Do normal women study martial arts?

[gmtkd]

I always become irritated when people say women are like this or men are like that. I certainly don't think all men or all women share any particular traits other than gender. Many people, when talking about women in martial arts assume that women in martial arts classes want to be treated differently from men in the classes or would enjoy certain things that men don't care about.

However, it is my personal opinion that the type of woman who is most likely to attend a martial arts class is the type of woman who would be offended if she was treated differently from the men.

So, my question is: Is this just a strange opinion I hold or does it seem that way to others, too?

[Michael J. Bray]

I suppose one would first have to define "Normal", be it man or woman. Personally I know quite a few people that train in one form of martial art or another. I would not use the term "normal" to define any of them. Myself in particular. Typically I see people that dedicate themselves to a disciplined study such as a martial art far more driven than the average person. I'm not referring to the dabblers that try for a few weeks and quit, but the long, determined dedicated students. In that light the normal people typically bore me

[cejames]

I always become irritated when people say women are like this or men are like that. I certainly don't think all men or all women share any particular traits other than gender. Many people, when talking about women in martial arts assume that women in martial arts classes want to be treated differently from men in the classes or would enjoy certain things that men don't care about.

However, it is my personal opinion that the type of woman who is most likely to attend a martial arts class is the type of woman who would be offended if she was treated differently from the men.

So, my question is: Is this just a strange opinion I hold or does it seem that way to others, too?

I try, emphasize TRY, to not think "men vs. women" or classify anything according to anything other than all practitioners are unique and require unique teaching methods.

I TRY not to treat anyone according to the gender but rather to their differences. We are all different and to relate and create the type of relationship necessary to mentor, teach or instruct we must acknowledge those differences but relate as equally as is possible when you deal with perceptions, cultures and belief systems.

You have to remember that we are trying to convey combatives, if you teach other than sport, in a manner that the individual can relate to, perceive correctly and apply adequately for them, their body and mind as to the time, the culture and ethnic groups, the power relationships, the perceiving person, the sensory input modes, the perceptions of perceptions as to truth and accurate facts, and both the internal and external environments


This is why teaching or mentoring or the Sensei-Deshi relations of budo it is most difficult and adding to that difficulty are mind-sets from pre-perceived/preconceived notions without adequate and complete communications hinder that goal, strategy and tactics.

Just a thought,

Charles J.

[Erik]

Normal women, no.

Really cool women, yes.

In BJJ and Judo, our women were quite comfortable with themselves and with the guys. We were polite to them (kept the locker room talk in the locker room and not out in the open) but did not baby them.

In MMA they were, gosh, how do I put it? Kinda country-style women (some rode horses, drove pickups, etc.), quite bright but I don't think most of them went to college (same with the guys, though less bright) and they did not suffer from the over-thinking hyper-analysis self-limiting nonsense that the college girls did.

They were not girly-girls but were every bit feminine (and somehow remarkably pretty despite being punched in the face all the time at practice). Our MMA women were (probably still are) very good fighters and I respected the ones I got to know. I hope my daughter can be like them when she reaches her 20s-30s.

I sure wish that these kinds of women were "normal". The world would be a better place.

[jjaje]

This is a very good question. Personally, I think it depends more on the individual than the gender, and what their goals were for joining in the first place.

For example, there are a lot of women who come to the classes that do a lot of pad work, combinations and conditioning. Their goals are often more "fitness" oriented. However, most of these same women won't come to the sparring classes (a small number might). We get larger numbers of women at the self defense oriented classes, but very very few at grappling or MMA style classes.

When they are in class, they are treated no different than anyone else. However, I think some limit themselves by what classes they chose to attend and what class they choose to not attend.

[rainesr]

The average women that attended where I have studied were there for fitness and for the social aspects. Usually started because their kids attend and have no interest in MA.

The cool ones like Eric mentioned have been far and few between at the schools I have studied at.

The only other group were those who had been assaulted or had jobs with potential for violence. I studied at a school with a group of nurses who took things pretty serious. They worked at an ER in a bad part of town and things could get pretty nasty.


~Rob

[Eliz]

I think I am normal
Others, however, may digress ....

All kidding aside, great post Marcy. It is great to see you back online.

The truth is I am so average I would bore most people to tears. That being said, the public perception of a ranked female martial artist can sometimes be ... unique? entertaining? down right shocking? I agree that the constant gender comparisons can get tedious and irritating.

I am anxious to see this current young generation of female martial artists in a decade or so. They are so "out there" and "in your face." Punching and kicking to them is like piano lessons and learning to sew were to my generation. I really envy these kids and the freedom they have to just grow up and be whatever they want.

[Erik]

Liz, though you haven't (yet) punched me in the nose, I'd put you there with the girls/women from the MMA club. Not "normal", unfortunately for the rest of the world.

[CEB]

Right now we have more women than men students in the adult kyu class. Which is cool because it takes strong women to raise real men.

[Harlan]

Don't know what is 'normal'. As an Alpha female, it seems natural.

I always become irritated when people say women are like this or men are like that. I certainly don't think all men or all women share any particular traits other than gender. Many people, when talking about women in martial arts assume that women in martial arts classes want to be treated differently from men in the classes or would enjoy certain things that men don't care about.

However, it is my personal opinion that the type of woman who is most likely to attend a martial arts class is the type of woman who would be offended if she was treated differently from the men.

So, my question is: Is this just a strange opinion I hold or does it seem that way to others, too?

[detsd]

I had 3 brothers so I had to learn to fight. I liked to climb trees, build forts, make doll clothes (but never play dolls or house), and I studied ballet very seriously. Now, Tang Soo Do is my passion, but I also love hiking, and dancing, and singing along with show tunes while I work out on my elliptical. I never aspire to be "normal" or "alpha" or any other label...except for mom and - now- grandma.