When Shama Ko first stepped onto the mats, she never imagined she’d one day help lead a national movement for women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. But that’s exactly what happened. As the founder and program director of Girls in Gis, a nonprofit that hosts women’s BJJ events across the U.S., Shama has created a space where thousands of women have trained, connected, and grown together. We sat down with her to talk about community, growth, and what makes this project so powerful.
BJJ Girls Mag: For those who don’t know, what is Girls in Gis and how did it start?
Shama:
Girls in Gis is a community for women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It started in 2009 as a simple open mat for women to train together in Texas. Back then, it was rare to find other women on the mats. I wanted to create a space where women felt comfortable, supported, and empowered — and that’s how it began.
BJJ Girls Mag: What was the turning point where you realized this could be bigger than a local event?
Shama:
Honestly, the turning point was seeing how women showed up for each other. After the first few events, we noticed that women were driving hours just to attend. They were craving that sense of community. That’s when I knew we had something special, something that was missing in the sport.
BJJ Girls Mag: What makes a Girls in Gis event different from a typical class or seminar?
Shama:
Our events are 100% focused on connection and community. They’re not just about technique, although we definitely share great instruction. There’s no hierarchy, no competition. Everyone is welcome, from day-one white belts to high-level black belts. It’s about sharing the mats and lifting each other up.
BJJ Girls Mag: Do you think women experience Jiu-Jitsu differently than men?
Shama:
Absolutely. Women often come to BJJ with different goals: self-defense, confidence, healing. Many also carry trauma or hesitations that can make the academy setting intimidating. That’s why community spaces like Girls in Gis are so important. We make room for those emotions, and we normalize the journey.
BJJ Girls Mag: You’ve helped thousands of women step onto the mats. What advice would you give someone who’s nervous about starting BJJ?
Shama:
Be patient with yourself. You don’t have to be strong, fast, or fearless to begin. Just start. Find a space where you feel safe and supported, that’s everything. And don’t be afraid to ask questions or to take up space. You belong here.
BJJ Girls Mag: How can women get involved with Girls in Gis or attend an event?
Shama:
They can visit our website girlsingis.com, we post all upcoming events there. We’re always updating our calendar and expanding to new locations. Most of our events are donation-based, so finances aren’t a barrier. We also have volunteer opportunities and ways to support even if you can’t attend.
BJJ Girls Mag: What’s next for the project?
Shama:
Our focus is always on growing the community. That means reaching more women, building new partnerships, and continuing to provide a safe, inclusive space. We’re also working on more educational content and leadership development for women in BJJ. It’s exciting to see where this can go.
This Is What Empowerment Looks Like
Shama Ko’s story is proof that one idea, driven by compassion and purpose, can grow into something massive. Girls in Gis is not just an organization — it’s a movement. And it’s changing the face of women’s Jiu-Jitsu in the U.S.
💬 Have you ever attended a Girls in Gis event? Share your experience with us or tag @bjjgirlsmag_usa in your photos.
📍 Learn more at www.girlsingis.com