Women at VCBJJ

You don’t need to be athletic.
You just need to show up.

Women train at VCBJJ in their 20s, their 40s, and their 60s. They came with no background in martial arts. Some came alone. They stayed because the room is nothing like what they expected.

Women training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at VCBJJ in Bangsar — two women students roll
Why BJJ

BJJ is one of the few martial arts where size and strength are genuinely secondary. The whole point of the art is that a smaller, lighter person can control a larger one — using position, leverage, and timing instead of force. That’s not marketing. That’s how it works.

For women, that matters. Most self-defence situations that go badly go badly on the ground, where striking doesn’t solve the problem. BJJ is the ground game. It teaches you how to stay calm when you’re pinned, how to create space, how to get back to your feet. Skills that transfer directly to real life — and that most other martial arts don’t actually build.

But most of the women who train here didn’t come because they were worried about self-defence. They came because they were bored of the gym, or a friend recommended it, or they wanted something that required actual thinking. The self-defence piece is a bonus that becomes more and more real the longer you train.

Who Trains Here

The women currently training at VCBJJ range from their mid-20s to their early 60s. No prior martial arts experience between them when they started. Different professions, different fitness levels, different reasons for walking in.

The one thing they share: they’re still here.

24–61
Age range of current female members
0
Prior martial arts experience required
≤10
Students per class, always
On The Mat
Two VCBJJ female members drilling in black gis, both smiling mid-roll — the relaxed energy shows the non-intimidating training environment VCBJJ female members live rolling in gi, with a more experienced female member watching and coaching from the background
Questions Women Ask Before Joining
Will I be the only woman in class?
No. There are currently five consistent female members at VCBJJ, ranging from their mid-20s to early 60s. That said, group classes are mixed — men and women train together. This is intentional. It’s how BJJ actually works and how the skills transfer to real life. The training environment is built around respect and learning, not proving anything to anyone.
Is it safe? I’m not comfortable with strangers touching me.
This is the most honest question and it deserves an honest answer. BJJ involves close physical contact — that’s unavoidable and part of why it works. What VCBJJ controls is the environment around that contact. Classes are capped at 10. Coach Vince sets the tone on day one and maintains it. The culture here is not ego-driven, not aggressive, and not about testing anyone’s toughness. Most new students find that the discomfort passes faster than they expected — because the people in the room make it easy.
I’m in my 40s / 50s / 60s. Is it too late?
VCBJJ was built specifically for this demographic. The oldest current female member started training in her late 50s. BJJ doesn’t require speed or strength — it rewards patience, problem-solving, and body awareness, which tend to improve with age. The training adapts to where you are, not where a 25-year-old competitor is.
What if I’m not fit enough?
BJJ builds your fitness — it doesn’t require it as an entry condition. Most students start with limited flexibility and cardio. Within a few months of consistent training, both improve significantly. You will be tired after your first few classes. That passes.
Can I come with a friend?
Yes, and for women who want to try BJJ before committing to group class, a private 2-on-1 session is a good starting point. Two people, Coach Vince, one hour. You get to learn in a low-pressure environment before stepping onto the mat with the full group. Private sessions are RM245, splittable between two people at RM122.50 each.
What do I wear?
For NoGi class (Monday): rash guard and shorts or leggings. For Gi class (Thursday): a BJJ gi. You don’t need to own a gi before your first session — Coach Vince can advise on purchasing one.
What Members Say

“Vince Choo is an excellent instructor. He is knowledgeable, patient and genuinely invested in his students’ progress. His instructions are clear and structured, and he takes the time to ensure that the students understand the techniques; including why it works and what needs redressing when it is not working. His teaching forte is evolving and adapting to match the students’ ability to learn, and the student is steered to think for him/herself to better understand the technique.”

Jayne K.
Jayne K.
Legal Professional, 60+

“Training BJJ here feels like working on a puzzle that Coach Vince provides the pieces. What is also great is that the community here is quite accepting to complete beginners, seamlessly adapting to anyone’s skill level while still maintaining the safety of their partners.”

Dr. K. Chan
Dr. K. Chan

“I’ve had a great experience training under Coach Vince. He’s incredibly meticulous in his teaching, breaking down techniques in a way that’s easy to understand while still respecting the complexity of the art. He has deep knowledge of the subject and stays true to proper fundamentals. What really stands out is the environment he creates. Training always feels safe, structured, and respectful. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, he makes sure everyone is learning at the right pace without feeling overwhelmed or overlooked. Coach Vince is also very supportive and approachable, always willing to answer questions and provide extra guidance when needed. Highly recommend for anyone looking to improve their BJJ in a positive and well guided setting.”

Farrah
Farrah
BJJ Kids and Womens' Specialist Coach

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