Male vs. Female instructors

[Nightingale]

this has been brought up before, but since we've got some new ladies here, I figured bringing it up again could be interesting.

Do you prefer male or female instructors? Why?

[theletch1]

I'm not one of the new ladies...I'm not even one of the ladies for that matter but I put my two cents in anyway. It doesn't matter to me either way. If you have something to teach me I want to learn from you. I check my ego at the door when I walk into the dojo.

[7starmantis]

I didn't vote, because I didn't want to taint your stats, I like theletch1 am not one of the ladies, but I would like to put my two cents in as well.

I don't think the instructor's sex matters if they are well trained, and experienced. My Sifu is a male, but our jow gow or highest student is a woman. She has alot to teach me and I can see that, so I completely enjoy learning from her.
It does take some doing for some guys though, she is about 5'2" and maybe 105lbs. She knows her technique though, and is very good at it.

7sm

[triwahine]

My instructors are male. I am working towards instructing and I am a feel male. I agree with the others, if one knows the stuff and can explain well then there should be no problem. I would be willing to learn from either sex as I am here to learn and excel. Each instructor brings in something different to the dojo and a woman's insight is just as important. Yes, more men may need to "check the ego", but all-in-all I think they would be receptive as long as the instructor knows what he/she is doing. I'll be in the position in the future where I will be the instructor. Yes, it will be hard, but I am up for the challenge.

B

[MartialArtsChic]

All of our instructors are men. I am the highest ranking female where I am at. We only have one other 15 year old girl that is a green belt.

I wish I did have a female instructor there. I think learning from both sexes is nothing but an advantage for you when you are potentially coming up against someone. Because as some have found out from working with me, what may work on a man will not work so well on a woman and a Plan B, C & D might be in order.

Lorrie

[Ceicei]

One of my former instructors at a different dojo is a female (Charlene, wife of Mr. Bobby Lawrence). She's fantastic and really knows her stuff!

Now, at this current dojo, there are no female black belts. We lost our only female BB last year (she had a really bad knee injury that happened during her BB instructors training, so I am guessing this may be one of the reasons she left).

The highest ranked females are two green belts. I am third up with my blue belt.

It doesn't matter to me whether the instructors are male or female. What matters is whether they know what they are teaching and and show they love what they're doing.

- Ceicei

[LadyDragon]

Personally, I could care less wether my instructor is male or female. The head instructor at my school is male, but we also have a female instructor.

As long as the material being taught is to you likeing, and you're enjoying the class, what difference shoould it make what gender the instructor is.

[oldnewbie]

I don't think it matters, and that forces me to tell a story.


I'm a man, and I had been studing MA for about 6 months, and one night my sparring partner was not there. My sensi told me to spar with his "assistant". She was this little 18 yr old 2nd degree black belt. (you know where this is going) I told him that being bigger than her, and that I had been raised not to strike a woman, that I thought it was a bad idea. Also, I did not want to hurt her. ( I'm an idiot ) But I was really concerned about this...

Anyway, he calls her over, and has a chat with her while I'm gearring up. She walks up to spar with me, with a beautiful smile on her face.

Sensi calls out "begin!" and I'm looking up from the floor. I didn't even SEE her foot. Ready stance .. "Begin!", wham! on the floor! This went on for three whole minutes!. She never used anything except her feet.

I'm laughing while I type this.. she was a great teacher! My attitude changed, she had fun with me, and I enjoyed every match we had after that.

I can learn from anyone.

[RCastillo]

I don't have a problem with this as long as they know thier material, and don't try to be King Kong. (No different than with men):asian:

[LadyDragon]

oldnewbie thats a great attitude to have. To bad there are people put there who don't share your same enthusiasm about dealing with the opposit sex.

I know as many people who have problems with men as with women. To each his/her own I suppose. But in all reality why should gender even matter. Shouldn't you be learning something that you're interested in regardless of the persons gender. And if they're a good instructor at what ever it is that they teach then its a benefit for you the student.

[Rich Parsons]

In the aspect of learning, I do not think it matters, who is teaching me or anyone for that matter. If you connect with the teacher and the teacher finds the right words and ways to explain and demonstrate you will learn.

As to sparring, I always leave it up to the other person to determine the level of contact, no matter if they be male or female. If they hit hard, I hit hard back.

[Cruentus]

Sorry...I voted before I realized that the poll was only for women. :o

I think that it doesn't matter, just as long as they are qualified!

[KenpoTess]

Originally posted by PAUL
Sorry...I voted before I realized that the poll was only for women. :o

I think that it doesn't matter, just as long as they are qualified!

Gee this is The Women's Martial Arts Forum :D

Tess

[RCastillo]

Originally posted by KenpoTess
Gee this is The Women's Martial Arts Forum :D

Tess

I guess I'm getting kicked out?:(

[Nightingale]

**BOOT**

j/k

[Seig]

Stay Tuned Ladies, Tess should have a big announcement at the end of the month.

