Ashley’s Story: Healing, Resilience, and Strength Through Jiu Jitsu

It's honestly incredible to see how Ashley is growing on and off the mats.

It's been such a pleasure as a coach watching her progress, so this was really cool to get. Saturday I woke up to this "testimonial" Ashley had sent me.

Here in her own words, is Ashley’s journey:

Ashley’s Words:

"It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am to be a She-Devil.

I was born with my legs out of alignment not able to have corrective surgery until I reached skeletal maturity at 17 years old. Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children performed my surgeries and for the first time I learned to walk correctly in 2001. Over the next 20 years I still kept my knees guarded out of habit and fear battling CPTSD and Fibromyalgia. I do not know how to swim, run or even sit cross legged. I have not only an orthopedic challenge, but I am also DV survivor. With all of these hurdles, sports as an outlet was never an option in my mind. Especially co-ed.

2025 has been life changing for me! I was referred to She-Devil Jiu Jitsu Club by my trauma therapist for exposure therapy. He told me “You cannot heal until you feel safe”.

My entire life I struggled to get out of my own head, feeling a part of and finding my safe space. I am learning to heal childhood trauma while trying to be a good mom. Nothing I’ve tried in my past has helped and my mental and physical health was showing it.

Jiu Jitsu for me is not just about learning self-defense. It’s being a part of something much bigger physically, mentally and emotionally. For the first time I got over my fears sitting on my knees. I have attempted running with the cadence “I’m a bad bitch lol”. When I first stepped on the mats I was embarrassed that I walk differently and cannot move the way others do, but I kept showing up. Month after month things I thought were impossible started happening on and off the mat. I was playing with my kids on my knees on the floor. I was challenging myself and setting goals. I learned to ask questions if I couldn’t figure something out because my knees and mobility can only improve so fast. Positions and drills were modified and the amount of genuine support from my Coach Bella and fellow She-Devils has been incredible. The progress I have made in Jiu Jitsu to me is unbelievable at times. I see videos of myself and it still doesn’t feel real. I am learning something that no one can take from me.

I am more than my past and embracing who I’m becoming. I can have the worst day imaginable but that hour on the mat… I have peace. I have gained strength, confidence and overcome fears that I never thought possible.

She-Devil Jiu Jitsu has become such an important part of my life. I train with amazing supportive women and now even attend the co-ed classes even though it’s not required.

The Den has unintentionally become my home away from home. The biggest lessons I have learned is everyone’s journey is different. No matter what life challenges I face I will be okay and will continue to grow by simply showing up.

Ashley’s courage and openness are a reminder that Jiu Jitsu is not just about the techniques we learn, but the healing and growth that come with them.

💜 At the time of sharing her story, Ashley is nursing a small setback with her knee but is optimistic and we've already got her downtime planned out, sitting and watching while she heals up and comes back even stronger!

Pretty inspiring right?