|
|
||
| Women in martial arts | ||
| Written by Rachel | ||
classes qigong tai chi kung fu about us reviews a-z
.JPG)
A book
We once read a book about a 40 year woman seeking to gain a
judo
black belt.
The author was convinced that getting her black belt was the target and
seemed unaware of what the belt signified.
What she didn't count on was the fact that you have to
fight non-cooperative
opponents to pass the belts...
The worst in us
The book was an embarrassing, cringy read.
The author exemplified every weak trait that makes male
martial artists
reluctant to train with women.
She failed and she quit.
Cheat
The judo instructor gave the author a cheat to let her pass black belt by
doing a kata rather than combat.
She passed black belt without combat skill - on a technicality - and quit
again.
Disgusting attitude
The judo book was an offensive, lame read; serving to highlight the worst aspects of our
sex.
There are many sincere female martial artists in the world, training
hard and
able to hold their own.
The author was just a 'tourist' who never comprehended
what it means to be
martial artist.
Help me up...
If we were to judge women by the standards of the judo book I mentioned,
then women are undoubtedly the weaker sex.
The author expected a handout, a leg up, positive prejudice, chivalry,
emotional support and a few other
concessions... Can we honestly expect a man to respect such attitudes?
Are women the weaker sex?
Are we weaker?
Are all women like the judo lady?
I say no.
There are many
strong women in society.
Different, not equal
Sexes = male or female. Equal means 'same'.
Men and women are not the
same.
We have biological differences e.g.
reproductive organs, muscle distribution, hormonal, circulatory, psychological, emotional, physical, motivations, interests.
These are scientific fact and indisputable.
Negative stereotypes
Female stereotypes, ideas, values, perceptions and conventions regarding women
and their various roles in society were quite often created and sustained by men.
Women are
not damsels in distress.
We are not in need of saving. We can save ourselves.
Tai chi relies on the
strength and speed of the
legs.
(Lau Kim Hong)
Manly
Adopting male emotions and thoughts changes the
musculature of the face;
making the woman look masculine.
The body changes too.
A woman who adopts male mannerisms and characteristics is a male parody; a
caricature.
Don't be scared of being a woman
Emulating men doesn't make us strong.
We are already strong. We are free to express our own agenda. Our
femininity.
This is where our power resides: in being a feminine woman.
Womanly
A woman can be strong without looking like a man. e.g. yoga,
dance, tai chi...
Compare Western and Asian female athletes.
Asian women do not sacrifice their femininity in the
pursuit of
strength.
If victory means becoming a man, it is not a victory at all..
Charity?
If a woman attends a martial arts class
expecting a concession, she should
not attend at all.
Women are not handicapped.
Women are not disabled.
Expect the same treatment as a man receives.
Discrimination
Many martial arts classes separate men and women. They even impose
weight categories.
In real life you cannot choose who will
attack you.
In order to cope with a male attacker, women's
combat must address attacks from both men and women.
Tai chi fighting method
Women need to get past the idea of women's combat.
Combat is not contingent upon what sex you are. There is just
combat.
A punch is a punch, regardless of whether or you
are a man or a woman.
Women-friendly training is patronising and pointless. You won't get
attacked by a woman-friendly assailant.
Page created
18 March 2007
Last updated
16 June 2023
▲