[Cruentus]

Originally posted by KenpoTess
Gee this is The Women's Martial Arts Forum :D

Tess

Yea I know. durr..:erg:

[Aikikitty]

I've only experianced having Male teachers and I like them but I voted "Doesn't matter - a good teacher is a good teacher" because I believe that to be true. If there was a female in my class who was high enough to teach and she was good, I'd like her too. As of now, my mom and I are the only females in the class and we're the same 4th kyu rank. So unless a lady of higher rank transfers in, the only possible female teacher might be ME or my mom :eek:!!!! (Many years from now, of course, but it's a weird though.)

Robyn :asian:

[HKA]

I'm one of the newbies. :) I've never had a female teacher, but I really wouldn't mind. I'm lucky that the teacher I have now is fantastic and I have a lot of respect for him. If a female teacher came to our club to help him teach then I wouldn't mind as long as she knew her stuff and was a good teacher. I don't think everyone in my class would feel that way though. There are some of the guys who don't even think that women should be in the class, never mind teaching it! I've never had a problem but the other girl in my class (yes, just the two of us) has had a couple of guys say stuff to her. But I just put that down to ignorance.

[edhead2000]

Stay Tuned Ladies, Tess should have a big announcement at the end of the month.


Did I miss it?

[elcajon555]

I don;t think it matters, certain people can teach and certain people cannot, and gender has nothing to do with it. There are a lot of branches in my school and my school is owed by koreans, therefore there are only male instructors. However there are a lot of female assistant instructors, I happen to be one of them. I am the second highest ranking woman in the school, however we have a lot of woman and a lot of black belts. I believe the last count was including kids and adults like 39 black belts and soon to be like 9 second degree black belts and a bunch of 1st degree black belts. And a little less then half are women, at least in the adult black belt group. There aren;t that many children that are girls and there is no girl black belt. When someone knows how to teach, then they should teach no matter what.

[moving target]

There are a lot of branches in my school and my school is owed by koreans, therefore there are only male instructors.

Do you mean by this that women aren't alowed to teach?

[elcajon555]

Women are allowed to teach, like an assistant instructor which is voluteer work(men also are assistant instructors) but all the paid instructors are male.

[TheRustyOne]

Doesn't matter. I've worked with both, and doing so gives you a feel about how both genders move and work and such.

[moving target]

Ok, well if you mean women can not become full instructors than I think that is BS and I sure as hell wouldn't attend such a school. If you mean there just aren't any at your particular school then that's diffrent.

My opinion on the matter of teachers is that a teacher should be rated on their aptitude to teach, if they can impart knowledge and train a student well than they are a good teacher. Now I do like to spar with opponants who have a large physical advantage over me. Being an average sized male (5'11" 170lbs) I have yet to come across a physicly imposing (to me) female with MA experience. But a sparring partner /= a teacher. I don't think a teacher need be big.

[elcajon555]

There are no female instructors at the school. Now I don;t know if they would allow one or not I don;t think the situation as come up, or if it has, it hasn;t come up too often. I do know that the korean men tell the american men that they shouldn;t let their wives and other women, what they see as, walking over them, women should have a place and it is the mans job to control it. So I don;t know if they would allow a woman instructor.

[moving target]

Ok than yeah, that qualifies as BS in my book. no offence intended.

[Gary Crawford]

For the most part,it wouldn't make much difference to me.My first private Kenpo instructor was a really small guy named Joe Franco.I think I respected him more for being so small and handling big guys on a regular basis.I feel the same about women.If one can become an instructor being small and being female makes for a very credible instructor.The only time that I would have a problem with having a female instructor,is if I had an attraction to her.In that case,I'd have to go elsewhere.That kind of distraction is hard to overcome.

[elcajon555]

Ok than yeah, that qualifies as BS in my book. no offence intended.


I took no offensive and if it weren;t for my current american instructor, who has become more, like my mentor and such, than I would tell the koreans to **** off, but since I want to stay and learn from the american instructor I will put up with the BS from the korean instructors.

[Chicago Green Dragon]

A Teacher is a Teacher. It doesnt matter what sex they are.

If someone believes a male is better then a woman or vica versa they are sadly mistaken and need to be enlightend.

Chicago Green Dragon

:asian:

[lifewise]

I personally prefer men as instructors myself.

[c2kenpo]

Glad to see everyone pretty much agree on this one.
That could also be that most of the women here would chase the men down and give them a good thrashing!

My teachers have been both m&f and it doesn't matter.
I learn one thing from one and another from the next. What I can't seem to figure out with one teacher another can help with.

I do partially like to work with women Instructors for a good reason tho.
I have noticed that more female instructors have some added creativity in positional checks and in using the equation formulae to fit sometimes smaller physical frames and height. I feel that helps in my teaching when I have female students to teach. :asian:

But I give thanks to every instructor that i have had the pleasure of haveing a class with.

Dave

[white eagle]

I must say that I have had a female top instructor for all the time I have trained(11 years)I have also trained with some male instructorrs as well .I find it benificial to my training to have different points of view on techs.and forms and such.To have many points of view can only strenghen a M.A. imho by the way I am a male so I hope you don't mind my input here

[MA_Husband]

From my point of view, female instructors for females and male for male.
But I'm VERY biased.

