The FIG Programme is a women-only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pathway for women who may need a softer, trauma-aware first step into movement, connection and self-belief.
females in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2025.
Source: ONS Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview, November 2025.
Of all recorded crime is committed against women & girls.
Source: NPCC Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
of police-recorded domestic abuse-related crime victims were female.
Source: ONS Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview, November 2025.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu principles, without the pressure of a standard class.
FIG uses the cornerstones of BJJ to build confidence, community and empowerment. The focus is not fighting, sparring or competition. It is about learning safely, moving at each person’s pace, and discovering what your body and mind are capable of.
For some women, FIG may be a private introduction. For others, it may become a bridge into women-only classes and, eventually, wider open mat sessions with the right support around them.
Achievable goals, measured progress and gentle challenge help rebuild trust in themselves.
Where women can learn together, support each other and build relationships through shared effort.
The programme creates space for choice, boundaries, resilience and personal growth.
- Women only sessions with doors locked during class.
- Covered windows and no social media photos shared.
- Parking options and lift support where needed.
- Pre-session conversation and a personal support 'grab-bag'.
- Clear safeguarding routes with a designated safeguarding lead.
Amy, or “Mimi”, comes ready and loaded with a range of experience. Almost 8 years on the mats sometimes feels like a byproduct of this. Looking back 11 years ago, Mimi was the victim of a serious violent assault that went through the court system. An event that could have easily shaped her life and changed her for the worse, Mimi spent a few years trying to find a way of dealing with what happened. She is open and confident in speaking out about her experiences and how she went a few years seeking relief through drink, bad choices, poor relationships/friendships, and how it was nearly enough for her to opt out.
Fortunately, Mimi was invited to go along with her cousin to a local BJJ gym and try it out. Not to be cliché, but Mimi holds firm that BJJ saved her life. Not only did it give her an excuse to pack in the cyclical negative behaviours, but she also built up a resiliency and mental fortitude that she didn’t know she was capable of. The confidence the sport and healthy friendships have given her has been immeasurable.
Her experience gained through work has given her plenty of opportunities to learn, supporting people on some of the worst days of their lives. Mimi now wants to apply her personal experience and the skills learned through her work, into a programme that will enable other women to thrive and grow the same as she did.
This is where the passion comes from, this is the why.
During her journey in BJJ, Mimi has attended lots of women’s only spaces, such as the Wominars led by Sam Hill, the open mats run by Empower Grappling Foundation, Enyo Foundation and Women Who Fight, the support system that she has found through this has hugely empowered her audacity and belief that the feeling you get from sharing the mats with other like minded women should be universal.
Life is better with BJJ, life is really special when you get to share BJJ with other women.
A gentle introduction to needs, boundaries, support contacts and what would make training feel possible.
Women learn BJJ principles allowing them to learn/grow at their own pace, with confidence and community as the core outcomes.
When ready, the gold standard is progression into a women-only class with continued support.
A buddy system can help women step into wider sessions only when it feels right for them.
referral packages for services supporting women
FIG can work with referring organisations to create supported places for multiple women, with additional measures agreed around privacy, safeguarding, transport and communication.
Check other some of our quick resources on the links below to find out more about what to expect and our methods.
Whether you are enquiring for yourself, someone you support, or an organisation, the first step is private, gentle and pressure-free.