Maria Arena has experienced first hand the heartbreak of diet culture. She was told that she couldn’t reach her dream of joining a professional ballet company because of the size of her body.
Maria talks about the pressures of feeling as though the size of her body was a roadblock to success, and the moment she realized she wouldn’t sacrifice for one more minute.
Listen to her passionate story of how she found her way back home, into a physical practice - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that allows her to be herself, own her strength, and let food be fuel for her life.
Maria Arena is a dancer, martial artist, creative strategist, writer, former corporate administrator, but most of all, she identifies herself as a “mover.”
Connect with Maria on Instagram: @maria_on_the_mats
Learn more about women’s self defense and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu here.