[TigerWoman]

The poll shows it, be it man or woman, its whether he or she is a good instructor. To be a good instructor is another question. . .to not only teach it but live the ideals you preach (or at least try hard to). I have not had a female higher than me in our school. Sometimes, I wish I did. I would say to her, "is this is my head only because I am a woman, or is this just not right?" I believe women and men have different perspectives on martial arts, teaching and everything else in life or you wouldn't get such different viewpoints in this forum.

[MichiganTKD]

As a guy, I just prefer learning from a male Instructor. I have never taken MA from a female Instructor. It's not that I don't think women are capable of decent teaching, it's just that I relate to a male more. Also, I think that many men just don't take female Instructors as seriously. We respect them as fellow black belts, and possibly even as fellow Instructors, in the sense that they go through the frustrations of teaching the same as men. We just don't want to learn under them. I daresay that many women probably feel more confortable studying under a female Instructor as well.
In my own school, I enjoy teaching women.However, I do try to have one of my female black belts work with the female students on forms, kicking, basics etc. I think they have a certain comfort level with her that brings out technique, especially since she is not as intense as I tend to be.

[mj-hi-yah]

Now I do like to spar with opponants who have a large physical advantage over me. Being an average sized male (5'11" 170lbs) I have yet to come across a physicly imposing (to me) female with MA experience.
I'm not judging here... just very curious, if a 6" 4" 240 pound guy preferred not to spar with you, because of your size...what would you think about that? Also there is a difference between having a preference to only spar with an imposing man, and choosing not to ever spar with a woman - until of course the day you find that big gal.:) So I'm wondering do you spar with women?

On the matter of female instructors, a good teacher is a good teacher regardless of gender. I am a female instructor and have a lot of material to teach, but I am always a student too, so we all work together to learn new things. When the guys are stuck on something they don't seem to mind what sex I am as long as I can help them. I've only ever been treated with respect and gratitude.

:karate: Karate begins and ends with respect. :karate:

[kenpo tiger]

Ok, well if you mean women can not become full instructors than I think that is BS and I sure as hell wouldn't attend such a school. If you mean there just aren't any at your particular school then that's diffrent.

My opinion on the matter of teachers is that a teacher should be rated on their aptitude to teach, if they can impart knowledge and train a student well than they are a good teacher. Now I do like to spar with opponants who have a large physical advantage over me. Being an average sized male (5'11" 170lbs) I have yet to come across a physicly imposing (to me) female with MA experience. But a sparring partner /= a teacher. I don't think a teacher need be big.
I noticed that this thread hasn't been active for a couple of weeks. Interesting debate - even if the guys are treading on our territory.:) Glad to have you!

I'd like to address the two thoughts above. Firstly, if you've never trained in a traditional Korean art, you might not understand how things work in the dojang. Yes, it's chauvinistic ( and the norm) in that men are the primary (paid) teachers IF you have a Korean instructor/school owner. However, tkd is known for its discipline and for the foregoing fact. It's simply your choice as a woman if you want to pursue tkd to accept the formalities inherent in the art. No, I don't agree with it, but that's partly why I didn't stay with tkd as my art.

Secondly, I had a physically imposing (5'9" and aroudn 175 lbs. of pure muscle) female sparring partner when I began martial arts. I sought her out specifically because she was SO much taller and stronger than I was. She was also two belts above me, so I could learn from her. I usually ended up looking like Wiley Coyote smashed against a wall, and my instructor finally gave up asking if I was okay because I'd scrape myself off the wall and reassume guard stance. So what is the difference between this woman and sparring a man?

The men in my dojo aren't shy about asking the few of us women for advice on techniques or forms or sets, as MJHIYA told you. In fact, it's instructive for US to train with them, since the men range in size from well over 6 feet and a lot weigh in well over 200 pounds to about my height (5'3" if I stand up really straight!) I would NEVER underestimate the smaller in stature men, and they feel the same about us. We all can learn from each other.

Male vs. female instructors? If you're good, your students don't realize you're one or the other.:asian:

[TigerWoman]

I'd like to address the two thoughts above. Firstly, if you've never trained in a traditional Korean art, you might not understand how things work in the dojang. Yes, it's chauvinistic ( and the norm) in that men are the primary (paid) teachers IF you have a Korean instructor/school owner. However, tkd is known for its discipline and for the foregoing fact. It's simply your choice as a woman if you want to pursue tkd to accept the formalities inherent in the art. No, I don't agree with it, but that's partly why I didn't stay with tkd as my art.


Saw this and had to comment. This is not just true for Korean instructor/school owner. I have a instructor who also has that bent - chauvinism thing. Its from his country of origin and 25 years of Americanization is not going to change his upbringing. If you are a meek/submissive and Christian female in his school, you become a teacher. If you are not the former.... But I am strong and he cannot deny me without reason in front of other black belts so I continue the struggle...

