Meet the Founder…
Being raised as “a good girl” set me up for many unexpected challenges and barriers throughout my life . I was taught to fit in, rather than stand out; acquiesce rather than argue; and fawn verses fight for my place in this world. This internalized fear shaped an upbringing that left me vulnerable to repeated abuse and violence. It felt impossible to live my truth, feel safe in my identity, and choose pathways that would help me grow. I often felt I was merely surviving, rather than thriving.
Despite leading a successful 20-year career in education, working through childhood & family trauma, and finding an incredible life partner, I was often disconnected from myself,
I felt spiritually untethered, and was searching for something to ground me.
Joining Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) at age 43 felt intense, awkward, and honestly a bit terrifying at first. However, I quickly realised it was exactly what I needed to step into a more confident, honest and self-assured identity.
What changed everything was the welcoming, safe environment I found at ZEN MMA. Learning martial arts alongside other women, laughing through the weirdness, checking in on each other, and slowly realizing we were all getting braver together.
Early in my whitebelt journey, I realized there was a huge gap in access to this sport for folks like me. I felt a calling to create more opportunities for martial arts connections in underserved and marginalized communities.
I want to thank my trainers David Dash (ZEN MMA) and Jo Maisonneuve (EmpowerHER Self-Defence) for giving me the skills and confidence to lean into the discomfort, and learn that courage and strength are built from the inside out.
Grounded Femme Collective exists to create more of those safe, inclusive spaces: where we can face uncomfortable things in good company and come away with new skills, real confidence, and genuine friendships.
This initiative is dedicated to my younger self — and to all survivors of abuse and violence who are searching for a space where their fear is honoured and transformed into strength.
~ Joss Sung (she/her) Founder & Program Director
