Jenn Rendle discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while watching her son train at Wickham's Martial Arts Centre and has been training consistently for eight years. She is on track to receive her brown belt by the end of the year.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Jenn Rendle was watching her son train at Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre when something caught her eye.
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The intricate movements of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seemed to defy logic, and eight years later, she has not looked back.
Now training five or six days a week, Jenn is closing in on her brown belt, which she expects to receive before the end of the year.
The belt system is a long road; students progress from white through blue, purple, brown and black, with years of mat time and technique required at each level.
“I am going to get my brown belt at the end of the year; I am so excited,” Jenn said.
“It is usually years in between each belt level, so it is just time on the mats and dedication.”
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers physical benefits such as strength and co-ordination, as well as significant mental health benefits, boosting confidence and empowerment.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Jenn also coaches at Wickham’s on Saturdays, making her the only female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach at the centre.
She is particularly passionate about encouraging women to take up the sport, which she said had grown significantly in recent years.
While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was once a male-dominated pursuit, Jenn said the gender balance was shifting, with more women joining classes each year and a growing number of female black belts across Australia.
The sport involves ground-based grappling and is often compared to judo or wrestling, though Jenn is quick to note the differences.
Jenn is the only female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach at Wickham’s and is passionate about encouraging more women to join the sport, which has seen a rise in female participation.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Beyond the physical benefits of improved strength, balance, co-ordination and sleep, Jenn said the mental health benefits were equally significant.
She believes the confidence gained on the mats is something every woman should experience.
“It can look daunting, but the confidence you get from it is something I think every woman should have,” Jenn said.
“I think it is important for a woman to feel strong and confident out in society and I think Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a really great tool to help you feel that way.”
For those considering starting out, Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre runs beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, known as Fundamentals, which are open to students aged 14 and over with no upper age limit.
Students are required to wear a Gi, the traditional uniform consisting of a jacket and pants secured with a belt, and the centre has Gis available for those just starting out.
A no-Gi option, where students wear leggings and a rash guard, is also available for more experienced practitioners.
“There are two forms of Brazilian jiu jitsu: no Gi and Gi, and I train in both of those,” Jenn said.
“No Gi is a little more challenging because you haven’t got grips to help move your own body and your opponent’s body.
“Which makes it lots of fun.”
Wickham's Martial Arts Centre in Echuca offers beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for students aged 14 and above, with options for both Gi and no-Gi training. Pictured are Carl Koch and Jenn Rendle.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre has been operating for more than 10 years and also offers classes in Muay Thai and Zen do Kai karate for children and adults of all levels.
The centre also provides classes in Muay Thai and Zen do Kai karate for both children and adults, catering to individuals of all levels. Pictured are Chloe Wickham and Kiarna Harmsel.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The centre is located on the corner of Service and Hovell Ats in Echuca, with the main entrance facing Hovell St at 81 Service St.
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