[mj-hi-yah]

Saw this and had to comment. This is not just true for Korean instructor/school owner. I have a instructor who also has that bent - chauvinism thing. Its from his country of origin and 25 years of Americanization is not going to change his upbringing. If you are a meek/submissive and Christian female in his school, you become a teacher. If you are not the former.... But I am strong and he cannot deny me without reason in front of other black belts so I continue the struggle...Here's the thing...don't do it for anyone but yourself! When you work hard it shows and everyone will know it too no matter what belt you wear or don't wear...they will see it in your attitude, in the way you move in the way you are as a Martial Artist and more importantly as a human being. Do your best and he won't be able to deny you of what you rightfully earn! I've seen white belts who exemplify the characteristics of a black belt and in some cases more than some black belts. I've had a few discussions about this topic with a friend, and I know that to many people belts really matter...I understand the goal marks something of an achievement for us, but if you are really working to improve yourself chances are you may have already earned it. Try not to look to your instructor so much here, instead try to look inside for the sense of worth in what you are doing...be strong! :asian:

[Storm]

Hi there

I am new to this site, joined because everyone at home gets sick of me talking MA all the time all day every day. Im not obsessed really!!!

I only have had male instructors and I think they are great. I wouldnt really care if they were female as long as they had something to offer. I am an Assistant Instructor at our school which mainly consists of males. (very new to Instructing the Adult class) I have instructed the children for quite some time which is very tiring as they zap up alot of your energy.

The first time I went in front of the class to take the Adults I was terrified, my Instructors took the other Black Belts away into another area for some training and left me to it so I wouldnt feel like they were watching me and make me nervous. As I think I have mentioned before Im only 5'1 and the shortest in the school. We have some huge males in the class and they are quite a tough bunch. Anyway I did my stuff hard and fast just the way I lkie to do my own training. After the class a few of the males came up and actually thanked me for a great class. Now when its my turn to take the class again I have more confidence and know that the guys dont care that I am female as I put in a hard work out (sometimes more so) just like th male Instructors.

As long as you know your stuff and can do it who cares what gender you are.

[mj-hi-yah]

Hi there

I am new to this site, joined because everyone at home gets sick of me talking MA all the time all day every day. Im not obsessed really!!!. Hi Storm! :wavey:


The first time I went in front of the class to take the Adults I was terrified, my Instructors took the other Black Belts away into another area for some training and left me to it so I wouldnt feel like they were watching me and make me nervous. As I think I have mentioned before Im only 5'1 and the shortest in the school. We have some huge males in the class and they are quite a tough bunch. Anyway I did my stuff hard and fast just the way I lkie to do my own training. After the class a few of the males came up and actually thanked me for a great class. Now when its my turn to take the class again I have more confidence and know that the guys dont care that I am female as I put in a hard work out (sometimes more so) just like th male Instructors.
As long as you know your stuff and can do it who cares what gender you are. This is a great story! No matter what your size is if you are confident it will show and you'll be larger than life. The funny thing is I know big guys who have expressed that same feeling when it comes to having to teach. It's scary no matter how big you are. Keep up the good work!

MJ :asian:

[kenpo tiger]

Tigerwoman,

Having been abandoned by my first instructor in much the same way as you describe, I understand some of what you're going through. There are instructors out there who will try to break you (your spirit) in order to mold you into their ideal student. We Tigers are strong and it takes a lot more than some person who thinks he knows it all to keep us in line. I did train with female instructors at that school, btw, and they were the same way. It was done "by the book" - and so help you if you disagreed with that or asked too probing a question. So, in this case, male vs. female instructor made no difference.

[kenpo tiger]

Hey Storm.

"Im only 5'1 and the shortest in the school."

Welcome to the club! [I've got two inches on you.] I agree with your philosophy about going out and trying your best every time. Men are funny that way. They respect that you have the guts to train with them and not be a priss about it. I'm not saying that we women have to act the way they do (who'd want to?) but to be a good training partner, answer questions and help whenever possible, and so on.:-partyon:

[TigerWoman]

Tigerwoman,

Having been abandoned by my first instructor in much the same way as you describe, I understand some of what you're going through. There are instructors out there who will try to break you (your spirit) in order to mold you into their ideal student. We Tigers are strong and it takes a lot more than some person who thinks he knows it all to keep us in line. I did train with female instructors at that school, btw, and they were the same way. It was done "by the book" - and so help you if you disagreed with that or asked too probing a question. So, in this case, male vs. female instructor made no difference.

In my case, I crossed my master/instructor/school owner, two years ago over a personal relationship with a 18 yr. old student. I stood up for what I believed was right. No one believed he was right. I was the only one in the school to work against him and for the person involved and her family. The rest put their heads in the ground to save their march to BB. I was his biggest supporter and highest ranking woman BB. I pretty much threw away my standing with him, but it was worth it. It could have been and nearly was my daughter. Since then, I've trained myself the last two years and after I do the last break to 2nd dan, I want to teach but even then, I won't stop TKD until I decide to stop. He indeed taught me to be a tiger.

