We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Oriza recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sarah, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
In 2005, I founded G.I.R.L.S. Gym, a Mixed Martial Arts school dedicated to women, specializing in Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This initiative was inspired by my passion for martial arts, witnessing fellow female practitioners who loved the training but eventually left, and the profound benefits martial arts had brought to my own life.
Recognizing a significant void in the community, I set out to create a supportive environment where individuals could gain confidence, learn martial arts, and connect with one another in an empowering setting. This was a bold endeavor considering the mixed martial arts landscape was predominantly male and often resistant to change.
Upon launching G.I.R.L.S. Gym, I encountered skeptics from within the martial arts community . However, my resolve to establish a training space dedicated to women never wavered. As our members showcased their skills in competitions and our community continued to grow, we gradually earned respect within the local martial arts scene.
Today, G.I.R.L.S. Gym has not only endured but thrived, evolving into a transformative space for those seeking empowerment through martial arts.
Sarah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I began my martial arts journey in 1996 at the age of 15, diving into kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I dedicated myself to martial arts training, ultimately earning my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. I competed as a professional fighter during a time when there were very few women in the sport, helping pave the way for other women to compete in mixed martial arts.
My primary focus is teaching women martial arts, as I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible benefits it can provide. From building confidence and resilience to offering essential self-protection skills, martial arts has the power to transform lives. At G.I.R.L.S. Gym, we offer a supportive and empowering environment where individuals can learn these skills and connect with one another.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to creating a welcoming space specifically for women in a traditionally male-dominated arena. Even in the hard times I never question my why and wouldn’t change a thing, every experience, positive and negative has allowed us to grow into a successful business that helps improve lives.
I am most proud of the community we’ve built at G.I.R.L.S. Gym. It’s fulfilling to see women gain strength, confidence, and camaraderie through their training. My purpose has always been to empower women through martial arts, and I feel fortunate to have discovered this calling early in my life.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When COVID-19 hit, we had to temporarily shut our doors, which felt like a significant loss for our community. Instead of letting this setback define us, we quickly adapted, updating our technology to transition to online classes, ensuring that our members could still engage with us.
Additionally, we took our classes outdoors, holding sessions in our parking lot. It was a challenging time, and despite the struggles, we saw a remarkable show of support from our members. Those who could stayed by our side, helping us navigate through the uncertainty.
While we did lose a portion of our membership, the loyalty and encouragement from our dedicated members fueled our resilience. Their support not only kept us afloat but inspired us to continue finding creative solutions. This experience taught us the importance of adaptability and the strength of community.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My mission is to empower women through the transformative practice of martial arts. Engaging in martial arts offers a multitude of benefits, including boosting confidence, fostering resilience, creating a strong sense of community, enhancing physical fitness, and equipping individuals with self-defense skills. It’s truly rare to find an activity that provides such a comprehensive range of advantages. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of so many women’s journeys toward empowerment, witnessing their growth and strength each day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.girlsgympdx.com
- Instagram: @girlsgympdx
