MA Advice for Women

Kaizan

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum so apologies if this question has been asked before. I'm a woman who has had some exposure to martial arts training over the last 3 years or so. I'd consider myself to be fairly fit and do a good bit of training outside of MA - mainly running, cycling, yoga, etc. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a MA that attracts more than just the odd woman to the training sessions. I'm basically looking to train somewhere in Dublin (city centre, north side or south side - I'm not bothered where) with a good balance of men and women. Any recommendations or advice would be welcomed. If possible, I'm looking for something that provides faily high intensity training as that's what I'm used to and enjoy.

Thanks!

columok

Was at the standup training at Ko Martial Arts last night which had around 50% women. We focussed on boxing last night. It was a great atmosphere. My girlfriend was there also and really liked it.

dlofnep

There you go ^

loz

columok wrote:

My girlfriend was there also and really liked it.

eek ! - and theres me joking about the changing room door ! Sorry Colum !

columok

She's immune to the sight of old men Loz:p Working in a hospital will do that.

loz

columok wrote:

She's immune to the sight of old men Loz:p Working in a hospital will do that.

less of the old son - bit of respect please !

columok

less of the old son - bit of respect please !

Yes sir Mr. pops sir.

Kaizan wrote:

If possible, I'm looking for something that provides faily high intensity training as that's what I'm used to and enjoy.

The other one is Thai boxing which could be done in either Bridgestone (off Dorset Street) or Paddy Clint's new gym which is in Crumlin? Chupasart i think its called

http://www.chupasart.com

Kaizan

columok wrote:

Was at the standup training at Ko Martial Arts last night which had around 50% women. We focussed on boxing last night. It was a great atmosphere. My girlfriend was there also and really liked it.

Thanks for this. Sounds like something I'd be interested in. Whereabouts is this?

Been down the Muay Thai route - very few women involved in it, but thanks for the suggestion.

loz

Kaizan wrote:

Thanks for this. Sounds like something I'd be interested in. Whereabouts is this?

Been down the Muay Thai route - very few women involved in it, but thanks for the suggestion.

Hi Kaizan,

The link in my sig has a map and all the info you need - its over Glasnevin way, easy for most buses in all directions, and plenty of car parking at the place.

Loz

Roper

Hey Kaizan,
I'm Barry and I run K.O. Martial Arts. Basically, all thats been said above is right and correct. Adult membership for the club is about 60-40 in favour of men but on any given night its usually about 50-50.

To be honest, I don't know why we get so many women training with us. I like to think its because I'm a handsome git, but somehow I doubt it...:D

Anyway, for further info my contact number and mail address are in my signature, as well as the calendar with all the class times and details.

Barry

MaeveD

Roper wrote:

To be honest, I don't know why we get so many women training with us.

Roper, thats mad that you get so many girlies... and now your going to get more blokes because they know there's lots of women there Is it a kickboxing class? usually attracts loads of girls.
... or maybe you're just irresistably gorgeous

In Aikido we only have about 5 regular female members ... and in BJJ we've had a few come and go but it's usual just little old me keeping the side up.

Kaizan

MaeveD wrote:

Roper, thats mad that you get so many girlies... and now your going to get more blokes because they know there's lots of women there Is it a kickboxing class? usually attracts loads of girls.
... or maybe you're just irresistably gorgeous

In Aikido we only have about 5 regular female members ... and in BJJ we've had a few come and go but it's usual just little old me keeping the side up.

MaeveD, I have the same experience. Various women give it a go becuase their boyfriends do it or whatever but they never seem to want to keep it going.

I think Roper has sold his club to me and it has absolutely nothing to do with him being irresistably gorgeous - honest;)

Thanks for all the advice - it's been really helpful.

TapouT

MaeveD wrote:

In Aikido we only have about 5 regular female members ... and in BJJ we've had a few come and go but it's usual just little old me keeping the side up.

M, where are you doing Aikido?.

