Women’s Empowerment Martial Arts
Women’s empowerment martial arts. The world of martial arts over the years has been constantly changing and evolving. Even though martial arts is still relatively a male dominated art. We are now seen a larger percentage of young girls taking on the discipline of martial arts. Here are some inspiration women who are breaking down the barriers and making their mark for future generations. These include the likes of Ronda Rousey, Gina Careno and Meisha Tate to name a few. Martial arts has become a powerful tool for women, as it represents a journey of self-discovery, confidence-building, and empowerment.
Even though alot of women around the world prefer to take on women only self defence classes. Many love the traditional disciplines like Karate, Taekwondo, Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this post, let’s examine the impact of women in combat sports and how they’re changing the game. From the rise of female in MMA, competitions and incredible achievements both in the arena or at the olympics. Highlighting women’s outstanding contributions to the world of martial arts.
WHAT IS EMPOWERMENT?
Empowerment is defined as to make (someone) stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights. When you think about it it makes a lot of sense when it comes to women in martial arts. As everyone knows that men are naturally stronger than women. I believe women who practice martial arts grow stronger in many different ways.
Think about it like this, woman don’t typically get into physical encounters. So, can you imagine how much stronger she would get when she starts sparring? Doing her first joint locks? Her first take down?. How about when she learns to yell kiai. I remember the first time I had to do this, it felt kind of unnatural. But overtime your warrior spirit grows and it feels almost therapeutic to have let out a loud kiai.
WHY DO WOMEN WHO TAKE MARTIAL ARTS STAND OUT?
There is a certain aura about a martial artist, in general. It is like looking in the mirror and watch yourself transform before your very eyes.
Women in martial arts tend to stand out because they are have a powerful aura, have purpose, mental fortitude and are determined. Women tend to grow in confidence from the minute they step onto the mat .
There is nothing more powerful than seeing a female martial artist. Who is working so hard that her hair is a mess and she is wearing no make up. But just a desire to be well-trained, focused, powerful and can adapt her skills for any situation. Then as soon as class is finished she still remains feminine, strong, caring and beautiful. It is this combination that sets her apart and makes her stand out.
THRIVING AGAINST THE ODDS
One of the biggest challenges women face in martial arts is the lack of representation and visibility. As martial arts is one of the most dominated arts for men. For this reason women have often been overlooked and underrepresented. When I first started my martial arts journey we did not have the technology as we do today. So women did not have a way to voice the opinions, share their stories and showcase their skills.
With the rise of social media and other online platforms, women have been able to raise awareness against violence against women, self defence strategies and visibility of women in the martial arts world.
PERCEPTION OF WOMEN IN MARTIAL ARTS (Women’s Empowerment Martial Arts)
Another challenge women face is the perception martial arts is not suitable for women. This clearly shows that people out there still believe that martial arts are only for men and that women are not physically or mentally capable of participating in such activities.
A remember a couple of years ago running into an old male friend. Upon realising that I was training in karate he said “when did women stop becoming women, no offence”. I found this a really horrible mindset to have, as this is a guy who not only had a wife but also a teenage daughter. He strongly thought it’s the males job to protect a female. But failing to understand that women have a higher chance of being attacked by someone they know and trust. Than a stranger on the street. This is basically saying they have no right or should learn valuable techniques in order to protect themselves.
However, this is not the case. Women are just as capable as men in training in self defence or martial arts. Many women have proven this by excelling in combat sports both in the dojo and on the competitive circuit.
Beyond the challenges women have faced in martial arts in the past. Now days women continue to break barriers and showing their worth on the world stage. They are proving that martial arts are not just for men, but for anyone willing to work hard and be dedicated to becoming a skilled practitioner.
MAKING A IMPACT ON SOCIETY
The impact of women in combat sports is not just limited to the sport itself. It also has a significant impact on society and for future generations. They are becoming amazing role models by obtaining black belts, instructors, ambassadors for violence against women and competing in international competitions.
Women starting their martial arts journey generally feel intimidated when walking into a dojo for the first time. Just like their male counterparts. Some of the dojo’s out there offer women only classes as they may feel uncomfortable sparring or grappling with the guys. But also might have mixed classes as well. For years, women have been told that they cannot participate in physically demanding activities like martial arts. It too aggressive or we are not strong enough.
However, with more women achieving success in martial arts , it is becoming clear that women can do anything that men can do. Also it is empowering and healthy for women to understand that regardless of your shape and size, it does not define you. Showing off your powerful techniques, executing the perfect kata, kicking butt in competitions or helping empower women and young girls .
