Womens Divisions and Brackets, where were you all....

[U.M.A.]

More Weight Brackets was what was asked for in the Womens Division due to the Women saying that Events were not putting on enough Weight Brackets for the Womens Division etc, so the U.M.A. listened and stepped up to the plate for the Women and put on the extra Brackets for them etc: U50kg, U60kg, U70kg, U80kg and O80kg, with an Absolute too if there was enough time to run it etc, but no one really took it up, only 3 of you enetered, and all at different weights too, so what happened, we had no other choice but to amalgamate you 3 girls into an Open Weight Bracket as so you could all at least get a fight with each other etc.

However, if we don't get the numbers again in September and December's Events, then we will have no other choice but to drop back down to U65kg and O65kg for the Womens Division in 2011 just like most other Events like ours out there etc.

Like we said prior, you either use it or lose it, looks like your all going to lose it if you don't step up, support and represent what you wanted and asked for....

[Frodocious]

I really wanted to attend, but an old back injury flared up the week before the competition and I couldn't risk it going completely.

I really appreciate the effort you guys are going to in providing a variety of women's divisions and will try to make it (back willing!) for the September competition.

[The Tez]

I'd love to compete but not with the young uns lol, if you have a class for the over 40s, I'd be there like a shot!
I would love more girls to come and train but we only have one who trains MMA with us.

[mmamomma]

There's only me & one other girl train MMA at our gym, I'll be up for the September comp (can we make that new category over 38's please? lol)

It's a tough one though for putting on weight divisions for women as so few women enter you know you're probably going to end up fighting in an open weight class anyway which is maybe off putting for beginners?

I'll definately try to round up some more females from local clubs for the next event, again really appreciate the work you're doing in providing comps for women! :D

[Levo]

More Weight Brackets was what was asked for in the Womens Division due to the Women saying that Events were not putting on enough Weight Brackets for the Womens Division etc, so the U.M.A. listened and stepped up to the plate for the Women and put on the extra Brackets for them etc: U50kg, U60kg, U70kg, U80kg and O80kg, with an Absolute too if there was enough time to run it etc, but no one really took it up, only 3 of you enetered, and all at different weights too, so what happened, we had no other choice but to amalgamate you 3 girls into an Open Weight Bracket as so you could all at least get a fight with each other etc.

However, if we don't get the numbers again in September and December's Events, then we will have no other choice but to drop back down to U65kg and O65kg for the Womens Division in 2011 just like most other Events like ours out there etc.

Like we said prior, you either use it or lose it, looks like your all going to lose it if you don't step up, support and represent what you wanted and asked for....

I brought 2 and have more coming up.

It was the first event with these divisions, give it a chance. Personally I would rather you promote and encourage the women rather than chastise them and threaten to take away the categories.

Nathan

[C.K.A.Martial Arts]

Woman Sections need more promotion and time ~ unlike men that like kicking the crap out of each other ( and i am no exception ) we all need to promote the sport to the wider field.

Next time you are doing a show send me some posters and I will put them up in my shop, I will also send out a news letter on my Face Book and Email from my site telling every one about your event.

I get loads of girls coming in with their boyfriends and ask why dont more woman compete ~ so if they see a few posters they might get the bug.

I think that when your next comps coming up ~ do a thread with requests for clubs, shops etc to put up posters for you.

" Just my take on it "

[Femme-ma]

Well, I would but I'm 9 months pregnant......

[bean]

Is that your only excuse!?!

[Femme-ma]

'Fraid so!

I ended up fighting thai last time whilst pregnant, so I don't *always* use it as an excuse!

Did find I got more cramps and it affected my fitness a bit too!

[Levo]

As a girl at the gym pointed out, bit surprised and disappointed that seeing as you only had ONE girl last year and this year you had THREE the UMA didn't put a positive spin on this!

Nathan

[Frodocious]

Keep the divisions to encourage women to register. You can always combine weight classes if not enough people turn up. Only having 2 weight classes definitely puts lighter weight people (like me) off from registering.

[U.M.A.]

Keep the divisions to encourage women to register. You can always combine weight classes if not enough people turn up. Only having 2 weight classes definitely puts lighter weight people (like me) off from registering.

The U.M.A. are keeping the new and current Womens Divisions and Weight Brackets; U50kg, U60kg, U70kg, U80kg, O80kg and the Ladies Absolute for Both our Grappling and Groundfighting Championshisp Events, 'Gi' and 'No Gi' Formats etc.


Re the Women 30+ are there enough Women out there who want us to put on a Ladies Master Division such as the following for example:
Ladies Masters Age 30 + Open WeightWhats everyone's thoughts on this...

[Rhuin]

As a 49 kg lass, I would definitely be put off fighting in a competition where the other fighter would have such a big weight advantage over me so I'm glad to hear you're keeping the new divisions.

