215: How to Build a Women’s Jiu-Jitsu Program with Black Belt Alannah Reeves

Beauty and the Gi: Gripping Conversations about Jiu-Jitsu and Life

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24d ago 29:09

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What is the secret sauce for building a thriving women’s Jiu-Jitsu team, along with a culture that keeps women on the mats for years, not just through their 30-day trial?

If you’ve ever felt like jiu-jitsu gyms are more about rivalry than real connection, this episode will flip that script. We’re talking about how genuine collaboration, not cutthroat competition, transforms the Jiu Jitsu experience for women.

Our guest is Alannah Reeves. She’s a black belt, co-owner of Vital Combat Team, and a fierce advocate for building the Jiu Jitsu community, regardless of where you train. Alannah spills what’s really working to bring women through the door, keep them hooked, and help them thrive from day one.

We go deep into how you can shape a positive, inclusive environment for women in Jiu-Jitsu, no matter if you’re a brand-new white belt or leading a room full of purple and brown belts. Alannah shares the blueprint: from tearing down “gym rivalry” mindsets, to what actually makes women want to stick around (spoiler alert: it’s not just another women’s class). By the end of this conversation, you’ll have practical tools to foster collaboration, welcome newcomers, and maybe even spark changes in your own team culture.

This isn’t about growing your numbers for bragging rights or winning every medal. It’s about building real support, safe spaces, and friendships that last far beyond stripes and competitions—so every woman finds her place, her power, and her people in jiu-jitsu.

This episode isn’t about quick fixes or magic marketing tricks. It’s about crafting the deeper, more sustainable kind of women’s jiu-jitsu community we all want to be a part of.

Let’s raise the tide together.

CHAPTERS & KEY TAKEAWAYS

(00:00) Why collaboration, not competition, is the future of women’s jiu-jitsu

(01:04) How to break old-school gym rivalry mindsets

(06:54) The real reason women’s teams grow

(09:30) Making women feel welcome: what actually works

(13:09) How to bring new women onto the Jiu Jitsu mats

(15:14) Supporting nervous beginners: Tips for creating safety

(20:00) Building a culture of generosity: Why it matters for your team

(23:35) The biggest lessons black belts can still learn at women’s Jiu Jitsu camps

(27:14) How you can join a community that lifts everyone up

Connect with Alannah Reeves

https://vitalcombatteam.com/

https://www.facebook.com/vitalcombatteam1

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Recording, Theme Music, Editing, and Production of this podcast by Jen at The Brassy Broadcasting Company

Disclaimer: The Beauty and the Gi podcast and content posted by Beauty and the Gi is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

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