Warning: This post contains semi-nude pictures.
I’ve competed several times since I started training jiu jitsu and only on a handful occassions did I have to be separated into a weight class. As I’m preparing for the Chicago & Atlanta Open the big question is Middle or Medium Heavy…Middle…or Medium Heavy. Without a gi I’m on the border. I’ve cut weight once before (for my 2nd scheduled MMA fight, 10lbs) and it sucked to do without my favorite meals. Unfortunately the other girl did not make weight so I did not get a chance to see how I felt at that weight.
Cyborg & Cyborg
After much consideration I’ve made my decisions. I’m going to stay where I’m at and compete at Medium Heavy. The Middle weight cutoff is 152 lbs. I walk around 155lb. BUT what really affected my decision was the fact that not only would I have to lose a few lbs to accomodate my gi (koral light, no big deal) but I would also have to consider my meal the morning of and not to mention plenty of fluid beforehand. As I did the math it just became too much. Plus I’d rather be thicker and in good shape then have shadow of an abs, bigger than the other girls and slower. It’s jiu jitsu. So instead of mulling over my weight I’m going to relac and focus on my technique and cardio.
As a side note I really hate that 153-163 is called Medium Heavy. Seriously? If i were a guy I’d be feather or light. I think that’s crap. I don’t think I’m heavy. I have a beautiful, brown, athletic body. I like to think of myself as dense. If I compete and don’t like being medium heavy then I will commit to the lower category but we shall see.
I know that my body is capable of great things and I think that knowledge has truly helped me in terms of body image. Jiu jitsu is magnificent for improving body image, in my opinion at least. I have a LARGE lower half (thanks track) and it used to make me soooooo self conscious. Now I love my big legs…all the better to triangle. My muscular arms and shoulder, are a direct reflection of my mat time and dedication. Here are some gorgeous photos courtesy of ESPN. There’s been hoopla about Ronda Rousey’s semi-nude photo in the Body Issue/ESPN but her body is incredible. More power to her. Heres the official link to the entire album. But some of my favorites and mma related pics:
Those are some awesome photos. How different from most of the scantily clad women we see in the media, the ones who are unhealthily underweight and yet considered the ideal of beauty by most of our society today. These people with their healthy, hard-earned muscles are very beautiful.
I was on facebook earlier today and saw a post by Shoyoroll w/ the Rousey pic and hundreds of people were commenting as if it were tasteless, comparing it to that dreadful manto pic (nipples seen round the world). But the picture was out of context. Had the link to the entire album been posted I don’t think quite so many people would have objected. I’m very impressed, I think the images and more importantly the people in them are gorgeous.
Some people do not comprehend the difference between art and porn. There *is* a difference. Those Mantos ads were straight-up greasy porn. These photos are artistic and show the beauty and strength of an athletic form. I would be proud to have a pic like this done; but if someone had offered me ten million bucks to do that grody Mantos ad, I would have said no freakin’ way.
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i have cut weight for tournaments before. I never feel as good as i do when i am eating good clean meals and drinking tons of fluid. I am also usually the smallest person in my division. in my gi i am right above the feather weight cut off, but i still fight light weight. being able to eat breakfast the morning before your up is an amazing feeling.
KP
Couldn’t agree with you more! I compete at Medium-Heavy as well. (Maybe we’ll compete against each other one day
). I used to feel weird about being a “muscular” girl but now, I love it! I love showing off my fit figure, and so what if my muscles are more defined than a lot of the men? LOL. Its a result of all the blood, sweat, and tears we put forth on the mats. Fit is beautiful. Oss!