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Being a woman in a male dominated sport
1 year(s) ago • 1229 views • 2 replies
Blue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
About a year ago during a Bjj globetrotter camp, we had a women-conference.
With women from around the globe, we discussed several topics.
The topics were diverse and broad. We only scratched the surface there...
A few themes that came up: hygiene in the gym, inappropriate behavior and comments from members and coaches, safeguarding the younger generation, hairstyles and rashguards malfunctions. etc.
I would like to continue the dialogue in order to learn from each other and improve the community.
x
With women from around the globe, we discussed several topics.
The topics were diverse and broad. We only scratched the surface there...
A few themes that came up: hygiene in the gym, inappropriate behavior and comments from members and coaches, safeguarding the younger generation, hairstyles and rashguards malfunctions. etc.
I would like to continue the dialogue in order to learn from each other and improve the community.
x
Black belt 5th degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
Females that do not wish to train with males should not have to, although one hopes market opportunities in that regard get filled, thereby, as nature is said to abhor a vacuum.
Likewise, males, that do not wish to train with females should not have to, for the exact same reasons.
Some males will sometimes say things that females (or many humans) find offensive or inappropriate.
Some females will sometimes say things that males (or many humans) find offensive or inappropriate.
So, a simple solution, from a simple mind, is:
Mixed classes for those that want mixed classes - with no inherent stigma, ceteris paribus,
Male only classes, for those males that do not wish to train with females - with no inherent stigma, ceteris paribus,
Female only classes, for those females that do not wish to train with males - with no inherent stigma, ceteris paribus.
Because consent matters.
While resiliency is generally increased by making people train in variable and even uncomfortable environments,
This must be balanced by the idea of consent, and the prudence not to operate like cults.
Because only a cult would say that anyone HAD to train or do anything with their bodies or minds, that they did not wish to, with another person.
My general advice to anyone or everyone is never consent to train with anyone, unless the decision to consent is fully, fully yours.
We are the masters of our fate, and the captains of our scrolls.
We give away that agency, at our own peril.
And giving away that agency, and responsibility, is completely antithetical to the desired transformational process, that we are the ones in charge and ultimately responsible, and accountable, for our own self-defense.
Likewise, males, that do not wish to train with females should not have to, for the exact same reasons.
Some males will sometimes say things that females (or many humans) find offensive or inappropriate.
Some females will sometimes say things that males (or many humans) find offensive or inappropriate.
So, a simple solution, from a simple mind, is:
Mixed classes for those that want mixed classes - with no inherent stigma, ceteris paribus,
Male only classes, for those males that do not wish to train with females - with no inherent stigma, ceteris paribus,
Female only classes, for those females that do not wish to train with males - with no inherent stigma, ceteris paribus.
Because consent matters.
While resiliency is generally increased by making people train in variable and even uncomfortable environments,
This must be balanced by the idea of consent, and the prudence not to operate like cults.
Because only a cult would say that anyone HAD to train or do anything with their bodies or minds, that they did not wish to, with another person.
My general advice to anyone or everyone is never consent to train with anyone, unless the decision to consent is fully, fully yours.
We are the masters of our fate, and the captains of our scrolls.
We give away that agency, at our own peril.
And giving away that agency, and responsibility, is completely antithetical to the desired transformational process, that we are the ones in charge and ultimately responsible, and accountable, for our own self-defense.
Blue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
I am fortunate to have grown up in a gym that offers choices to ensure that women can train comfortably. We have a women’s only classes as well as an understanding that lower belts don’t ask the women to roll but allow the female to approach them if they are comfortable with it. Of course, there are a lot of grey areas. My training started at 7 and in the kids’ classes we were not allowed to refuse a roll with anyone. That was to prevent us from only selecting rolls that were going to the win column. Now that I’m 16, a big girl number. I still try to keep that mentality, but I don’t want every match to be an actual fight for survival. If I get into a match that is inappropriate, I will tap and walk away from it. I am here because I love Jiu-Jitsu and want to learn all that I can. I love my gym sisters and brothers. We have each other’s backs. Mostly this environment is set by the coaches and their expectations of students. Advise for fear of wardrobe malfunctions for us girls, get the best no gi gear you can. Check out Gaidama, it’s all I’ll wear anymore. I trust it to stay where it should and not end up where it shouldn’t. We need to be thinking about what we’re doing not what our clothing might do. (Hope I didn’t break and rules with that)
If your gym and teammates don’t respect you because your female, if you have options, tap and find another.
Again, I am fortunate. 9 years ago I walked into this place a scared 7yr old. Now its my second home, I love it, and my people.
If your gym and teammates don’t respect you because your female, if you have options, tap and find another.
Again, I am fortunate. 9 years ago I walked into this place a scared 7yr old. Now its my second home, I love it, and my people.