[kenpo tiger]

Tigerwoman,

You should stand up for what you believe. It's just too bad you bore the brunt of it.

KT

[Feisty Mouse]

Ditto that - TigerWoman, I'm glad you were made into the tiger you are today!

In general, I truly think it doesn't matter - a good instructor is a good instructor.

That said, a few caveats or exceptions.

I have trained with one or two genuinely misogynistic male instructors. That was incredibly annoying and frustruating. Challenge me, OK, but don't talk down to me or give me sometime truly repetitive to do while giving new material to the male students. I think these instructors (and possibly the one you were referring to, TigerWoman) should know better and just teach private lessons, so they can select to teach men only.

I have also known several women - myself among them, when I first began taking martial arts classes - who feel more comfortable if they know the environment they are training in is not ALL testosterone. Knowing that there is a ranking woman in the class - even if she does not train beginners directly - is a good sign to novice women for sure, and will likely keep new women in the program long enough to evaluate the training on its own.

Additionally, one attitude I have noticed more frequently from male instructors (although certainly not in my current instructors) is this attitude of *constantly* proving yourself in training, going "110%" all the time, and so forth.

Men, take note - most women do (or feel they do) have to "prove" themselves every day outside of the training studio, and show that they are "just as good" (or better) than men at their jobs. Sometimes after a difficult day at work, being told to "show me what you're made of" or "you'r enot trying hard enough" can be the straw the breaks the camel's back in terms of having to show her worth again and again.

But these are issues that come up with individuals, and are just a few things I've seen. But certainly (and back to the main point), the gender of the instructor does not matter, as long as they are a good instructor, and can train and take care of their students.

[dubljay]

To be prefectly honest I think that having both a male and female instructor present is benificial. The times I have been in classes with both were extremely great classes, they were able to make all the students feel at ease... and when appropreate make students uncomfortable... like when the guys had to do grappling with the female instructor. It was really awkward at first but soon it became routine. I think it also helped that the instructors were married and had a lot of experience working together.

[Anna Bastiaans]

I would like to respond from a different point of view, since I'm an instructor myself (3-rd dan). Since I'm new in my dojo (1.5 years because I moved to Holland from my homeland) the guys were a little suspicious at the beginning. But after a few classes they didn't doubt my abilities any more and were eager to learn. It doesn't matter what gender you are, but as a woman (especially looking like me - 1.57 m, 49 kg) you have to prove yourself to gain the respect you deserve.

Anna.

[mj-hi-yah]

I would like to respond from a different point of view, since I'm an instructor myself (3-rd dan). Since I'm new in my dojo (1.5 years because I moved to Holland from my homeland) the guys were a little suspicious at the beginning. But after a few classes they didn't doubt my abilities any more and were eager to learn. It doesn't matter what gender you are, but as a woman (especially looking like me - 1.57 m, 49 kg) you have to prove yourself to gain the respect you deserve.

Anna.Hi Anna,

I'm glad you were able to fit in and get the respect you deserve! Do you think that a guy who is new to a school would face the same challenge?

MJ :asian:

[Digital Decay]

The truth of the matter is that I don't mind female instructors at all, and many times there are upwards of a third to a half of my class is female.

I've never had a problem with "sparring" with any female students, because I just assume that they know what is going to happen while they're there and by "taking it easy" on them cheats them out of real training.

The only time it's ever been a "problem" was one time when a visiting instructor participated in our class and I got picked to "spar" with her. To make a long story short, she was extremely attractive and it really distracted me. I know that's lame, but it's human nature.

[kenpo tiger]

I've never had a problem with "sparring" with any female students, because I just assume that they know what is going to happen while they're there and by "taking it easy" on them cheats them out of real training.

Glad to see you feel that way. Sometimes men think they have to take it easy on us because they don't want to hurt us. We need to train as hard as you do, probably even moreso because the chances of most women getting involved in a fight are minimal; the chances of most women being attacked with the intent to hurt/rape them are more common.

As to your problem of being blinded by beauty -- well, as you said, that's a guy thing!:)

[Rich Parsons]

Glad to see you feel that way. Sometimes men think they have to take it easy on us because they don't want to hurt us. We need to train as hard as you do, probably even moreso because the chances of most women getting involved in a fight are minimal; the chances of most women being attacked with the intent to hurt/rape them are more common.

As to your problem of being blinded by beauty -- well, as you said, that's a guy thing!:)

Kenpo Tiger et al,

It is good to to treat and train with women the same you would with men. Yet, when I have in the past, the question, has come up why do you beat up women? (* A no win situation :( *). So, know I start out, and let them set the contact if any level. If they hit me or attempt to hit me with intention, then I will hit them or attemp to hit them as well. I have found this works better for me, so those who are shy or hesitant do not run away in fear. Being 6'3" and 275 lbs, (* I think they use my picture as the bad guy presentation to women and children ;) *), I find that many times women and even men are intimidated by my size.

