Welsh Jiu-Jitsu champion Ffion Davies has never been one to back down from a challenge, whether on the mats or in addressing the uncomfortable realities of sexism in martial arts. In a recent viral clip, Davies candidly shared her experiences with gender discrimination throughout her career, shedding light on the struggles female grapplers continue to face.
The Normalization of Sexism in Jiu-Jitsu
For Davies, dealing with sexist remarks and attitudes became an unfortunate norm. “I was so used to hearing sexist jokes, sexist comments—things like, ‘this move isn’t for you, you’re a woman’—and just walking away from it,” she revealed. Her words reflect an issue that many female athletes in combat sports have encountered: the casual dismissal of their abilities based solely on gender.
From being overlooked in training sessions to being denied equal coaching opportunities, Davies detailed how women in Jiu-Jitsu often find themselves fighting for recognition beyond their performance on the mats. She recalled instances where instructors would outright refuse to coach female practitioners, believing it to be a waste of time. “No point coaching the girls,” was a phrase she heard all too often, illustrating the deep-seated biases that persist in some gym cultures.
Backhanded Compliments and Internalized Biases
One of the most telling aspects of Davies’s experiences was the kind of “compliments” she received. “I’ve been told, ‘Oh, you don’t roll like a girl,’ as if that’s a compliment,” she shared. The underlying message? That to be taken seriously in Jiu-Jitsu, a woman must somehow separate herself from the perceived limitations of her gender.
More troublingly, Davies admitted that these attitudes had, at one point, influenced her own mindset. After being repeatedly exposed to dismissive views about women in the sport, she started to believe them. “I almost became like that myself, thinking, ‘Yeah, girls just aren’t as good,’” she reflected. This kind of internalized bias is a direct consequence of systemic discrimination—one that limits female participation and discourages future generations of women from pursuing Jiu-Jitsu at the highest levels.
A Turning Point in the Martial Arts Community
Davies’s decision to speak out comes at a crucial time when martial arts, and Jiu-Jitsu in particular, are facing increased scrutiny regarding gender equality. While progress has been made—evident in the growing number of female competitors and the rise of high-level women in the sport—there is still much work to be done in ensuring fair treatment and opportunities for all practitioners.
Her message serves as both a wake-up call and a source of inspiration. By openly addressing these issues, Davies challenges the status quo and encourages both men and women to advocate for a more inclusive environment in Jiu-Jitsu. After all, martial arts is built on the principles of respect, discipline, and perseverance—values that should apply equally to every athlete, regardless of gender.
The conversation is far from over, but voices like Ffion Davies’s are crucial in pushing Jiu-Jitsu towards a future where talent and dedication matter more than outdated stereotypes.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
