There was only one girl competing in the tournament today, so she fought a boy in both of her matches, and he submitted her both times. After the first loss she cried a little. After the second, she started bawling. My heart ached for her, so I had to go talk to her when she walked off the mat. I told her that she did a good job, and she shouldn't be sad. I told her she was very brave to even compete. I told her that I lost, too, but we should both be happy because it would help us learn. She was still sad, but I think it helped her a little.
It helped me a little, too. I had two matches, and I lost both of them...but I did a good job, and I've already learned from it. Most of all, I know there are more than just three women between here and Kansas City who grapple, but that is all that showed up at this tournament. Sara and Emily may have submitted me, but at least I was willing to put myself on the line. If I don't go out there and represent women in Jiu-Jitsu in the Midwest, who will? Who will be the one to tell that little girl "I know how you feel, because I've been there."
(Btw, I have watched my videos. I did pretty well against Sara, and my match with Emily is quite amusing. I will post them eventually, but right now I am too tired :)