Bruno Bastos, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 5th-degree black belt, said that the women's only class at Bastos Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Fitness, in Midland, where most students are moms, provides them with a supportive environment to relieve stress and also participate in regular classes and competitions. Bastos was a guest on a recent episode of the Best of Midland Podcast.
"We do have a women's only class as well, but like the ladies, they have the special class for them, but they join the regular class as well," said Bastos on a recent edition of the Best of Midland Podcast. “It's nice because, in the women's class, I always like to say there's a parallel universe in the school, where most of the students are moms of the kids. I feel like that's the 40 minutes to 1 hour where they have their mind free of all the stress or all the things they’re going through—through the day, through the week, work, kids, relationships, all that stuff. Now they're in a group of supportive women helping each other.”
“Next, you’re going to see some of those not only in the middle class but also in the front of this class, and some of them even try to compete,” Bastos said. “And when I say competition, I think most people are going to think about, oh, like, no, you don’t have to be an athlete to compete.”
Bastos, a 5th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is known for his achievements in the sport and his leadership roles. He was a key member of the Nova Uniao team before founding his own Bruno Bastos Association in 2014 and later the LEAD Team. Bastos has opened a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Midland, Bastos Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Fitness.
Best of Midland Podcast is hosted by Ryan Shewchuk and Terra Avery. It is an extension of the broader Best of Midland program, which aims to support small, local businesses by showcasing them and the people behind them. Their website lists top businesses and upcoming live events happening in the area.
The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.