Thinking of Learning Martial Arts as a Woman?

[owenlavi]

I'm curious about learning martial arts as a woman. Has anyone here tried it before? What are your experiences like. Are there any specific styles that are better suited for women. And how welcoming are martial arts schools to female students.

[emattson]

This forum has a few great threads on women's experience.
Sanchin checks on women:
https://forums.uechi-ryu.com/viewtopic.php?t=3251

Here are a few links on the web:
https://www.tamarabenarroch.com/single-project
https://www.martialjournal.com/being-a- ... taught-me/

Interview by Cynthia Rothrock, a female martial art master:
https://theactionelite.com/cynthia-rothrock-interview/

In Boston and Quincy, MA, many martial arts schools have large percentage of women training with the men. Some are:
Tiger Crane, Boston
Yee's Southern Lions (Traditional Hung Gar Kung Fu) in Quincy
White Crane, Boston.

Rather looking for styles best suited for women, I recommend finding a style best suited for you.

[emattson]

Stories describing women being not being welcomed in martial arts during the old days are probably fake news. One example is Fang Qīniáng (方七娘; Amoy Min Nan: Hng Chhit-niâ), a female martial artist who developed the White Crane style during the mid-17th century. The style was designed to defeat the bad thugs who are bigger and stronger.
https://learn-shaolinkungfu.com/white-crane-wing-chun/
https://whitecranescotland.com/about-wh ... ne-kung-fu
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fang_Qiniang

In according to legend, Wing Chun, a martial art style was developed by a woman. Ng Mui, the Shaolin nun in China centuries ago.
https://www.jasonlauwingchun.com/about-wing-chun

These are from oral tradition so I can't vouch for it's reliability.
https://chinesemartialstudies.com/2013/ ... tradition/

Hope these are helpful.