I find the Martial Arts is agreat way to keep fit. I got board of all the aerobic classes and tried somthing different. I find it has helped me develop my fitness and mental wellbeing. I feel more confident when I go out. However sometimes I wonder if I would be able to use it in a real self-defence situation. I sparr and defend myself against men in our group, but is this a true representation of a real situation. Has any women out there ever had to use it and did it work i'd love to know.

I agree with the comment from laura martial arts is a grait way to keep fit but a good way to bulk up muscle as well depending on what training u r doing so if your not wanting to bulk up muscle martial arts is not all that good.
However the point made about been able to use you self defence in the street if you had to would be yes i think you would it would just come like second nature to u, once you have been in training for years you become aware of the situations and automatically would be able to react accordingly.

Yes i would have to agree that martial art training is great for fitness and confidence. As to its viability in a street situation, what it will give is the confidence to attempt to react in some way, even it that is only to scream at the top of your lungs and then run. In my opinion most attacks on women are made by cowards who expect no reaction at all, and if avoidance is not poss,your taining should help clear thinking, and where to strike for best effect.

Does martial arts work?? My answer would be ABSOLUTELY.

Having had the opportunity to travel some of the World, my itinery took me through Central America, to the city of Managua in Nicaragua.

As I stood to board a bus to my next destination, a local came passed and stole a watch off the wrist of my travelling companion. A chase commenced as I stood helpless watching the rest of our luggage, then the thief ran round the bus and proceeded to come back towards me. Without hesitatation I stooped and gave the thief a blow to his stomach leaving him stationary and winded on the floor. This meant that myself and my companion could get the thief into an armlock and try to get our belongings back.

After some time, and the language barrier that hinded me, I had to let the thief go, as it seemed he had called upon number of friends, which were armed with broken bottles and bricks.

Time to leave I thought.....watchless but nevertheless knowing that my 2 year training in martial arts had all been worth while. I know that had I not done the training I would have just stood and watch without trying to defend myself.

I would highly recommend Martial Arts to all women outhere.

brilliant Jayne, I think that this is a real testament to the confidence, and the ability that come with martial arts training. Just as you said, any woman who wants to take up training should give it a go. When I first started, I did it for a bit of fitness, and twelve years on I'm going from strength to strength.

Yes great to hear it worked for you Jayne, I had a situation whenI was being confronted by a drunk and all it needed that time was straight forward confidence in myself. Knowing this made the situation change I did not feel as venerable as I could have and the situation did not escalate. Knowing you can defend yourself is so important in this day and age.

What Martial Art do you practice, Trica or Mandy?

I don't think women should do martial arts. It is a man's sport! Women have not got the physical or mental capabilities to partake fully, and therefore should not be included at all. You should get your man to protect you - send him out for martial arts training so he is better-equipped to rescue you from these sticky situations - get back to the aerobics and the tidying ladies...

I see "a man" didn't leave his name. What are you scared of? women!! Most Martial arts are not only physical but spiritual and that is something you seem to know nothing about, what are you a kick boxer??? Sad! Martial arts for women is so we can defend ourselves from pratts like you!

Well done Rebecca, couldn't agree more with your statement about "a man" with no name. (Probably no personality either). There are thousands of women in martial arts but unlike certain males, dont't brag about it, just get on with it and still find time for aerobics and tidying. Maybe a round or two with one of our top women freestyle champions would soon change his mind, if not his face. P.S. To the "man with no name", DO YOU HAVE ANY "TESTICLES"????

Iam senior insturctor at PENDLEBURY T.K.D in
MANCHESTER, The club is open 7 nigth a week, there
are more girls & women then boys & men.
One of the trainning session is all women there about 10 to 15 train that is from the age of 20 and above any more infomation please E-mail me.
KEN INSTRUCTOR
Kenneth@pendleburytkd.fsnet.co.uk

Nice one Ladies give AMAN all he deserves !! I couldn't agree more with you and with Ken. I have many Lady members in my Midland Classes, all my classes are mixed and the lady members enjoy sparring each other and the male members. Remember it is more likley a Lady will be attacked by a man so this enviroment is, I believe, the best for the development of good effective self defence. If you are a Female of any age looking for a good martial art with freindly mixed classes look up our web site on www.chongshindo.co.uk
PS - AMAN why havent you answered GBETTS question??

One for the ladies, I agree with you both. Martin I don't think AMAN wants to answer. Anyway martial arts is for everyone and it's not just about fighting. You should look at the spirital side of it. As I've been doing Chongshindo, it's been great and the ladies in the class sure work heard and put alot of energy in it. In todays society, every person should do some form of martial arts.

