Maria Arena has experienced first hand the heartbreak of diet culture. She was told that she couldn\u2019t reach her dream of joining a professional ballet company because of the size of her body.\xa0
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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\u2019t sacrifice for one more minute.\xa0
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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.\xa0
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Maria Arena is a dancer, martial artist, creative strategist, writer, former corporate administrator, but most of all, she identifies herself as a \u201cmover.\u201d
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Connect with Maria on Instagram: @maria_on_the_mats\xa0
Learn more about women\u2019s self defense and Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu here.