In this episode of Keepers of the Mats, we sit down with Jenn White — CrossFit coach, wife, mom, and one of the most enthusiastic members of our Tried & True Jiu Jitsu community. Jenn’s journey is about patience, perseverance, and discovering strength in ways she never expected.
Jenn first came to Jiu Jitsu after years of coaching CrossFit and competitive cheerleading. Always eager to try new things, she joined a class with curiosity and energy. What struck her from the start was the empowerment of learning to control someone larger than herself — not through brute strength alone, but through leverage, technique, and calm decision-making .
But those early days weren’t easy. Being encouraged to spar before she was ready left her feeling out of place, even dismissed. At one point, she considered walking away altogether. It wasn’t until she returned under a different coaching approach — one that encouraged patience and growth without pressure — that she began to truly love the art .
Jenn’s competitive spirit soon led her to tournaments. Stepping onto the mat as a white belt was nerve-wracking, but she found herself thriving in the challenge. She scored her first takedown, held her own against tough opponents, and discovered the adrenaline and pride of competition.
Through both wins and losses, Jenn found confidence. Her son, a wrestler, even told her she had the best shots of any woman he saw competing — a moment that filled her with pride as both an athlete and a mom .
Training Jiu Jitsu has changed Jenn in many ways. Physically, it’s given her conditioning that even years of CrossFit didn’t fully provide. Mentally, it’s helped her become more calm, patient, and resilient — whether under pressure on the mats or in everyday life at home. She’s found herself more aware of her surroundings, more capable of handling stress, and more intentional in how she reacts to challenges .
One of the most unexpected blessings has been the bond Jiu Jitsu has created in her relationships — both with her kids and with her husband. From practicing movements at home to sharing the joy of progress, Jiu Jitsu has become a common ground for growth and connection.
Jenn’s story highlights the courage it takes to begin something new, the resilience to push through setbacks, and the joy of discovering unexpected strength. For women especially, her perspective is powerful: Jiu Jitsu is not just self-defense or fitness — it’s empowerment. It’s proof that strength, patience, and technique can open doors to confidence and safety in any situation .
Her advice to newcomers is simple: be patient, commit to at least a month, and give yourself the chance to grow into it.
Jenn’s journey shows that Jiu Jitsu isn’t reserved for fighters or competitors — it’s for anyone willing to step onto the mats and embrace the process. Whether you’re looking for empowerment, fitness, or community, her story proves that the mats can meet you where you are and take you further than you imagined.
Click here to listen to the episode on our Spotify channel.
