|
Video Blogs
More Video
Navigation |
The Sweet Science and related sports (muay thai, MMA, etc.)I've been boxing for less than two months now, but I love it. Apparently, my coach loves what I've been doing in the ring, too, because he wants me to join other boxers he is training at a demonstration when the Toughman competition comes to town in January. I'm quite flattered to be considered, since I am so inexperienced. It's a great sport, though, and it has done wonders for my mental and physical well-being. If I never stepped inside a real ring, and never did more than train, I would still be happy participate. Anyone else involved in one or more of these sports? I'd love to hear your stories. Submitted by ysubassoon (223 posts) on December 11, 2007 - 8:32pm. |
User login
Recent blog posts
Recent comments
|
News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media
No opportunities
I got my start in martial arts with Shaolin Kung Fu. I love the traditional format, but broke out into grappling, BJJ, etc. in my teens. I got into Tae Kwon Do for international sparring. Overall, I have about seventeen years of experience. Unfortunately, I've never had a chance to compete MMA format because the popularity of the sport here is very limited. The most I do now is coach men's MMA classes.
I feel that it's a load of bull that martial arts is so heavily dominated by men.
Re: No opportunities
I completely agree. I have never been able to understand why men make it so difficult for women to participate in the martial arts, let alone compete with them side by side. I have been fortunate to have had a wonderful, very understanding taekwondo instructor and a great boxing coach, and both have been delighted to have women participating and leading their classes.
We shouldn't have to be fortunate to be able to participate in these sports. It should be no easier or harder for women to participate than it is for men. Our coaches and instructors thus far have been the exceptions to the rule, and they should not have to be. The discipline, fitness, focus, and mental toughness developed in the martial arts are of universal benefit, and I find it discouraging that my presence, participation, and/or competition in a martial arts event is not taken seriously or judged on its merits. It shouldn't be shocking, and I hope someday it won't be.
"Brains grow love."--H. H. the Dalai Lama
Blog update! http://blog.myspace.com/ysubassoon
MMA
I've taken classes in the Israeli "Krav Maga", the fighting system of the Israeli Defense Forces. It's strictly self-defense, so there isn't any sport application.
That said though, a lot of the 'combatives' are similar to MMA and what we see in the UFC/Pride/IFL etc. So elbows, knees, hammerfists, and kicks are a regular part of the class.
My studio also has a ground fighting class, which is similar to BJJ, and incorporates a lot of different fighting styles. In ground though, we are taught what is legal in competition (as opposed to strictly self-defense).
It's awesome. It's really taught me a lot about awareness of surroundings and given me confidence to really blast into someone if I feel physically threated that I am in danger.
As they say, "I'd rather be judged by twelve than carried by six".