A Reader Asks A Question

Question:  Why do you take martial arts?  Isn't that really for men?  What, exactly, do you get out of it?  Isn't it too hard for you?

Huh.  And, uh, whoa.

Hell, yes, it's hard.  Muay Thai (Thai boxing) and Capoeira are probably the hardest things I've ever done. Skill wise, capoeria is very, very difficult.  It involves gymnastic type work, flipping and spinning and more fancy stuff than I'll probably ever be able to master.  That doesn't mean I won't keep trying.  Muay Thai is very physically challenging for me - I frequently leave the studio drenched and exhausted.  Physically worn out and drained.  I especially love the cardio drills and the boot camp type stuff.  Kettle balls, medicine balls, running drills, push up and crunch challenges - I'm the only one that's happy when those things are announced, I think.

But that's a good thing.  When I go to class, and, really, through most of the day, I feel jumpy and edgy.  Feel like I have to DO something, GO somewhere, get SOMETHING accomplished.  When I get to class, it's a relief sometimes just to be able to punch something.  Those of you that know me in real life know that I'm usually not sitting still, but moving and dancing and just DOING. Too much energy, I've been told.

Martial arts training, I think, is very good for women.  It's helped me to feel more confident in my entire life, to know how to handle myself and what to do if I'm attacked - we practice that type of stuff too.  It's empowering and fulfilling to me to be in a class with mostly men, to be able to handle myself and not feel inadequate.  I've been very pleased with it.  Even when I have a bad class - like tonight.  A bad class is better than none at all.

Comments

[Headless Mom]

I wish I could find a capoeria class here. It sounds fun!

[Shauna]

I'm totally with you on the martial arts. There's nothing like it. I think girls need it even more than guys :) POW!

[kathy]

Hi Carmen. Have You ever used a Body Bugg, like the ones used on The Biggest Loser? I'm considering getting one,but it is quite an investment. Just wondering if it works well and does what they claim.
Four of my six children take Karate from an excellent teacher. They are fit strong kids because of this class. My husband and I have no problem with our girls being in the class....they love it!

[laura]

Is there a good martial arts program to learn at home without going to classes

[acaiberrypills]

good read bookmarked will return to read more posts

[Katie]

I've been thinking about this. My best friends just received her black belt (not sure which form of karate though) and I tagged along to a class and just didn't like the instructor.

I'd rather do it for the self defense and exercise than belts. And friend's instuctor is one of those puppy mill types: pay and attend for 2 years and you'll get your black belt.

I'm really glad it works so well for you and keep up the great work!

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Great post, some very interesting points to think about.

[kyooty]

Thanks for Posting this, I'm sorry that your "comments" are being flooded with "spam" type comments though :(