Cora Wilson: 32 years old, Co-owner of Força Martial Arts, and first degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt

"Growing up I was an unathletic, overweight kid with zero confidence in my physical abilities. Martial arts and specifically Brazilian jiu jitsu gave me the skills to become a strong, confident athlete. Bjj gave me an outlet to feel proud of myself physically, something i had never experienced in traditional sports. Jiu jitsu has helped me form lifelong friendships with so many different people that I would have probably never met otherwise. I am thankful for Jiu jitsu and thankful for the people I get to share this amazing art with."

Laurel Rogers: 37 year old mom of three young girls, grad student, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu white belt.

"Throughout my life I have never been confident in myself or the abilities of my body. I found jiu jitsu during one of my hardest years, my dad passed away, and I lost hearing in one of my ears. Jiu Jitsu is teaching me to be confident in myself not just in physical abilities but in intuition as well. I want to teach my children to continue to seek challenges throughout their lives and sometimes when we do things scared we end up with some of the most rewarding memories and community."

Stephanie Tindall 33 Army Vet,mama of a 3 year old, HR Business Partner, & blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

"I started Jiu Jitsu at Forca after having my daughter to be an example to her; to show her commitment and discipline is key to success. BJJ also allowed me an outlet to continue to learn while keeping me healthy, in not only my physical but my mental health as well."

Mariana Sharp: 34 year old Emergency Department Tech, Nursing Student, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt.

"I have many reasons why I train jiujitsu. One of them being for self defense. I wanted to be able to protect my daughter and myself especially in the society we live in. Also for mental health, the outside world doesn’t matter when you’re on the mats, what matters is THAT moment when you’re learning, drilling and rolling with my jiujitsu family "

Luisa: 30 years old. receptionist/tax preparer, single mom of 3, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt.

"I was struggling with anxiety and depression… In hopes of finding something that could help me, as usual, I followed along to one of Mariana’s crazy ideas of joining the fitness class then she suggested we tried Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai and so on lol. It was my breath of fresh air. What I have been thought in class in not just the drills but also things i can apply to life in general lol (especially your “do better” phrase) it’s helped me build confidence, discipline, and has helped me feel like myself again. I love that I’m learning how to be able to protect myself and my kids and at the same time i am able to work on myself, learn from the most dedicated instructors, and be part of an awesome gym."

Shaelyn Myers: 25 years old, Independent Distributor at It Works, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu white belt.

"I train jiu jitsu for my personal growth, as it teaches me patience and it strengthens my mind and body's health and confidence, as well as grows my relationships with other martial artists. Jiu jitsu gives me a community of people in all different backgrounds, ages, and body types. Being plus the majority of my life, coming into the gym was not something I looked forward to, but in the jiu jitsu community at Força, I look forward to every day and class."

Evelyn Colindres 35 - Former competitor, full time worker, mom, & brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

"I train BJJ not only for the self defense part but how empower I feel when I'm able to control a man twice my size. Miracle: 26, Medical Coder, training to become a Firefighter, & blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I train jiu jitsu because it makes me feel empowered, safe, the community I have gained, and I love the sport.

Bridget Qualls: Age 17, high school student, Força Employee, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt.

"I train jiu jitsu because I love being able to control people who are bigger than me and I love how you are never done learning, there is always something you don’t know yet."

Awbrie Steer 24 year old I’m a barista, college student, mom to be, & purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

"I train because it’s a good outlet for stress. It has built my confidence and is a cool way to meet new people anywhere I go."

At Força Martial Arts, we believe that every woman deserves to feel strong, capable, and confident. Whether you’re looking for self-defense training, a supportive fitness community, or a way to challenge yourself, our classes are open to all experience levels. Join us for a group fitness or self-defense class and take the first step toward your own journey of empowerment.

📞 Call or text us at 479-264-2008
🌐 Visit us online at forcamma.com

#ForçaStrong #InternationalWomensDay #EmpoweredWomen #JiuJitsuForAll #JiuJitsu4Everyone #JiuJitsu4Life #SelfDefense #WomensEmpowerment #WomensSelfDefense #Russellville #RussellvilleAR #RiverValley #RiverValleyAR