“Your period doesn’t have to be a pause. It can be a practice in power.”
🥋 Is it possible to keep Training During Your Period?
Let’s be real: training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while on your period can feel uncomfortable, awkward, and sometimes even impossible. But it doesn’t have to be.
With the right mindset, preparation, and care, you can stay consistent on the mats and learn to work with your cycle instead of against it.
In this post, we’ll break down what to expect, how to adapt, and how to feel confident and empowered through every phase.
Listen to Your Body First
Every woman experiences her cycle differently. Some days you might feel strong and focused, while others feel like a battle just to show up.
Training during your period doesn’t mean ignoring your body. It means tuning in and making informed choices:
- Feeling energized? Go to class and roll.
- Feeling drained? Do light drilling or just observe.
- Feeling pain? Take the day off and prioritize recovery.
Respect your own rhythm. That’s the real strength.
Plan Gear and Hygiene with Confidence
A few small adjustments can make a big difference when it comes to comfort and peace of mind:
- Wear dark-colored spats or leggings under your gi.
- Use high-absorbency period products (pads, tampons, or menstrual cups).
- Bring a spare pair of training clothes, just in case.
- Keep wipes and a clean towel in your gym bag.
Training during your period might require more preparation, but it doesn’t have to hold you back.
Adjust Expectations Without Judgment
Your body is working overtime during your cycle. Fatigue, cramps, or brain fog are real. It’s okay to:
- Skip hard sparring rounds.
- Ask for lighter rolls.
- Focus on technique instead of intensity.
Training during your period is about consistency, not perfection. Showing up in any way is a win.
Shift Your Mindset Around Discomfort
Jiu-Jitsu teaches us how to stay calm in uncomfortable positions. Your period is just another version of that.
Instead of seeing it as an obstacle, use it as an opportunity to build:
- Patience
- Body awareness
- Mental resilience
Every cycle becomes a training partner for your inner game.
Normalize the Conversation
One of the biggest challenges for women in BJJ is that no one talks about this.
If you feel comfortable, share your experience with training partners or coaches. The more we talk, the more we support each other.
Training during your period isn’t weird. It’s normal, powerful, and part of the journey.
Quick Tips for Success
- Track your cycle and plan training around it.
- Hydrate and eat nourishing foods.
- Warm up longer and cool down gently.
- Take magnesium for cramps and inflammation.
- Be kind to yourself. Always.
Explore more
👉 BJJ for Women: What No One Tells You
👉 The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your First BJJ Gi
🧠 Final Thought
Your period doesn’t disqualify you from the mats; rather, it refines your discipline, deepens your self-awareness, and teaches you how to roll with your body—not against it. Embracing this natural cycle can empower you to listen more closely to your body’s signals, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of your physical capabilities and limitations. It becomes an opportunity to hone your skills, fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. By learning to work in harmony with your changing energy levels, you can cultivate a more profound connection to yourself and your practice, ultimately enhancing both your performance and your overall experience on the mats.
Training during your period is about honoring your pace while still honoring your practice.
So, lace up. Roll smart. And never let a cycle keep you from your growth.