100 females on the mat. Photo: Erin Herle
In September, GRACIEMAG headed to San Jose, CA for the first edition of Inspire in the Bay area held by its founder Kristina Barlaan. The event brought together 100 women at GMA Institute of Martial Arts with no males allowed on the mat. Lana Stefanac was present to teach a technique along with other brown and black females who shared the teaching duties. By the end of the session there were raffle prizes and giveaways with each participant leaving with a piece of merchandise.
On Feb. 28, the second edition of Inspire will be held at Evolve Training Center in South San Francisco. Kristina, a brown belt under Caio Terra who competes at the highest level, promotes women to not only get to know the existing women in the martial art community but also to bring in new girls as well.
The cost is free but registration is mandatory and now open until 11:59 p.m. PST on Friday, Feb. 28 or until capacity reaches 100 participants.
To learn more about the event and to register, please go to http://strongvon.com/inspirebayarea2
