After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

When I was looking for a movie to watch this morning I came across Glena.So I thought I would sit down and watch it. Turns out the Documentary is one of the most powerful Sport films that you can watch.Glena Avila is a single mother in her 30s who turns to Mix Martial Arts to support her children you see the struggle she faces both inside the ring and outside. The film is also Directed by Allan Luebke and Allan does a very good job with showcasing Glena in her career and her life outside of the ring. There are some stories in the film that some can relate to or relate with. It makes you appreciate and respect her for what she is driven to do.She also proves to be one of the toughest women in sports also we get to see highlights of her career that you have to see to believe. Glena is a must watch and it shows courage, brave and willing to do what it takes to follow a dream. You see her struggles both in and out of the ring and she would b a strong role model.Do yourself a favor watch this film even if you're not huge into sports Glena will make you want to clap for her and appreciate what she is trying to doI give Glena 9 out of 10

I had the distinct pleasure to see "Glena" at the Voices: Women in Film competition in Denver, CO where this documentary won Best in its category - and for good reason."Glena" is a stunning portrait of a woman driven to succeed in the world of UFC championship fighting. A single mom in her 30's, this is not a choice that most people would consider at entry level. But Glena beat the odds (and many of her opponents quite frankly) with guts and sheer determination.Director Alan Luebke follows Glena on her spectacular journey and we see all the highs and lows along the way. It doesn't feel like a doc - it really feels like a movie - and the audience was captivated and moved by every scene.If you have two hours to spare and you love action and are in the mood for a life affirming story - "Glena" is your ticket. You'll be glad you chose this film, five minutes in! Enjoy!

I saw this amazing film at SF Indie Doc Fest at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco and had the pleasure of meeting Glena and her two charming children Angel and Annie. This film is their story not just about Glena and her MMA career, it is a look into the lives of this family that struggles with all the things that most families go through. Glena just also happens to be a MMA fighter "It's just her job" Annie pointed out during the Q & A. This is an absolute MUST SEE film!! Everyone should take the time to get to know Glena and her family. I must admit I had an incredible amount of anxiety during the fight scenes, they are intense. A very nice surprise is the amount of mutual respect that the women have for each other. One minute they are beating the crap out of each other and then when it's over they embrace and engage in some mutual admiration small talk. Just a wonderful film, GO SEE IT!!!!!

In this rousing and inspirational documentary, first-time director Allan Luebke follows amateur MMA fighter Glena Avila as she works, fight by fight, towards reaching pro status. Had that have been all there was to the story, this certainly would have been just another sports documentary, but Luebke also explores Avila's personal life and shows that there's more to her than one might expect. Avila's home is being foreclosed, and attaining pro status as a fighter might be the only way she can provide for her children, but the additional time required for training and fights is putting strains on her relationships with the kids and her boyfriend—not to mention her body. As she moves through an undefeated amateur career, Avila must decide if this will all be worth it in the end. Avila's ability to share her insecurities and anxieties during filming—and her ability to drag her opponents to the ground and pound the f***ing s*** out of them—allow audiences to connect on a high level, and the editing of the documentary creates a wonderful tension— especially during the fight scenes. Luebke has provided an excellent, emotional documentary, and an informative look into the world of MMA fighting.