Just my two cents worth
:asian:

[kenpo tiger]

Kenpo Tiger et al,

It is good to to treat and train with women the same you would with men. Yet, when I have in the past, the question, has come up why do you beat up women? (* A no win situation :( *). So, know I start out, and let them set the contact if any level. If they hit me or attempt to hit me with intention, then I will hit them or attemp to hit them as well. I have found this works better for me, so those who are shy or hesitant do not run away in fear. Being 6'3" and 275 lbs, (* I think they use my picture as the bad guy presentation to women and children ;) *), I find that many times women and even men are intimidated by my size.

Just my two cents worth
:asian:
That's all we can ask.

Two cents well spent.:)

[ParrotheadTPA]

I attend a school where two of our main instructors are females. To be quite honest, they are are stricter on us students than the men are. And if I had to choose between having one of the guys lead the class or one of them, I would vote for one of the ladies. I find I get a far better workout when they are leading the class. Maybe not the experience others have elsewhere, but just my 2 cents.

I read something somewhere that says that women have more kicking power than us guys and I can definitely see it when we are doing bag work or sparring.

[kenpo tiger]

Parrothead[/color]TPA]
I read something somewhere that says that women have more kicking power than us guys and I can definitely see it when we are doing bag work or sparring.

Yes, in fact we do. We also have slightly different priorities than men when it comes to conditioning and staying in shape (read: losing and keeping off weight and self defense.) There are many ma women who train to compete -- I'm only part of their cheering section.
I try to emphasize the exercise portion when I teach an adult class - and put my cohorts through lots and lots of kicking drills since we don't do nearly enough of that in kenpo. KT:)

[mj-hi-yah]

It is good to to treat and train with women the same you would with men. Yet, when I have in the past, the question, has come up why do you beat up women? (* A no win situation :( *). So, know I start out, and let them set the contact if any level. If they hit me or attempt to hit me with intention, then I will hit them or attemp to hit them as well. I have found this works better for me, so those who are shy or hesitant do not run away in fear. Being 6'3" and 275 lbs, (* I think they use my picture as the bad guy presentation to women and children ;) *), I find that many times women and even men are intimidated by my size.
I think it is a matter of coming to an understanding between sparring partners - whether it is man to man, woman to woman or man to woman. As you point out some men are intimidated by either sex and I'll add as are some women. I think it's the act of sparring and hitting people or getting hit that may be most intimidating, but yeah a real big dude could do it too:) , until you see that with size, big or small, there are advantages, and once you figure those out it can work as an equalizer. There are some men who find some women intimidating because of maybe mostly more experience or maybe other attributes like speed or as has been discussed here skills as in kicking.



I will say I've had male sparring partners ask me how they should be, and I appreciate that and am not insulted by it, I usually reply with something like, "I'll be trying to hit you... sooooo if I'm hitting you, well you might want to think about trying to hit back! :) I know pretty much which of the guys hold back and luckily they hold back some on everyone male or female...it's good ...saves us those long nights in the ER! Anyway I think regardless of your sex a high intensity fight should be agreed upon by both parties. Further, I definitely believe that experienced Martial Artists have a responsibility to exercise control.

[kenpo tiger]

MJ - you shouldn't be up so late -- you're in training!:)

See you later on - KT

[Rich Parsons]

I think it is a matter of coming to an understanding between sparring partners - whether it is man to man, woman to woman or man to woman. As you point out some men are intimidated by either sex and I'll add as are some women. I think it's the act of sparring and hitting people or getting hit that may be most intimidating, but yeah a real big dude could do it too:) , until you see that with size, big or small, there are advantages, and once you figure those out it can work as an equalizer. There are some men who find some women intimidating because of maybe mostly more experience or maybe other attributes like speed or as has been discussed here skills as in kicking.



I will say I've had male sparring partners ask me how they should be, and I appreciate that and am not insulted by it, I usually reply with something like, "I'll be trying to hit you... sooooo if I'm hitting you, well you might want to think about trying to hit back! :) I know pretty much which of the guys hold back and luckily they hold back some on everyone male or female...it's good ...saves us those long nights in the ER! Anyway I think regardless of your sex a high intensity fight should be agreed upon by both parties. Further, I definitely believe that experienced Martial Artists have a responsibility to exercise control.




MJ,

I have respect for both men and women who wish to spar. I have more for those who can hit me, on a regular basis, and even more for those who can hit me and let me know it with out the ER visit as well ;). I save that for teh extra-curricular activities that cannot be resloved with a beer ;)

[mj-hi-yah]

MJ,

I have respect for both men and women who wish to spar. I have more for those who can hit me, on a regular basis, and even more for those who can hit me and let me know it with out the ER visit as well ;). I save that for teh extra-curricular activities that cannot be resloved with a beer ;)Hi Rich,
I never thought otherwise, and your approach is perfect I agree with it 100% ;)
And I also think you are right, it's a tough spot for a guy to be in...

ya big bully...


...just kiddin! :rofl:

MJ :)

[Rich Parsons]

Hi Rich,
I ... thought . . .

ya big bully...


