Since it’s inception in February 2011, the Arizona based women’s only open mat, Inspire, has gathered over 200 women from ages 13-55 to enjoy the strength and beauty of the gentle art together in an environment designed to “inspire” women to dream and achieve. This FREE event aims to not only help grow the female Jiu-Jitsu community, but to help women to find and unleash their untapped abilities in not only martial arts, but in life as well.

“Inspire really prompts women to take an active role in growing the sport. This year, women’s Jiu-Jitsu has seen many advancements like the separation of the Brown and Black belt division and addition of the Masters division in the IBJJF. More women’s exclusive Jiu-Jitsu events, such as tournaments, seminars, camps, and open mats have been developed. When you encourage women to come together and support each other, great things can happen and I am happy that I can be part of this movement,” shares the founder of the Inspire Project, Gustavo Dantas Purple belt Kristina Barlaan.

The next Inspire Open Mat is set for September 15, 2012 at the Relson Gracie Arizona Academy in Phoenix, AZ. Special guest instructors include 9x Pan Jiu-Jitsu Champion, Luciana Dias and her daughter, multiple time World Champion, Mackenzie Dern.

Inspire is open to all schools from all states. For more information or to register to participate, please visit www.strongvon.com/inspire4.