When I started training, the pool of women to train with was small and depending on which art , it was even non existent. Going to big seminars and being one of two women there was a challenge. There was always the feeling of having to prove yourself, to not fall short on representing your school. The women I met at these seminars are a source of inspiration to me and I am grateful to still be in contact with most of them.
Don’t get me wrong, I love training with the guys. I love and value my male training partners. Training should include a great variety of training partners, especially if your reason for training is self defense. But there is something special in training with someone that is like you. If you are competing, like in BJJ, it is almost a necessity to train with women. They will present a different kind of challenge and help you develop different aspects of your game.
We are heading the right way.
Like in any male dominated sport, being a woman can be a challenge. But over the years our community has been growing and it’s been the most rewarding to see new women join and strive in Martial Arts. Especially in the Bjj community there has been a huge push to support women in their training. Groups like Girls in Gis and Girls with Grips have played a huge part in this.
Lots of growth is happening in the wold of Martial Arts and it’s exciting. So let’s keep pushing forward and use the momentum to create new opportunities and support each other on this journey !
-Marion
[author title=”About the Author”]“The most dangerous woman of all is the one who refuses to rely on your sword to save her because she carries her own.”
R. H. Sin
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