[Editor’s Note]: Kristen Raymond wrote this post. She is a master and student at the American School of Martial Arts in Burbank, California.
Martial Arts is generally seen as a male-dominated environment. However, it can provide amazing benefits for women as well. For me, in fact, it’s gone as far as to change my life. I’ve also seen many women transform during their training over the years. Kung Fu provides a way to express oneself through forms and technique, to build physical strength and confidence, to learn self-defense, to gain self-discipline, and tests you in things you never imagined you’d be able to do.
When I first began training Kung Fu, I was happy as a white belt. I never wanted to test for another belt. I had zero confidence and the thought of getting up in front of a panel of black belts and my peers was horrifying to me. Now, I still get nervous, but after having tested so many times, I KNOW I will get through it successfully no matter how nervous I am, and the euphoric feeling when it’s all over is wonderful.
This lesson, as with so many others, carries into the rest of my life as well. When I am afraid of something, if I apply the concepts and philosophies I have learned in Kung Fu, I know I can handle it and it will get easier every time. I get so excited when I see new women come into the school to start training. I always hope they will get out of Kung Fu what I now have and what I continue to learn every time I train…
Kristen, thank you for this post! I was already 20 when I began practicing taekwondo, and it immediately became clear that there weren’t many adult women practicing a martial art. I felt very alone at first, but as you write here, I also began to feel empowered very quickly!
Way back then, I also went to tournaments, and at the tournaments I would meet other women. I loved to talk with them and learn about their experience, why they started, what their journey was like. The common storyline for nearly every woman I spoke with began with a moment of helplessness and became a story of self-empowerment.
I’m new to Kung Fu and to the American School of Martial Arts in Burbank, but I am already extremely struck by just how fantastic this school is for women! We have numerous remarkable women teaching us (including you), and our classes are nearly equal male/female (sometimes even more women!). This school has been an amazing addition to my life for this reason (among others).
Well said!
It is truley amazing to see the positive impact that our system has had on the students that train there. Men and Women alike.
Great article. I know that many who read this will be inspired to train or to continue with their training. Awesome!
Thanks Adam, for the nice comment.
Thanks for writing this, Kristen! I can sure relate. It truly is amazing to see the transformations people experience through martial arts, especially women, ESPECIALLY in an art that used to be generally accepted as an aggressive boy’s club. I know that is still the case with many schools and I feel so fortunate to be part of a temple and training center where women are respected, challenged and well-trained.