Don’t let gender stop you from trying martial arts

For years, I’d wanted to take up martial arts. But it always looked like such a male dominated sport. Could I grapple on the ground with males? Would I be able to execute a throw? Would the white uniform fit?

I needed a catalyst. Unfortunately, that catalyst came in the form of a bag snatching incident while living in Asia, but I came home determined to learn self defense and not let my gender preconceptions hold me back.

I took up women’s self defense classes which led into jujitsu training. I did this for three years and proudly worked my way up to a blue belt. Although it’s been several years since I’ve been back in the dojo, I’ve learnt life long skills and am extremely glad I didn’t let gender stand in the way.

Here are my 4 tips if you’d like to try martial arts.

1. Start with self defense classes – this is a great way to learn these important skills every women should have; and also get comfortable with your body and how it moves. Self defense is the basis for jujitsu as a martial art form.

2. Watch a martial art class – you’ll see first hand what you can expect, the dojo etiquette and the discipline that’s ingrained. I was fortunate that the women’s self defense classes I went to were run by the jujitsu school.

3. Talk to a Sensei after class – they’ll put you at ease and you’ll learn very quickly that gender doesn’t play a role. In jujitsu, the focus is on technique not strength which means all ages and all genders can succeed.

4. Join a class where other women are there. This is more-so to build up the sisterhood, but also to learn from those who’ve come before you.

A big shout-out to my old school Tohkon Ryu Jujitsu and Shihan Mark Haseman, I hope to one day be back on the mat!

Until next time,
Maryanne K