BJJ RADIOBJJ VIDEOABOUTContactGI PATCHESThe FightWorks Podcast | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Radio and NewsBlack Belt Sophia Drysdale Back in Action, Hosts BJJ Camp for Australian Womenby Caleb on January 29, 2014Photo courtesy Sophia DrysdaleSophia Drysdale (nee McDermott) will be leaving sunny Las Vegas to return to her native Australia to host a Brazilian jiu-jitsu training camp for women February 15th and 16th. Sophia is considered a trailblazer by female grapplers down under so we had her answer a few questions prior to her departure.The FightWorks Podcast: How has the Australian Girls in Gi experience changed since its first camp a few years ago?Sophia Drysdale: The organization has grown rapidly over the past few years. Jess Fraser, the founder is extremely pro active about making sure AGIG reaches every female who trains jiu jitsu. It has grown from being a women’s internet forum to an organization that runs camps, work shops, women’s only tournaments and sponsorships to enable girls to be able to attend international training camps and competitions. It is an incredibly supportive group that makes any women in the sport feel like they belong regardless of rank or affiliation.The FightWorks Podcast: What’s on the agenda at this year’s Australian Girls in Gi?Sophia Drysdale: This year is their biggest year yet, starting off with the largest all women’s BJJ camp in the world. Throughout the year there are women only tournaments scheduled and sponsorships offers. Additionally just like last year, AGIG will be bringing across a crew to train at the Zenith camps in preparation for the largest tournaments such as the Pan Ams and Worlds etc.The FightWorks Podcast: In 2010 you received your black belt from Robert Drysdale. Has your idea of jiu-jitsu changed since that promotion?Sophia Drysdale: I have been training as consistently as possible since receiving my black belt even though I have given birth to two babies. It has been a very difficult journey trying to juggle motherhood and training. Not being able to train has made me realize how much I love it and how important it is for me. I make sure no matter what that there is time for me to get on the mat, no matter how exhausted of busy I am.The FightWorks Podcast: From a teacher’s perspective, how does teaching jiu-jitsu to a room full of women differ from teaching a mixed gender class?Sophia Drysdale: To be honest I feel a lot more empowered teaching to a women’s only audience since I can relate exactly to their issues that they may be experiencing on the mat. The issues that come up for women are very different from a man’s.. and understandably men often don’t have an answer. Additionally women don’t often have the courage to ask these questions with a male teacher especially in a male dominated environment. Having another woman to teach enables other women to become more confident as individuals and as athletes which is why I find it more empowering.T