The Perfect Martial Art for Today’s Woman – Aikido
It is an unfortunate truth in today’s society - one woman every minute is physically or sexually assaulted by a male (2006 DOJ statistic). Even more unsettling is that in 70% of those cases the assailant was a male the woman knew or lived with. Now, balance these statistics with the fact that woman now make up more than 50% of the US workforce, that woman account for 51% of college students, and that woman today are far more independent and more likely to live alone, and you can see why it is possibly more important now than ever that a woman know how to defend herself…especially against a larger, stronger (and possibly armed) opponent.
The world of martial arts can be intimidating and is, typically, male-dominated. This really shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone since males are generally larger, stronger and more aggressive than females. However, there are a handful of martial arts in which physical strength and size, as well as aggressiveness, play little to no roll whatsoever. Aikido is one of those arts.
The world of martial arts can be intimidating and is, typically, male-dominated. This really shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone since males are generally larger, stronger and more aggressive than females. However, there are a handful of martial arts in which physical strength and size, as well as aggressiveness, play little to no roll whatsoever. Aikido is one of those arts.
Though founded by a man and originally taught to men, Aikido has gained in popularity amongst women, especially in the last decade or so. This is due largely to the fact that Aikido is an exceptionally practical martial art for women to learn and employ. Aikido, at its core, emphasizes poise, speed and technique to overcome an opponent, as opposed to punching, kicking or projecting physical power. And since Aikido is never used for aggressive purposes, but provides a very effective and empowering means of self-defense without using a great deal of muscle strength.
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Women students at the Florida Aikido Center tend to come in looking for two things: (1) physical and mental health benefits, and (2) skills to use to defend themselves while out on their own or with other female friends. As for the first point, the basic movements and techniques in Aikido are especially good for the core and lower body muscle groups, and Aikido classes deliver similar stamina and muscle toning results as such arts as Yoga and Pilates. And, to address the second point, female students at the dojo are very often surprised how quickly they pick-up practical techniques that can be performed on any opponent – even the larger “bruiser-type” guys that train with us.
One other thing that the female students at the Florida Aikido Center appreciate – and something that separates us from many other dojos in the area - is our relaxed, friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Do not misunderstand, we train and we train hard, but the social relationships aspect of the art is cultured as much as the martial side. The connection between dojo members is very family-like, and it is not uncommon for students to become close friends outside of the dojo. It is this this overall positive and encouraging atmosphere that allows students – male and female alike - often leave class feeling mentally and physically refreshed and exhilarated.
One other thing that the female students at the Florida Aikido Center appreciate – and something that separates us from many other dojos in the area - is our relaxed, friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Do not misunderstand, we train and we train hard, but the social relationships aspect of the art is cultured as much as the martial side. The connection between dojo members is very family-like, and it is not uncommon for students to become close friends outside of the dojo. It is this this overall positive and encouraging atmosphere that allows students – male and female alike - often leave class feeling mentally and physically refreshed and exhilarated.