Nice one Harj - Glad to hear you are enjoying your training - and I will agree, the spiritual/mental side of the Martial Art is as/if not/ more important than the physical side. I believe the martial arts are a great vehical for spritual and mental development - any Martial Art that does not have (or does not bother trying to have ) meditation/philosophy and meaning then they are short changing their students. A student will look up to his or her instructor for guidence and wisdom - an instructor who does not practie meditation and the peacefull more inward side of the martial arts wil not know himself - how can he teach others? - This is also under discusion in the Phylosophy topic. I look forward to any comments.

Sorry I didnt respond to your question earlier Jayne, I have been off line for a while, I practice Wado ryu Karate, what about you?

Hi again Tricia - glad a lady is back to talk to - where have you been? - it seems the men are taking over this conversation.

I think that Martial arts is great fun and that all girls should feel included.

My mom also likes it so please, all fans, have a go.

I have made lots of friends in my club

Chief aged 9

Sorry Jayne, its finding the time, because I work full time, and then teach 11 hours a week, so sometimes, I dont have time for the net. My husbands just made a comment about sometimes I find time to cook a meal, hes a real karate widower, there are four of us in the house and he is the only one who doesnt do karate. Let me know what you do, do you compete?

Chief, glad you and your mum are enjoying Martial Arts.

IT IS BRILLIANT TO SEE ALL THE LADIES IN THE MARTIAL ARTS CLUBS TRAINING AND THEN TRAINING TO BE INSTRUCTORS.

Has everyone out there stopped talking, perhaps a man had better pipe up again with his pathetic comments, just to open things up again.
How many ladies out there compete regularly, and do you find the competition circuit is an equal stage for both men and women, are are there far more categories for men, and if so what are the reasons, I dont believe it is inequality, its just that not enough women competitors. So if you are a woman competitor, at any level, in any dicipline, lets have your views.

ME AND MY MUM FILL SAFE GOING OUT NOW I'VE BEEN DOING TEAKONDO SINS I WAS 5 AND BEFORE I KNEW IT I USED TO GET BULLIED BUT AFTER 3 LESSONS I CUD STICK UP FOR MY SELF AND THAY LEFT ME AND EVERY ONE ELSE.

Hi Kelly, that's really nice to hear that you don't let anyone push you around anymore and that you feel safe walking with your mum down the road. Is your mum doing martial arts? if not she should be. I've been doing Chongshin Do for sometime and have seen the effects the females have while sparring with them. I hope more females join martial arts and don't forget it's not all about combat, there is a lote more to it than that, but only you'll discover it yourself. At times you might not feel like going to class, but that is the test of them all to is if your dedicated to it and if so you'll discover a lot more then you had ever imagined.

Hi tricia - and everyone - stopped talking for a bit - how are you.. training hard I hope. where has AMAN got to ??

Aman has gone to hide like most men do when it comes to the crunch. Anyway this is a lady only chat - right girls?

Hi
I have read with interest some of the views of women that have unfortunatley been involved in confrontations. I am a Womens Self Protection instructor & have trained with the likes of Geoff Thompson, Jamie O'Keefe etc.This is due to the fact that in 1986 I had an attempted rape. My own personal opinion is that some of the "arts" taught today are great, but are lacking in real protection. So are we giving women a false sense of security or is it that the "art" is fine,and it's just the practitioner? In my opinion some of the stuff I have seen is positively dangerous and would probably get the person seriously injured or worse. There is no artistry in a real confrontation it is frightening & brutal, I know I have been there! So i hope I have got you thinking on a subject that is very close to my heart, and on reflection is probably why many women decide to take up the "arts".

Great point - I couldnt agree more - the Martial Art world is changing all the time and nowadays more than ever the different styles & arts are being tested in many of the open tournaments. We can easily see that some techniques work and others, although look great, are inpractical or dangerouse to us in street type situations. This is why I always say to people "cross train" and get more information and practice what works for you. We study many concepts of different art forms in order to give a bigger broader and more realistic fighting system. We also practice different atack situations and learn grappling techniques - todays society means we must be practical in what we teach. Thanks for your comments and good luck. All the best - Sensei Martin Blakeway - Way of the Spirit

Hi Liz nice to know that your an instructor - I can only say to future reads is that we all need to have 100% in our training and when it comes to the crunch your be able to protect yourself not only physically but mentally. To woment who don't do martial arts, there is a lot more to it peace of mind, self development, etc it's hard to be relaxed when an attacker comes for you, as it has happened to me. But since I've been doing martial arts training I was able to protect myself, I'd like to just add that I wish you all think about joining a class.

