promised, though, one day, hopefully soon, we shall meet on the same mat.

 

If you have any suggestions for men or women that are working hard and inspiring people around them in BJJ at your school or gym, please let me know and I would love to talk to them and write about their experiences training. Please contact me at emmav@bjjgirl.net and we can chat. We are all working toward greatness together! 🙂

5 thoughts on “BJJ GIRL OF THE MONTH: KAY FURY”

  1. Great story. Thank you for sharing. I’m 38 and thinking of getting into BJJ. My weight of 175 does discourage me but if I want to lose weight I have to put more of an effort in. Thanks for sharing your story Kay Fury. Years ago I started kick boxing and loved it. I was also happy when another girl would join the gym and was serious about kick boxing.

  2. Kay, thank you for sharing your story! I’m VERY excited when I see women on the mats as well. Unfortunately, not all women are as comfortable as we are. I love stories like yours because I know there are women out there like me and you who strive to empower other women for no other reason than the joy of women uniting! Best wishes in your training, and Jiu Jitsu having its way, we shall meet at a seminar or competition. Oss

  3. Hi Kay! You inspire me and I’m glad you went all kindergarten when we first met. We are not always at the same classes but whenever I see you it’s a great treat.

  4. Melissa ! I’m so sorry it took me this long to respond! Please if you haven’t started Bjj do it! My weight fluctuates greatly. I’m 5’8″ and I have never been slim! My weight actually is anywhere from 158-190 lbs at my biggest. Look I don’t care how much you weigh just start training and don’t stop even if you can only do it one time a month. It’s better than no times at all and what you learn is invaluable! Priceless!

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