. . . :rofl:

MJ :)

MJ,

Hmmm, one of those he said she said things going on in my brain. I swear this is how I read your comment ;)

:rofl:

[mj-hi-yah]

... one thing going on in my brain. I swear ... ;)

:rofl:Ya mean like this? Hmmm.... so what are ya trying to say? :boing2:Ok now this is where the gentle reminder usually comes in ... back to topic... ;)

[Rich Parsons]

:rofl:Ya mean like this? Hmmm.... so what are ya trying to say? :boing2:Ok now this is where the gentle reminder usually comes in ... back to topic... ;)

Well both male and female instructors are good and have different point of views. As exampled by the last couple of posts. (* MJ does that make us all feel better to know we are on topic? oh and at least I put the ". . . " in my quotes of you ;) *)

I do wish there were more female instructors, for me to learn from.

:asian:

[mj-hi-yah]

Well both male and female instructors are good and have different point of views. As exampled by the last couple of posts.Very good! LOL

(* MJ does that make us all feel better to know we are on topic? *) Wait a minute! Are you saying you find me intimidating? :) Big guy like you? ...nah:D

I do wish there were more female instructors, for me to learn from.

:asian:Well, um what do you think you are doing right now?

[kenpo tiger]

Hey Rich - be careful what you wish for -- you just might get it!

Seriously, you should work with a female instructor if you get the chance. We look at things a little differently. :asian: KT

[TigerWoman]

Well, I certainly would prefer a female instructor too at this point. Not all guys are the same, but I've had enough of one chauvinistic biased unethical dictator. TW

[Rich Parsons]

Very good! LOL
Wait a minute! Are you saying you find me intimidating? :) Big guy like you? ...nah:D
Well, um what do you think you are doing right now?

Well one might think I was learning ;)

[Rich Parsons]

Hey Rich - be careful what you wish for -- you just might get it!

Seriously, you should work with a female instructor if you get the chance. We look at things a little differently. :asian: KT

I have worked with some talented women, and learned from them, yet I like to think I can learn something from everyone.

As to getting what I wish for ;), that would be cool and also nice :D

[mj-hi-yah]

Well one might think I was learning ;)Interesting...well riddle me this Batman :) (just loved that cheesy show when I was a kid...BAM): are you, or might one just think that? ;)

[kenpo tiger]

I have worked with some talented women, and learned from them, yet I like to think I can learn something from everyone.

As to getting what I wish for ;), that would be cool and also nice :D
You are always welcome at our school - right MJ?:asian: KT

[Rich Parsons]

Interesting...well riddle me this Batman :) (just loved that cheesy show when I was a kid...BAM): are you, or might one just think that? ;)

MJ,

This might be a little wierd sounding or philosphical, so forgive me. :)

I can listen, I can review, and I can practice, it is not until I execute, and apply what I think I have learned, will I show that I have learned :D or not learned :(.

I also loved that cheesy Show *BAMF* ;) :D :rofl:

Thanks

[Rich Parsons]

You are always welcome at our school - right MJ?:asian: KT

KT,

Thank you for the offere to stop and to learn. That is gracious. I appreciate it. :asian:

[mj-hi-yah]

MJ,

This might be a little wierd sounding or philosphical, so forgive me. :)

I can listen, I can review, and I can practice, it is not until I execute, and apply what I think I have learned, will I show that I have learned or not learned :(.

I also loved that cheesy Show *BAMF* ;) :D :rofl:

ThanksNo, not weird at all...it's not until you synthesize what you've learned and then actualize it that it can be measured!;) :D Hey there KT, yes of course Rich could come by the school anytime, but somehow I don't think he needs to :asian:

[Rich Parsons]

No, not weird at all...it's not until you synthesize what you've learned and then actualize it that it can be measured!;) :D Hey there KT, yes of course Rich could come by the school anytime, but somehow I don't think he needs to :asian:


I might not need to be there, yet, it might be very beneficial though :D

[kenpo tiger]

I might not need to be there, yet, it might be very beneficial though :D
There was no implication that you NEEDED to be - indeed, you took it exactly the way it was meant. Forgive MJ - it's Thursday and Saturday is the big day! KT

[Rich Parsons]

There was no implication that you NEEDED to be - indeed, you took it exactly the way it was meant. Forgive MJ - it's Thursday and Saturday is the big day! KT


KT and MJ, I have had no ill will not taken anything badly here.

We have been verbally sparring and in the process, I have been trying to learn. I also have enjoyed myself. :)

:asian:

[kenpo tiger]

KT and MJ, I have had no ill will not taken anything badly here.

We have been verbally sparring and in the process, I have been trying to learn. I also have enjoyed myself. :)

:asian:
I have the feeling that verbal sparring is the better choice. You'd probably kick my tigerbutt otherwise!:asian: KT

[mj-hi-yah]

I have had no ill will not taken anything badly here.

We have been verbally sparring and in the process, I have been trying to learn.
:asian:First Rich glad you got it.;) The fact that you did just reinforces my point - I don't think there is really much I can teach you! A person who is willing to learn from all people equally doesn't really need my help...well, at least on this particular topic!;) :)
I also have enjoyed myself. :) Hee hee... but of course! I'll match wits with ya anytime! :asian:

[Melissa426]

I have been reading above posts about male/female sparring. Found it interesting but not really relevant to me....until last night!

