NUDE BJJ CALENDAR
When an MMA gym in Imatra, Finland (pop. 28,074) was having trouble making rent, some of the female students hit on an idea that had never been tried in the combat sports space – a nude team calendar. The female fighters of Imatra now join the wives of British servicemen, gay rugby players, University of Warwick rowers, Orthodox Christians, Houston firefighters, and many others in raising money for the team.
REQUIRED APPAREL FOR BJJ
Apparel for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu includes a loose fitting jacket and pants, commonly referred to as a ‘Kimono’, and belt. Adapted from the uniform used in Judo, the Kimono has some significant differences.
The collar is much heavier than allowed in Judo, and thus is harder to use to choke with, increasing the technique necessary. Both white, blue, and black kimonos are allowed in competition, and in some cases other colors. In Judo, only white and blue are generally allowed in international competition.
The Kimono has tighter cuffs on the pants and jacket, and the section of the gi beneath the belt is shorter. This allows the practitioner to benefit from a closer fit, providing less material for an opponent to manipulate. Team, sponsor, and manufacturer’s patches are often more prominently displayed on a Jiu-Jitsu gi than would be allowed in judo.
Overall, a judo gi may be worn in a BJJ tournament, but a Jiu-Jitsu kimono would be prohibited in a judo tournament.
There is a third possibility – no apparel at all.
(SITTIN’ ON) THE DOCK OF THE BAY
Humans have some central fears, including public speaking and spiders, heights, and death. Climbing into a cage to fight another person takes courage.
However, for many people, being seen naked in public makes spiders and snakes as to scary as reading a magazine in comparison. So this fighter is doubly brave.
HARAI GOSHI
As noted, the fighters in the gym each appear in the calendar in a level of apparel that they are comfortable. These two fighters are caught mid Harai Goshi.
Harai Goshi is one of the original 40 throws of Judo as developed by founder Jigoro Kano. It is also part of the current 67 throws of Kodokan Judo.
UNATTIRED
The fighters from the gym each decided what level of nudity they were comfortable with. As noted, the fear of being seen au naturel is a huge one, so this one from the MMA Imatra gym has our respect.
STAND UP
Mixed martial arts draws from a variety of combat sports, including wrestling (folkstyle, Greco Roman, and Freestyle, among others), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo, Judo, western boxing, and The Art and Science of Eight Limbs – Muay Thai.
Two MMA-Imatra fighters are seen here sparring hard in the gym.
A BENEFIT OF TRAINING
This fighter loves MMA, holds a purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu, and is a mother to five wonderful children.
There are a number of benefits to the practice of BJJ, including friendship, camaraderie, problem solving, and humility.
And on top of that, you look better naked.
BEHIND THE SCENES
If you ever looked at a nude sports team calendar, and thought “geez, it would be fun to shoot that,” well, yeah, it looks like fun.
THANKS UNDERGROUND
FinnishMcInnis
Member Since: 5/4/11
Posts: 185
Just wanted to thank everyone who bought the MMA Imatra girls nude calendar and everyone who supported otherwise.The girl sold all 600 copies and without the UG’s help they probably wouldn’t sold that many. Rent is secured for 3 or 4 months.
Special thanks to NorthFromHere who started the original thread and of course Kirik and the guys. Basically everyone. Kiitos!
Cost of the Calendar was 20 Euros plus shipping. Shipping ranged from 5-10 Euros, depending upon location.
These calendars are all sold out. However, perhaps a reprint is in order, or another shoot entirely. To advocate for one, please email maaria.haltsonen@hotmail.com!
This believed to be the very first time a combat sports team did a nude calendar. However, members of a number of teams in other sports have done so.
OXFORD UNIVERSITY RUGBY CLUB
While we do not believe there has ever been a combat sports team calendar until the women of MMA-Imatra hit on the idea. However, Rugby is pretty close to mixed martial arts with a ball, so the brave women of the Oxford University Rugby Club have all our respect.