I'm asking because I train with Ray Stear's (Judo) in Portmarnock & have been interested in looking at Aikido. The Judo is taking a terrible toll on me 'ol joints these days and have been thinking of Aikido as an alternative.

Roper

MaeveD wrote:

Roper, thats mad that you get so many girlies... and now your going to get more blokes because they know there's lots of women there Is it a kickboxing class? usually attracts loads of girls.
... or maybe you're just irresistably gorgeous

In Aikido we only have about 5 regular female members ... and in BJJ we've had a few come and go but it's usual just little old me keeping the side up.

Maeve,
I am irresistably gorgeous:D , but to be honest I think its mainly because we started with a base of 1 good tough gal and its far easier when there's a bit of the female influence there from the start. Also, we allow people, girls and lads, to progress at their own pace and take the leaps as fast or as slow as they want. ie. from pads to light sparring to heavier sparring and so on. I don't rush girls (or lads for that matter), for me, its the final goal of being able to do it thats important, not how fast they get there. There are not enough women in combat sports!

Someone else said in another topic that to do anything full contact, women have to end up ugly!:eek: I think it was Blue Lagoon? Anyway with good safety equipment and plain common sense, that won't happen and its one of those myths that I think is perpetuated to keep women out!

As for BJJ, well, we had our first ever girl roll with us the other night and she got on well, there are a few from the stand-up class interested now so I hope she's opened the floodgates! BJJ is VERY applicable for women!

MaeveD

TapouT wrote:

M, where are you doing Aikido?.

I'm asking because I train with Ray Stear's (Judo) in Portmarnock & have been interested in looking at Aikido. The Judo is taking a terrible toll on me 'ol joints these days and have been thinking of Aikido as an alternative.

Hi Tapout, we train in Swords on Mondays and Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm. On summer break at the moment, but we're back on the 4th September. We don't focus on the joints so come down and have a look and see if you like it I'm sure we'll be running a beginners course in September, we just haven't had the time to sit down and work out exact dates.

MaeveD

Roper wrote:

BJJ is VERY applicable for women!

Most definitely... but how many girlies are willing to roll around with sweaty men... even if they are gorgeous like you or Rickson Gracie in his younger days... (I'm sure he had a club full of women )

What are you teaching the girlies? Is it kickbocking? If so you probably have Buffy to thank for the girlies taking part!

Kaizan

MaeveD wrote:

Most definitely... but how many girlies are willing to roll around with sweaty men... even if they are gorgeous like you or Rickson Gracie in his younger days... (I'm sure he had a club full of women )

What are you teaching the girlies? Is it kickbocking? If so you probably have Buffy to thank for the girlies taking part!

Good Point! Can you give me an idea of what sort of training you put the girls through? Is it similar to what the men do or have you modified the training in any way?

Roper

Kaizan wrote:

Good Point! Can you give me an idea of what sort of training you put the girls through? Is it similar to what the men do or have you modified the training in any way?

Men and women's physiological differences are negligible, so the actual physical training doesn't really change. In the club an athlete is an athlete regardless of what sex they are so there's no difference to me. I think it would be a bit patronising for me to make allowances.

Kaizan

Roper wrote:

Men and women's physiological differences are negligible, so the actual physical training doesn't really change. In the club an athlete is an athlete regardless of what sex they are so there's no difference to me. I think it would be a bit patronising for me to make allowances.

That's what I like to hear. Thanks.

columok

Everyone and their partners should spar to their own level. Regardless of gender, experience or anything else. In my experience though fewer women opt to stick with combat sports- those that do often kick my ass whether literally (D ) or in other triangley ways. I find women tend to be less attribute obsessed in training and therefore develop good technical skills sooner than lots of meathead guys.

TapouT

MaeveD wrote:

Hi Tapout, we train in Swords on Mondays and Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm. On summer break at the moment, but we're back on the 4th September. We don't focus on the joints so come down and have a look and see if you like it I'm sure we'll be running a beginners course in September, we just haven't had the time to sit down and work out exact dates.

Thanks for the info. I'm back off my holidays then and will try to get a look at you guys.