I got pregnant young, although I was blessed to have my beautiful boy, it affected my confidence badly. When my son turned 5, he was diagnosed with autism. Being frustrated with communication, he became violent with me. I soon realised my son would not always be smaller than me, and when I couldn’t find proper support to help, I decide to learn a safe way to protect him and me. I started jiu jitsu in my local club. My son grew out of violent outbursts as he learned to communicate better; through jiu jitsu, I learned not only how to protect us both, but I gained confidence in myself. What I was capable of as a woman, as a mother. I also found strength I never knew I had! Now have two beautiful sons and an unbelievable daughter who is independent and strong and sport crazy. I feel like to enable me to be a good mother especially to my daughter, I need to have my own mental space, and jiu jitsu gives me that. Not only does it keep me physically strong but mentally as well. Women put so much pressure on themselves to be everything to everyone but they can’t unless they are kind to themselves.