Women and the Elite

[stormshadow]

How do women fair with the Elite system?

In my own observations, the Martial Arts that are more rough and tumble do not tend to attract many women, or keep women around very long.

Just the other day my wife asked me about a specific situation and how one might escape safely. Her question got me thinking not so much on how to answer this one circumstance, but instead on how to engage her in Martial Arts when she is not the type to enjoy training. She is supportive of my crazy training schedule and my teaching, but it is a rare occasion she asks me to teach her something new. Usually when she asks, it is more to make me happy then because she has her own desire to excel in the Martial Arts.

If you have a woman who is not the rare exception, generally they do not want to put themselves in a place where they have fists and feet flying toward them. Even in a safe and trustable environment, it is generally rare to find a woman who feels safe enough to be realistic.

Is the Elite system more capable of appealing to a feminine perspective? No doubt there is a wealth of practicable self defense, but for the woman who wouldn't typically invest much of them self into Martial Arts, does the Elite system entice even these women to be excited about the Martial Arts?

[administrator]

You are correct in your observation about women in the martial arts. There is a dichotomy that exists in this area. Most women who are serious about learning self-defense do not want to learn 'martial arts'. They are given "Self protection" advice in their magazines that say to not study martial arts, but to enlist in classes that teach the "10 Easy Self Defense Moves." This has been reinforced by popular movies, such as the one where Jennifer Lopez masters krav maga in ten easy lessons.

The reality is, to be proficient in self defense, you must devote a lot of time in it - such as in a study of martial arts. On the other hand, so many martial art systems get the students sidetracked in learning the culture, language, history, competition and paranormal abilities, that the self defense aspect is lost, or non-existent.

It is our mission to make the self defense applicable and available to everyone interested, without sidetrack and deviations. The Elite-Fighters System of Martial Arts provides an excellent source of self defense and fitness for those who seek only those aspects, in addition to a very complete system of martial art studies for those who also enjoy theory, analysis and competition.


Administrator

[warrior-scholar]

One might interject that aggressive physicality (a trait associated with the masculine) is required in order to excel at self-defense training. When the chips are down a person must commit to an act of defense with effective force. This cannot happen if one does not train with intensity. Most women do not demonstrate the aggressive tendencies deemed necessary for such effective training and execution.

While I would not agree with the aforementioned picture on several grounds, it persists in some sectors of society. I do not view myself as an aggressive or overtly masculine person. Is there a safe way for a practioner in the Elite System (male or female) to train for effectiveness without engendering the brash hostility and aggressiveness present in many of the new "ground" and "hybrid" systems? Thoughts?

[administrator]

Safety is always a primary consideration when we train. We also stress the necessity for realistic expectations, as well. Therfore, the old adage, "you get out of it what you put into it," becomes apparent. These topics will become more clear when we post the rules and procedures for the Trails of Ranking later this week.

Administrator

[Maximus]

Here are a few observations I have made concerning women and the martial arts and the attempts we have made to rectify the problem in the Elite Fighter System of Modern Combat.

First, aside from the fact that there are fundamental differences and interests that exist between men and women, the structure of most martial art systems and classes discourage the participation of women.

Most martial art systems have a method of fighting that the students must conform to in order to effectively apply the techniques. These systems do not have a method of tailoring the fighting methods to the individual. So, when a woman participates in a martial art that is designed for men and does not have a structure in place to adapt it to the individual, it's no wonder that women may find it difficult and uncomfortable in which to participate.

Secondly, many of the students and instructors themselves are the reason that women do not return. How would you feel if every time you went to class there were twelve sets of eyes watching you stretch and kick? When it is time for partner work, how would you feel if five guys ran over to "help" you? After awhile it becomes distracting and uncomfortable. This is why may martial art schools have introduced "Women's Self Defense Classes".

"Women's Self Defense Classes" are an excellent way to create a comfortable environment for women and to address the specific concerns and fears that women face in life or death situations; however, most of these classes are siminars or a series of seminars sometimes lasted 2-6 weeks. For ANYONE to effectively defend themselves, you must train continually, regularly, and long-term. So, to give someone the belief that you can learn life-long self defense in "ten easy lessons" it is not only ineffective but it is also deceptive.

We designed the Elite Fighter System to be adaptable to any individual and to any circumstance. As a result, the sex of the person becomes irrelevant. What does become relevent, however, is the time and dedication to one's training. This is the determining factor with any endeavor.

We also require that to teach the system, an individual must first be trained and certified through the Instructor Candidates Training Course. Certified instructors are trained to tailor the art and teaching methods to fit an individual's needs. In addition, the instructor is responsible for the environment of the class. If situations, or individuals, create an uncomfortable environment, then it is the instructor's responsibility to address and rectify these issues. The quality of the instructor determines the quality of the class. It is the quality and professionalism of the school that truly determines whether or not a person will study and remain a student. The Elite Fighter System sets the standard for others to follow.

-Maximus

[Amidala]

I agree with Maximus and Admin. I grew up in their classes. It is no easy 10 easy lessons. My girlfriends talk about self defense, but have no desire to join a class for the very same reasons Maximus said. My own experiences were where certain guys would stare me down or start hitting on me (not with kicks and punches). If it were not for the protective arm of my instructors, I may have stopped studying in an open group class. So, if you want your school to become more attractive to women, then get rid of the creepy guys with the creeping eyes. :mad: Then maybe your school may turn out like the school I grew up in. ;)

Amidala