How to Manage Martial Arts Challenges Women Face
Martial arts is a great activity that helps women improve their health, plus it is also a fun way for women to gain skills and increase their confidence. Nevertheless, martial arts is also an activity outside of the comfort zones of most women, especially if the class is mixed gender. Suppose you are a woman interested in taking a martial arts class but are hesitant for whatever reason. In that case, the following information will hopefully educate you, encourage you, and inspire you to start your martial arts journey on the right foot (literally).
The Benefits of Women's Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—or BJJ for short—offers various benefits for women. By enrolling in BJJ, you can develop greater confidence in your ability to defend yourself. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will help to increase your stamina, as well as strengthen your self-discipline. Furthermore, participating in a BJJ class will help you to get to know yourself better by boosting your body awareness and allowing you to test your physical, emotional, and mental limitations. Not only will these skills improve your immediate health, but the increased confidence and awareness can help you in other areas of life, like in the workplace or at home. The next time you face a challenge with a coworker, fall prey to a toxic relationship or feel the effects of anxiety, you will be better prepared to tackle your problems head on and with confidence.
Common Challenges Women Face
Yes, there will always be challenges when starting a new activity. As a woman in martial arts, you may feel that your sex heightens these challenges. But do not give up hope! You can do a lot to manage any of these real or perceived challenges and move forward. In the end, working to overcome these challenges will only help to improve your self-efficacy and confidence.
Feeling Like You Don't Belong
One common challenge for women starting martial arts is that they often feel like they do not belong in their martial arts classes. Maybe the other students in the class have more experience or have more natural talent. Perhaps these women compare their bodies to others, perceiving themselves as too weak, too large, or too small to succeed. And while these feelings are unique to each woman, that does not mean that they are valid. If you feel that—for whatever reason—you do not belong, you could not be further from the truth! You do belong, no matter your starting point. But if you are struggling to get past these feelings, try attending class with a friend who can support and encourage you along the way.
Getting Comfortable with Contact
Some women are worried about martial arts because they are not sure they will be comfortable with physical contact, mainly if physical contact is with men. And that is okay—it can take time to feel comfortable. Nevertheless, to progress in martial arts, you will eventually have to remove any hesitations you have with physical contact, given the nature of the sport. But there are ways to help you get to this point.
If you are uncomfortable with physical contact with someone of the opposite sex, try finding a female-only Jiu-Jitsu class in your area. If you are taking a mixed-gender class, talk to your instructor about establishing healthy boundaries during class. They will most likely understand your concerns and will have advice to help you feel more comfortable. In general, make sure your classmates understand what type of physical contact you are okay with and what you are not okay with. Let your instructor know if any student is making you feel uncomfortable.
Size Disparities
As previously mentioned, many female beginners worry about being significantly smaller than their opponents, whether in height or muscle mass. This worry is undoubtedly valid, but Jiu-Jitsu teaches you how to use your size to your advantage. Being smaller than your opponent can be beneficial for you in certain situations. For example, a smaller, lighter body will help you stay quick on your feet, tiring out your larger opponent. In your Jiu-Jitsu class, your instructor will teach you how to manage larger opponents and how to do it well. In the end, learning how to combat opponents of varying shapes and sizes will better prepare you to defend yourself from someone who may want to harm you in the real world.
Too Few Women in Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Another common concern among women in martial arts classes is not many other women participate in the sport. Being one of the only women in your class can feel very intimidating, especially since there tends to be restrictive (though false) stereotypes concerning women and their ability to succeed in contact sports. If you feel concerned by the lack of other women in your Jiu-Jitsu class, one of the best things to counteract this challenge is to invite your female friends to attend class with you! Not only will this help to level out the playing field, but you and your friends can work to encourage one another and keep each other accountable.
Managing Longer Hair
If you have longer hair, you might worry about managing it in your classes. After all, long hair can end up being a liability, given how easy it is for an opponent to pull it or its tendency to fall in front of your face during a fight. Fortunately, this challenge has a simple fix: pulling your hair up in a tight bun can help make your long hair more manageable. Use clips and pins to help secure it, so it does not fall.
