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Like men, women join Martial Arts Schools for a variety of reasons, but foremost among them is a desire to reduce their feelings of vulnerability. It often takes quite awhile for many women to make the first phone call of inquiry and still longer to make that first visit. It can certainly seem strangely uncomfortable to enter, what initially is perceived as a man’s world. Yet they will find that most classes have 10 to 20 percent female attendance.
It is not uncommon to have a timid, wary, and apprehensive woman suddenly realize that their fellow students are thoughtful, gentle and patient with them while they learn to adapt to this new martial environment.Gallantry is a knightly virtue and is still taught in many martial art schools.
With consistent training, women feel themselves become physically stronger. The discipline needed to focus on the task at hand and to the exclusion of all other distractions, creates a mind that can think more clearly, especially under stress.
Perhaps, one of the benefits that appears’ to be most appreciated is the recognition that success at something so different from their “normal life” has helped them to shed the “baggage” that has been such a hindrance to their self-confidence.
There are many renowned woman martial artists. If you have ever had a desire to train, make the effort to find a school, and visit. Life is too short to miss opportunities for rewarding self-fulfillment.
Mr. Weber is the chief instructor at the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense located at 16134 North Oracle Road, in Catalina. He has more than 40 years of experience in the Martial Arts and has achieved skills in a variety of disciplines. He also teaches Tai-Chi with classes on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon and Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m.
Please call (520) 825-8500 for information regarding these and other programs. If you wish, check out the website at www.AikidoAcademyOfArizona.com.
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