Harj - may the spirit be with you.

Hullo to you all.
I've just discovered this "jolly" little BBS and on reading through messages several points come to mind:
1- There are Martial Arts (Military suited short term training) and Self-Defence/self-development (like the Taoist Arts of China).
2- Women can do either, if taught properly.
3- Proper "Kungfu" relies on technique, not muscle, so women have just as much power as men; in our club they do!
4- Using what you learn depends on the practicality of the system; in T'ien Ti Tao I have developed a few "extras" for women that may suit a more slight build, et cetera. Practical "street spychology" is also used, as well as "Body Mechanics". We find this works well.

Unfortunately there are as many macho (anti-women) out there as there are femanist (anti-men), but this kind of attitude does not solve problems. Positive coopertation between us can improve our own lives, society and hence the world.
Regards to all.
Shirfu Mike Symonds
www.Kungfu.Plus.com & www.TTTkungfu.com

I JUST LIKE TO SAY IT'S NICE TO SEE WOMEN DOING MARTIAL ARTS AND ALL RESPECT GOES TO THEM

COME AND SEE THE NEW WEB SITE ON MARTIAL ARTS AT
WWW.MARTIAL-DO.COM

hello there it was nice to find a page for woman as i am the only female in my jujitsu club. the man are great to train with as they dont treat me any different. i think that if anyone trains this is a postive thing as long as the techiques are realistic . i have been through a great deal of abuse through the work that i do and yes my trainnng payed off thought most times i think this more luck.
i think that most schools which teach from strengh are giving there students false hope, females are good at martal arts due to the fact that they have to find ways around strengh, such as good tecchiques and devemploment of ki. nice to read all comments on the subject i love.overall traiinning as given me friends respect confidence stress relief health benfits i recommend these to all.

Hi all

Well it's nice to see you all enjoying martial arts I just hope you ALL understand the philosophy behind it as i'm still learning it. There's too much to it and I'll end up spending forever to understand it fully.

It's nice to see the ladies enjoying it as you all can see it's much more than just a martial arts, as only you yourself can trully understand it when you enter into the remarkable world of MARTIAL ARTS.

Hello all

Hope the martial arts spirit is within you.

Just wanted to say to you who are not training under martial arts, think about starting before it's too late, don't watch movies and say I want to be like that, train and soon you will find much more that you ever could have expected.

I think it very sad that one should use spirituality as a medium to disguise a truly self centered, egotistical persona and call oneself 'Sensai'. Teaching is certainly a gift but doesnt necessarily mean that the instructor is one whom should be counted on, trusted and be made to appear as a role model. As the good book tells us - look closely at those to whom you call 'teacher' then decide for yourself. I think those of you within the Midland community ought consider this ...

- This is true, I was once involved in an Association that was full of ego and greed - "The way of hand over fist" we used to call it - they still practice in the Midlands.
To be a teacher or 'Sensei' holds great responsibility and power however - a 'Sensei' should become more humble with the greater responsiblity he gains - able to expose the failings in himself without fear of rejection, able to look at life and learn as it unfolds before him - after all a 'Sensei' is still just a student of life - you can only live life by going forwards but understand it by looking back -many people look back with twisted vision and see that other peoples success is the root to their own problems.
smile - lifes moving prety fast ... enjoy it .. it will soon be gone ... live and let live and look back with fond memories. As we all know the good books all about forgiving and stuff ... in a way! .. Sensei David Brent !!

I am currently studying judo and have been for a year now, i am quite capable of defending myself or attacking if i was being atacked or anything. but thinking about it apart from arm locks/chokes my i wouldnt use any judo as it is hard to grapple & throw with no suit! i would ignore judo and allow my instincts to let me kick him in the bollox! saying this , i must admit martial arts have gave me the strength, confidence, fitness and courage to fight. competitions are also an excellent way to overcome the fear of an oponent.

Of course women should do martial arts. People with the attitude that it is a man's sport should be training far harder anyway, as, as far as i am concerned, any true and deserving artist would have a far more open mindset. after all - you should never underestimate your opponent.
I Do Judo also among other styles, and I do not have to worry about walking alone, as I know i can defend myself. If I did get into a situation which is not uncommon aruond my parts Then martial arts would definately work. it's likely that your fight would be over in mere seconds as your opponent is unlikely to be trained in anything.