MT: Misogyny in martial arts

[Knowledge Bot]

Misogyny in martial arts By harlan - 04-08-2008 09:08 AM

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As an 'old beginner', and a private student, I've little 'real world' experience with martial arts. I'm just peeking out of my little box, and the internet has provided about 90% of my understanding of what is 'out there'. I'm aware of the problem inherent in this, but have a question for the old-timers, and other women that train.

From my interactions with individuals on the internet, and reading articles, etc. it seems to me that 'hard training' often sanctions 'hard attitudes'. This mantra can sanction all kinds of abuse and anti-social behaviour. From your experience, have you ever had to deal with misogynist driven behavior in your training?

thank you for any input


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[Ghost]

whats the question?

[DickHardman]

ive seen people flat out refuse to work with a female partner because they thought they deserved a "better" partner. these people seem to be pretty shitty at martial arts as well, since their narrow mindedness does not allow them to progress and evolve.

[Odd-toed]

Hiya,

I did have some issues with one group I trained with, pretty much some of the guys treated me like an idiot and felt they needed to explain everything and show me over and over again, so I held pads and they worked the techniques! and others just wanted to beat a woman up and show they where men!

I left this group after putting up with it for about 10months, the main turning point was in a sparring situation where I pretty much just got really hurt by someone and the instructor just stood and watched! this really knocked my confidence in my ability and its taken a long time to get some of that back. I see this instructor from time to time and he is always trying to get me to come back, and that ain’t gotta happen :-)

I now have been training with a great group of guys, we all know each other and know that we will train 100% but help each other as we go, we know each other strengths and weakness and that really means that we are a group who work together. Other times I have had issues have been in seminars, there have been times where I have had prats to train with but generally this is when there are round robins so I put up with it as I know this person will be moving on soon :-) I think sometimes the issue comes from how they view women’s status (i/e are they a beginner/instructor, not that it should make any difference, but hey you have to remember the ego!).

It is always going to be a "hot" topic in any art, and there will always be prats out there, the hope is that if you come across these people you can find another group and move on. There are some really great clubs out there, it’s just trying to find the one which fits you personally, training and allows you to enjoy the time you train, life is busy enough, I say don’t stay at a club that makes you feel bad in anyway.

[Garland]

From my interactions with individuals on the internet, and reading articles, etc. it seems to me that 'hard training' often sanctions 'hard attitudes'. This mantra can sanction all kinds of abuse and anti-social behaviour. From your experience, have you ever had to deal with misogynist driven behavior in your training?

This seems like a million dollar question...I will come back to it when I have time to give it the thought it deserves.