With the rise in popularity of MMA and UFC studios popping up everywhere, WorldLifestyle.com asked me to do an interview with them on empowerment for women through self defense and martial arts training. Here’s an excerpt:

WorldLifestyle: What are the benefits of learning martial arts as a woman?

Jennifer Cassetta: So many! When I started training in 2000, I was looking for a way to get off the treadmill in a boring gym. I soon realized was that I was learning important life-saving skills, while the fat started to melt off my body! Of course, I also started to improve my eating habits to keep up with the level of training. And really, what woman doesn’t want to feel like a badass? Heading to the office sporting a new bruise from my sparring session was like a badge of honor. Women are empowered by martial arts because they are learning to defend themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually, something most of us are never taught to do as children.

To read the rest of the interview, Women’s Empowerment through Martial Arts, click here.