Knowing How Hard to Go When Rolling
If you have never done Jiu-Jitsu or any other martial art before, you may be worried that you won't know how hard to go when rolling with an opponent. In reality, rolling is something that brand new students really should not have to worry about. Over time, as you increase your skills and experience in Jiu-Jitsu, your instructor will help you learn how to roll correctly, mainly if you are fighting with men. So, in summary, take a deep breath and feel confident that this should not be a significant issue in your first classes.
That Time of the Month: To Roll or Not to Roll?
Again, as a beginner, you really should not be doing much rolling at all. Rolling is something that is usually introduced later. Nevertheless, suppose one of your primary concerns with Jiu-Jitsu includes hesitations about attending class or sparring during your period. In that case, it is recommended that you take it easy and listen to your body. So, if you are up for it, you can continue participating in your women's self-defense classes, even when it is that time of the month. As for rolling, however, you really should not do it if you are experiencing significant cramps. After all, physical exercise can help women manage cramps and other symptoms while on their periods.
Tips for Success
Once you have figured out how to manage any challenges or concerns, your next step is to learn how to make the most of your female-only self-defense class. Then, you will gain skills that will move you towards success. The tips below will help you to manage yourself in your classes better.
Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Sometimes in martial arts class, you may feel uncomfortable—and that is okay. Experiencing discomfort is only a natural step toward physical and mental improvement, as well as increased confidence in yourself. Learning to be okay with the discomfort is key to enjoying the process and getting the most out of your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. Just do not forget to allow yourself time to process things. Furthermore, remember that, while it is often challenging to try something new, it is always worth it in the end.
Ask Teammates to Go as Easy or As Hard As You Want
Communication will be essential to your success in your female Jiu-Jitsu self-defense class. If you can communicate your needs to your classmates and instructors, classes will go more smoothly, and you will feel more comfortable. Take it easy when you need to—like if you are experiencing an injury or are on your period—and let your teammates know when you are ready for an extra challenge.
Experience is Your Friend
When you start your first class, it can feel difficult or even scary; nevertheless, you will start feeling a lot more comfortable over time. Like most things in life, Jiu-Jitsu requires a steady and consistent work ethic. You will begin to see improvement if you exhibit patience and persistence.
Play to Your Strengths
As a novice student, one of your goals should be recognizing and improving upon your strengths. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, even if they do not know what they are. Therefore, make sure that you participate in a way that takes advantage of your strengths entirely. If you are not sure what those strengths are, ask your classmates or instructor for feedback. Asking for consistent feedback will help you better understand yourself and play to your strengths.
Be Cooperative, not Competitive
The best women's self-defense classes should be about working together, not just beating each other up. Supporting your other classmates will lead to far more progress, both individually and as a team. This is because the closer you are to your teammates, the more willing they will be to offer you constructive feedback, challenge your limits, and support you in your self-defense journey. Furthermore, strong relationships with your peers will help decrease your stress so you can enjoy your classes even more.
Wear Full-Length Rash Guards
Wearing the right equipment can help you avoid injury and stay comfortable in class. Full-length rash guards give you optimal coverage so you can keep going and avoid wardrobe malfunctions. When you have the right clothes, you can stay safe in your women's self-defense class, as well as feel better prepared to learn new skills and embrace any challenges.
Know and Embrace Your Boundaries
When you are aware of your personal boundaries and limitations, you can better keep yourself safe and ensure that you have fun when you participate in self-defense. As mentioned in a previous section, make sure you communicate your boundaries with your classmates and instructors. Be willing to stand up for yourself and your needs if necessary. Furthermore, know your body's limitations and do not push your body past what it can handle. This will help you overcome your challenges, reach your goals, and prevent injuries.
There has never been a better time to take Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. Taking women's self-defense classes will not only teach you how to protect yourself, but it will also help you grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. Get started now by finding a class in your area so you can start meeting your goals and reaching your potential. If you are ready to get started on your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey, then join us by clicking here!