KCRA Sacramento has a report on the increasing number of women training in mixed martial arts. Generally positive piece emphasizing not only the physical fitness benefits but the self defense component as well:

Fisher is part of a growing trend of women joining mixed martial arts gyms. Ultimate Fitness has seen the number of women join their club skyrocket, according to trainers.

“A lot of time in my noon classes that I teach, I have more women than men,” trainer Jeremy Freitag said.

Some women use mixed martial arts training to transform their bodies, but Fisher said the ability to protect herself was the reason she took up the program.

A year ago and a half ago, Fisher was jogging when a man attacked her, threw her against a retainer wall and hit her multiple times over the head, she said.

Fisher was able to get away and pledged never to be a victim again.

“I realized that I should really take some self defense classes,” she said.

Fisher said she has lost weight and gained confidence since taking up mixed martial arts.

“I will never do a traditional workout again,” she said. “No reason to.”

Fighting back with mixed martial arts @ KCRA Sacramento