| Until relatively recently in human history, women were | | | | that mold. |
| given a typically subordinate role in human culture. | | | | The mental discipline and physical fitness that often |
| Even today, women face many struggles including | | | | goes along with martial arts training is known to |
| lower pay rates and violent crime. There is still yet a | | | | increase overall confidence. This applies to men, |
| need to empower women, and martial arts can go a | | | | children and women. There are few things more |
| long way toward it. | | | | empowering than knowing that you can hold your own |
| On the obvious level, martial arts provide a means of | | | | against anyone else, no matter how much smaller you |
| self defense against violent crime. Women are | | | | are. |
| possibly the most common victims of violence, be it | | | | Of course, there is the sheer sport of martial arts, as |
| domestic abuse, mugging or rape. It stands to reason | | | | well. Some women are attracted to athletic activities, |
| that this would happen, since most women aren’t | | | | and martial arts is a popular sport for women. There |
| as physically powerful as most men. Martial arts | | | | are women specific leagues and federations, as well |
| training can provide a more level playing field. | | | | as Internet forums. If you’re truly hard core, there |
| Besides physical empowerment, training in martial arts | | | | are also mixed groups so you can match your skills |
| also provides mental and spiritual empowerment for | | | | toe to toe with men. |
| women. While it’s true that many men are still | | | | Overall, martial arts is a great way for women to |
| programmed with the old patriarchal way of thinking, | | | | empower themselves. For many, the “damsel in |
| many women are as well. This may be suitable for | | | | distress” should be a thing of the past, and many |
| some women, but others may want to break out of | | | | women today would do well to be in martial arts. |