EMPOWERING FUTURE GENERATIONS
Watching the increase of women in combat sports is a positive outcome. Here are some the amazing qualities fellow female artists have:
- Inspiring young ladies and prove that that girls too can be strong, tough and determined, even when the odds are against them.
- If you stick to what you are doing, believe in yourself and put in the hours upon hours of work, this work ethic will definitely take you places.
- You should never stop dreaming big, no matter where you come from and no matter no one was there before you to pave the road.
- Showing that someone seemingly small and frail can still overcome all obstacles and defeat anyone in her path.
- Encouraging little girls who feel like an outsider and want to become successful based on their merits in a world that often values looks over technique .
- Showing that your actions speak for themselves is a truly inspiring lesson in what it means to be a strong and determined woman.
- Be a role model for others. If you are a woman who practices martial arts, share your story and be a positive role model for other women and girls.
- Educate yourself about the challenges women face in martial arts or in life and use your privilege and influence to help create change.
- Women’s empowerment martial arts is the way to the future.
- Joining together in order to help stop violence against women around the world.
WHY WOMEN START MARTIAL ARTS
REDEFINING STRENGTH (women’s empowerment martial arts )
One of the most important traits in martial arts is discovering inner strength, resilience, and mental fortitude. By training this way it allows women to embrace their capabilities and break free from misconceptions that women are unable to submit a larger opponent.
CONFIDENCE
The practice of martial arts nurtures confidence from within. Through discipline, dedication, and consistent training, women experience a shift in their self-assurance. They learn to trust their instincts, make assertive decisions, and stand tall in the face of challenges both on and off the mat.
SELF DEFENCE
The majority of women who begin martial arts have a desire to learn self defence to protect not only themselves, but also their loved ones. Beyond learning physical techniques, it cultivates awareness, assertiveness, survival mindset and a sense of control.
BREAKING BOUNDARIES
Engaging in martial arts breaks the societal norms that confine women to specific roles or limitations. More and more women over the years are now showcasing their strength, agility, and skill, challenging preconceptions and inspiring others to pursue their passions fearlessly.
SENSE OF COMMUNITY
The martial arts community serves as a support system, women supporting women. It’s a space where mutual encouragement, respect, and celebration of achievements thrive. This supportive environment transcends both in and out of the dojo.
THRIVE TO SURVIVE
The lessons learned in martial arts classes extend far beyond the physical realm. Women apply the discipline, perseverance, and mental resilience acquired during training to everyday situations. They learn to navigate obstacles with determination, resilience, and grace.
Martial arts serves as a catalyst for women’s empowerment, reshaping societal narratives and transforming lives. It transcends physical movements, offering a platform for self-discovery, confidence-building, and breaking stereotypes. Through martial arts, women find not only strength in combat but also the strength to rewrite their own narratives, empowering themselves to thrive in all facets of life.
WHAT I HAVE LEARNT OVER THE YEARS
Looking back of my martial arts journey from a teenager and now in my 40s. I realised martial arts had taught me to appreciate what amazing skills my body is capable of and not just what it looks like. Also understanding important attributes such as body awareness, strength, agility and strong mindset.
From a young age we are bombarded with images of the “perfect” bodies. You have probably seen on social media or in magazines. That anyone from celebrities to vulnerable young girls are getting body shamed. Because there is no such thing as a perfect body.
One of the things I have loved as I got older and got more passionate about educating women in self defence. Was it allowed me to meet women with similar mindsets, know their strength, set goals and smashes them. It also helped me to understand what women were looking for in self defence or what type guidance they were after.
FINAL THOUGHTS (Women’s Empowerment Martial Arts)
So what have we learnt, anyone who still think that women are unable to defend themselves are way off base. Women just like their male counterparts are strong, determined and willing to learn these valuable skill set .
Today’s women martial artist are taking the world by storm becoming Blackbelts, instructors, competitors, sharing their experiences and educating women in all aspects of self defence.
Women taking their very first steps into a dojo have probably never been involved in a contact sport. And some may have even been victims of abuse or assault. This why it is important for women to feel supported and comfortable in this environment. Slowly building up their confidence and then becoming a valuable role model to future generations.
There will always be a certain prejudice against women in martial arts. Just because we learn to fight to defend ourselves, it does not make us less feminine. Don’t worry what people say. If you love what you do, just keep going. Never let anyone get in the way of your dreams or stop you from doing something you truly enjoy.