Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a great way to keep fit, increase your strength and learn to defend yourself. While the sport can appear intimidating for women, there are plenty of female participants and many gyms even offer women-only classes for beginners. If you're interested in starting Brazilian jiu-jitsu, follow the tips below to make your experience as positive as possible.

1. Find a gym where you feel comfortable

Since Brazilian jiu-jitsu is such an intense, close contact sport, it's really important to find a gym where you feel safe, supported and comfortable. Don't be afraid to test out a few different gyms in your area, and look online for reviews from other female participants. If possible, attend a few sessions at several gyms to compare the facilities, atmosphere and teaching style. If you're really nervous, you could ask to sit in on a class without participating on your first visit.

2. Speak to other women

Speaking to other women in your local jiu-jitsu scene is an excellent way to get advice and guidance. They'll be able to alleviate your concerns, share their tips for beginners, and maybe even roll with you. Most women have similar concerns when it comes to starting the sport, so you'll be in good company. Look online for women's jiu-jitsu clubs or social media pages and start there.

3. Start with a women-only class

Training with men can feel intimidating due to differences in strength and size, and this is especially true when you're new to the sport. Try and find a women-only class to get started, then move into rolling with male partners once you feel more confident. Starting with partners who are similar in size, strength and ability to you means you won't get too discouraged early on. Once you have some experience, you'll be ready to tackle more experienced opponents.

4. Keep your nails short and tie your hair back

If you have long hair and nails, you'll need to make a few practical changes before starting jiu-jitsu. Long nails make it easy to accidentally scratch your partner during rolls, so it's important to keep them short and filed smooth. You also should avoid false nails altogether, as they're likely to snap off and hurt you during classes. You won't need to cut your hair short, but tying it securely into plaits or a ponytail will stop it from getting in the way while rolling.

While jiu-jitsu is traditionally a male-dominated sport, there's nothing to stop women from participating too. Follow the tips above for a successful start to your new hobby. To learn more, contact a program like Kings Academy of Martial Arts.