Why should women join Krav Maga?
Approximately 97% of women between the age of 18-24 have experienced some form of sexual harassment. The charity ‘Rape Crisis’ claimed that 1 in 4 women have experienced rape. This staggering figures bring no surprise as to why many women’s confidence has been shattered. Simple tasks such as walking home alone are now feared and avoided by many. Surely there must be a way that women can live their lives more freely? The art of self-defence may be the way forward— Krav Maga in particular. It is an Israeli style of martial art which promotes self-defence from real life situations. Synergy’s Krav Maga located in Fairlop works on rebuilding the confidence and self-esteem of others, including women. So, women can feel safer through being taught to handle situations of different intensities and these are very adaptable. Whether it be dealing with cat-calling or extreme physical harassment, Krav Maga covers all bases. To find out more visit https://synergy-fitness.net/mma-krav-maga/.
“FIGHTING IS FOR MEN”
Many women fall for the misconception that martial arts is a male-only activity. Previously, due to the patriarchal society, many women felt inferior to men and afraid to break the stereotype. Now, as feminism has progressed and women and men become more equal, this toxic masculine stereotype is beginning to fade. Therefore, women should feel empowered and confident enough to join self-defences classes… shouldn’t they? Unfortunately, this movement to equality is slow moving. Although women may be mentally willing to change their perceptions of martial arts, physically attending is a different ball game. As a result, there are limited numbers of women in Synergy’s dojo—they are adamant for this to change. Currently, the male to female ratio is roughly 3:1 but, it’s felt by an instructor at this particular Krav Maga dojo, Paul Norton, that, “the number of women needs to increase”. So, if you want to feel a safer and a sense of security, then join Krav Maga today.
Points of views from the “warrior princesses” of Krav Maga
In some instances, it could be argued that self-defence is needed by women more than men. In light of the #Metoo movement we are made aware of the danger society is to women— the female community must fight back! This is something that resonates with the women in Synergy’s Krav Maga in particular. The women that attend come from various backgrounds and all have their own personal experiences with Krav Maga. For instance Carina Louise Gascoine shared her opinions of self-defence as a member of the club and highlights the importance for women to attend, “Since learning MMA Krav Maga my confidence has grown immensely. As a university student living in Glasgow with no knowledge of self defence I greatly regret not starting Krav earlier. It has taught me how to be aware of my surroundings and has given me new found confidence to be able to walk around feeling much safer.” Not only is Krav Maga beneficial for adults but also for teenage girls. Secondary school can be a scary place, particularly for young girls and Mia Kent comments on the way in which Krav Maga has made her feel safer. She feels that, “Krav Maga has helped me become more aware, alert, and confident. As a young girl who lives in a dangerous society, I find it difficult to feel safe when going out with my friends. Joining classes like Krav has always put mine and my parents’ minds at ease as the life lessons and values taught at Krav Maga is something that can’t be learnt in school”. So, regardless of your age, regardless of your physically abilities, regardless of your gender— Krav Maga invites you with open arms in aim to spread this style of martial art.
Aanya Narbheram, Chigwell School
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