For Stacey Williams, taking up Jodo has been about more than learning a martial art; it has become a journey of confidence, resilience and challenging her own ideas about where she belongs.

Williams is currently the only woman training in Jodo at RKC Dojo, where she completed her kyu grading.

“It can be intimidating at first to be the only woman training Jodo currently, and I’m fortunate that the team I train with is so inclusive,” said Williams. “Part of what I love about this martial art is that your gender, age, or size isn’t relevant.”

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Williams began her martial arts journey nearly two years ago after a family friend encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone. His passion for Jodo inspired her to begin training, first in Iaido and later in Jodo. That mentor, James Miller, passed away last year, but his influence remains an important part of Williams’ journey.

Her recent grading was one of the moments when she felt Miller’s presence most strongly. Grading is never easy for Williams, who admits that she can be highly critical of herself.

It was also her first Jodo kyu grading in some time, which meant she had not seen how the assessment would be structured. Her sensei reminded students that they were simply demonstrating the skills they had already developed during training.

“It’s meant to create pressure to simulate a Dan grading to better prepare us for the future, and it was definitely intense,” said Williams.

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She focused on remaining calm and not allowing mistakes to affect her performance. “I tried to keep my calm and remind myself that even if I make mistakes, to just keep going and not let them throw me,” she said.

She also thought about her late mentor during the assessment, noting that regardless of the outcome, he would have been happy to see her try. The grading was another reminder of how far she has come since first entering the dojo.

Williams said there have been moments when she questioned whether she belonged in Jodo, but the support of her training partners has helped her overcome those doubts.

“We hype each other up so we can push through,” she said. Her nearly two years in martial arts have also changed her confidence outside the dojo.

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“When I think back to when I first started, that version of myself would never have imagined that I would stick through it when it got hard, that I would grade or even look forward to the demonstrations we do in front of crowds,” said Williams.

She said the experience gave her a sense of accomplishment, made her feel more capable and encouraged her to be more open to new experiences. “I found my focus and confidence even outside the dojo is better for it,” she said.

As Women’s Month shines a light on women breaking barriers, Williams hopes her position as the first woman to take up Jodo at the dojo can encourage others.

“I do hope that I can play a role in showing other women that we belong in this space just as much as anyone else,” said Williams. “As much as I am proud to be the first woman to take up Jodo, I would love to know that maybe I made the first step a little easier for the next woman.”

For Williams, representation can make an unfamiliar space feel less intimidating. “I think sometimes just seeing someone you identify with in a space makes you feel less alone, and suddenly it is a little less scary to start,” she said. She hopes more women will consider martial arts and discover the supportive community she has found.

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