Three National Jujitsu Associations Take Swift Action to Protect Female Competitors
Recently, three national jujitsu associations made headlines by implementing new policies that prevent males from competing in female brackets. This decision came after several athletes shared their experiences of facing male opponents who identify as females mentally. The response to these incidents has been unprecedented, with Marshi Smith, a former NCAA swimming champion and co-founder of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS), stating, “We’ve never seen a sport enact change as quickly as jujitsu has.”
ICONS, founded by Smith and Kim Jones, aims to provide a platform, support, and a voice for women like Ansleigh Wilk and Jayden Alexander. These athletes found themselves fighting against a man in their respective competitions, leading to a sense of injustice and the need for change. The frustration grew when their pleas for action to the NCAA went unanswered.
Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas (2nd L) of Penn University and transgender swimmer Iszac Henig (L) of Yale pose with their medals after placing first and second in the 100-yard freestyle swimming race at the 2022 Ivy League Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., on Feb. 19, 2022. (Joseph Prezioso/Getty Images)
Despite the lack of response from the NCAA, ICONS has become a vital resource for advocating women’s sports in the face of the encroachment of the trans ideology. The issue gained significant attention when Reduxx, a feminist media platform, reported on the matter, prompting the jujitsu associations to take action.
The NAGA, Submission Challenge, and ADCC Submission World Federation have all made public statements regarding their regulations for registering based on biological sex rather than gender identity. These associations have taken a firm stance, ensuring fair competition by separating divisions for biological females and requiring transgender females to compete in the men’s division.
Marshi Smith, former NCAA swimming champion from the University of Arizona and co-founder of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS). (Courtesy of Marshi Smith)
‘Obvious Differences’
Ansleigh Wilk and Jayden Alexander, two athletes who fought against male opponents, shared their harrowing experiences. Wilk, a former U.S. Archery World Champion, expressed her frustration with the lack of transparency in combat sports. She emphasized the need for policy changes to ensure the safety and fairness of female athletes. Alexander, on the other hand, described her initial shock at the size and strength of her male opponent. Both athletes faced significant challenges during their matches but managed to come out on top.
These incidents have sparked a larger conversation about the importance of protecting women’s sports from the encroachment of the trans ideology. While progress has been made in jujitsu and Strongman competitions, there is still a long way to go. Marshi Smith acknowledges the uphill battle but remains hopeful that other sports will follow suit and prioritize the safety and fairness of female athletes.
A protester holds a sign outside the arena where Pennsylvania’s Lia Thomas was competing in the 500-yard freestyle final at the NCAA women’s swimming and diving championships, at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Ga., on March 17, 2022. (John Bazemore/AP Photo)
An Uphill Battle
Marshi Smith acknowledges the challenges faced in advocating for women’s sports. While progress has been made in some areas, such as Strongman competitions, there are still significant hurdles to overcome. The conflicting rules and regulations between U.S. governing bodies and international overseers create further complications. Additionally, the influence of individuals with a vested interest in promoting medical transitions in children adds another layer of complexity. However, Smith remains determined to fight for safe and fair competition for women and girls.
Prisha Mosley had both of her breasts removed when she believed she was transgender, she is now is hoping to receive reconstructive surgery. (Courtesy of Independent Women’s Forum)
While progress has been slower in the United States compared to the United Kingdom, organizations like ICONS and Fair Play for Women continue to advocate for policy changes. The goal is to ensure that girls and women can compete safely and fairly without facing unfair advantages from male competitors. With each victory, the foundation for change grows stronger, providing hope for a future where women’s sports are protected and respected.
How have the NAGA, Submission Challenge, and ADCC Submission World Federation addressed concerns over fairness and safety in women’s sports?
Is still work to be done in other sports. The inclusion of transgender females in women’s sports has been a contentious issue, with concerns over fairness and safety for biological female athletes.
The implementation of new policies by the NAGA, Submission Challenge, and ADCC Submission World Federation is a significant step towards addressing these concerns. By requiring registration based on biological sex rather than gender identity, these associations are ensuring fair competition and protecting the integrity of women’s divisions. Transgender females are now required to compete in the men’s division, where they can showcase their skills against opponents of a similar biological makeup.
The experiences shared by Ansleigh Wilk and Jayden Alexander highlight the need for such policies. These athletes found themselves facing male opponents in their respective competitions, leading to a sense of injustice and the need for change. Wilk, a former U.S. Archery World Champion, emphasized the lack of transparency in combat sports and stressed the importance of policy changes to ensure the safety and fairness of female athletes. Alexander described her initial shock at the size and strength of her male opponent but managed to come out on top.
The response to these incidents and the subsequent policy changes in jujitsu have been noteworthy. Marshi Smith, a former NCAA swimming champion and co-founder of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS), commended the jujitsu associations for their swift action, stating that such rapid change is unprecedented in the world of sports. ICONS, founded by Smith and Kim Jones, aims to provide a platform, support, and a voice for women athletes who are facing challenges in the realm of women’s sports.
Despite the lack of response from the NCAA, ICONS has become a vital resource for advocating women’s sports in the face
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