[Frodocious]

As a 49 kg lass, I would definitely be put off fighting in a competition where the other fighter would have such a big weight advantage over me so I'm glad to hear you're keeping the new divisions.


I know how you feel. I'm currently ~52kgs but I want to get below 50kg if I can.

[Frodocious]

The U.M.A. are keeping the new and current Womens Divisions and Weight Brackets; U50kg, U60kg, U70kg, U80kg, O80kg and the Ladies Absolute for Both our Grappling and Groundfighting Championshisp Events, 'Gi' and 'No Gi' Formats etc.


Re the Women 30+ are there enough Women out there who want us to put on a Ladies Master Division such as the following for example:
Ladies Masters Age 30 + Open WeightWhats everyone's thoughts on this...


Well I'm 36 and wouldn't mind a Masters division. However, I don't know if there are enough women out there to make it worth having a Masters level, particularly if its open weight. I would rather just have weight classes to at least give me a chance of not being paired up with someone who is 15kgs heavier than I am!

[TheAwesome]

As a girl at the gym pointed out, bit surprised and disappointed that seeing as you only had ONE girl last year and this year you had THREE the UMA didn't put a positive spin on this!

Nathan



Totally agreed on this. There needs to be consistency to encourage women to enter, so I am glad you will be keeping the categories. My advice (as a female competitor), keep pushing the improvements, as Nathan said 1 to 3 is an improvement, and I'm happy the others stepped up.

'Use it or lose it' certainly rubs me the wrong way, as some ladies have pointed out already - it is harder fro women to commit, for apprehension of fighting someone twice their size, increasing the risk of injury ( men do not often have this issue), the only thing that will make women more confident to compete is seeing other women there repeatedly.

All I can say ladies, is that our gym fully intends to keep representing at UMA and other events for women so I hope to see some of you stepping up too.

Caz Tweedy

[mmamomma]

I was only joking about the 'age category' really, I'd much rather compete against someone of a similar weight - don't think age comes into it unless there were absolutely loads of women entering the comp!

I'll be putting my name down for the next event anyway - I don't mind if I get my ass kicked off a 20 yr or 58 yr old!!! :(

Where are all the ladies from the Caged Steel ladies only training day with Helen & Rosi? I know Frodocious & the LSF girls were there but there must've been about 14 of us maybe? That would be great to get all our names down at the next UMA event!

[The Tez]

I was only joking about the 'age category' really, I'd much rather compete against someone of a similar weight - don't think age comes into it unless there were absolutely loads of women entering the comp!

I'll be putting my name down for the next event anyway - I don't mind if I get my ass kicked off a 20 yr or 58 yr old!!! :(

Where are all the ladies from the Caged Steel ladies only training day with Helen & Rosi? I know Frodocious & the LSF girls were there but there must've been about 14 of us maybe? That would be great to get all our names down at the next UMA event!

You've cheered me up no end with that! The thing that always puts me off even training sometimes, especially with men, is that I think people will all be saying what on earth am I doing there at my age ! Not quite 58 but not so far away! The other thing is work commitments, I work shifts and my daughter (another under 50kg lass) who would like to compete is busy as it's flat racing season.

[Femme-ma]

I think weight classes are mor important than age divisions. I would say that as a midget however!

[Frodocious]

Where are all the ladies from the Caged Steel ladies only training day with Helen & Rosi? I know Frodocious & the LSF girls were there but there must've been about 14 of us maybe? That would be great to get all our names down at the next UMA event!

I'm really hoping to compete at the next one (providing my back is sound). I'm out of the country with work for 3 months from next Friday, but am going to try to fit in some training whilst away, even if its only conditioning and strength work (I'm taking some resistance bands and a skipping rope with me). There are a number of BJJ gyms near where I'll be staying, but I don't know how busy I'm going to be yet.

[Frodocious]

I think weight classes are mor important than age divisions. I would say that as a midget however!

I'm the same! They should introduce height classes as well! ;) :)

[mmamomma]

You've cheered me up no end with that! The thing that always puts me off even training sometimes, especially with men, is that I think people will all be saying what on earth am I doing there at my age ! Not quite 58 but not so far away! The other thing is work commitments, I work shifts and my daughter (another under 50kg lass) who would like to compete is busy as it's flat racing season.

LOL Sorry!!! :D

Aww I'm probably the oldest at our gym & am always getting stick for it....horrible stinky boys!
Seriously age doesn't matter - we have a lady who trains with us now & again, she's 46 & kicks the arse of most of our lads in the ring! She's only tiny too but is amazing & I just think she's an inspiration to anyone.
Really hope you & your daughter can make it down to the next event. I'd definately be more inclined to enter knowing that more women were in the event therefore a chance of a better match up.