This "open journal" is dedicated to all the women who love Jiu Jitsu and aren't afraid to roll with the men. :-) I began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on July 9, 2012 and it didn't take me long to realize that this was going to be an adventure worth journalizing. I was a personal trainer/yoga instructor for six years so I've dabbled in all types of training from power lifting (another fave of mine) to kickboxing. After leaving the fitness industry I took an office job in Manhattan and spent close to a year being pretty friggin lazy. Finally, fed up with the weak, off-balance thing that I had become I gave up trying to convince my sister to try BJJ with me and rolled into my first class solo. Despite my past fitness endeavors I was totally overwhelmed . . . but mama don't raise no quitters. I'm going to learn this martial art. Wish me luck! PS: In case you're wondering I'm 5'0"/95 lbs. Be afraid, be very afraid. :-D

Update: All recipes will be posted here from now on - italkitchen.tumblr.com.