I was doing a blocking drill with a man, who is a yellow belt, and finally I just had to tell him to stop. My arms felt like they'd been run over by a semi!

When I have done sparring drills before, I have noticed that the black belts tend to hold back on landing hits, but the yellow belts and green belts tend to really want to make contact. Maybe they have more to prove?

PS. there are no adult women in the class except me and another newbie, so I have never had the experience of training against another woman.

:ultracool

[mj-hi-yah]

I have been reading above posts about male/female sparring. Found it interesting but not really relevant to me....until last night!

I was doing a blocking drill with a man, who is a yellow belt, and finally I just had to tell him to stop. My arms felt like they'd been run over by a semi!

When I have done sparring drills before, I have noticed that the black belts tend to hold back on landing hits, but the yellow belts and green belts tend to really want to make contact. Maybe they have more to prove?

PS. there are no adult women in the class except me and another newbie, so I have never had the experience of training against another woman.

:ultracoolIt's funny Melissa my instructor once joked with me that he doesn't let people with lower belts work moves on him etc., He said, "I don't want to get hurt!!!" :lol: So to me it's about control (which usually has to be learned), and it's also about communication. You totally did the right thing here I think. While I agree with some that you should train as much as you can for reality, if you get injured it can interfere with that training, and what good would it be if the injury ends your training?
It's nice to have both men and women to train with and as instructors, maybe you and the other newbie can work something out. It's great to have a female support system in the dojo!:)

[Flatlander]

:lurk:

[kenpo tiger]

I have been reading above posts about male/female sparring. Found it interesting but not really relevant to me....until last night!

I was doing a blocking drill with a man, who is a yellow belt, and finally I just had to tell him to stop. My arms felt like they'd been run over by a semi!

When I have done sparring drills before, I have noticed that the black belts tend to hold back on landing hits, but the yellow belts and green belts tend to really want to make contact. Maybe they have more to prove?

PS. there are no adult women in the class except me and another newbie, so I have never had the experience of training against another woman.

:ultracool
Hi Melissa. As has been said by others elsewhere on these boards, lower belts lack control but "know just enough to get into trouble". The men I spar with are all rather large and strong, but I never worry about training with them as they all are also brown i (the highest in American Kenpo prior to black.) They joke around and call me Gentle Ben "because you're the only one in the school who's never hurt anyone!" A dubious honor at best, I think, but one I'm proud of. Having been the recipient of many many intentional broken ribs and other body parts in prior schools, I try to exercise the control I've been taught and have learned from all of my instructors over the years.

There are two other active adult women in my school, and both are rarely in a class with me at this point. I find that training with men is more real. Those two other women are my size, for the most part, and it's nice practicing techniques with them, but if I'm attacked on the street, it's most likely going to be a man -- and a big one.

That being said, having the past experience of training with some very very accomplished female black belts has helped immensely from the standpoint of having another woman's input into my training and great examples to follow. Even though I haven't trained with a female black belt in some time now I still carry a lot of what each of them taught me and utilize that knowledge every time I train. In your case, it may fall to you to be the great example!:)

[Kevin Walker]

this has been brought up before, but since we've got some new ladies here, I figured bringing it up again could be interesting.

Do you prefer male or female instructors? Why?I guess first impressions are lasting impressions: The very first dojo I walked into in 1964 had rubber automobile tires chained to the wall, sand on the floor, and bags of gravel and sand hanging from the ceiling. All the windows were kept open year round, the mats froze in the winter and you had to keep going to prevent the sweat from freezing on your body; and in summer the dojo sweltered like a sauna. All the students (no women) were kicking the bags of sand and punching the tires on the wall. Most of the guys were tough before they took karate, there was spots of blood on the mat, quitting was encouraged by the sensei and some students were not accepted or asked to leave. Bloody noses were common, bags of ice were kept ready. You earned your black belt. As for Judo, no American, or very few, had achieved a 5th degree (Godan) in Judo yet.

Over the past five years, I visit dojos with curtains. Children with fifth degree black belts. High ranking students doing sloppy techniques. No rubber tires but mirrors on the wall. Everybody passes their black belt test. The sensei leading the class was a beautiful blonde thrashing the air with high kicks and red fingernail paint on her fingers (plus wearing jewelry) and high pitched shrill kiais. The spots of red on the mat was toenail polish. Instead of learning how to defend, the students were getting in touch with their feelings or on a journey of self-discovery. All the uniforms (Gi's) were multicolored or covered in patches and insignias or Asian writing which no one learned how to read. Counting done in English. Male sensei's have had affairs with some of their female students.

Boy, do I miss the '60s.

[mj-hi-yah]

Boy, do I miss the '60s.Kevin,
You really make some interesting points. I agree about young children walking around with black belts. I think it may give a false sense of security. Although you paint an interesting picture, I don't think all women wear red nail polish (it sometimes clashes) and scream in high pitched voices. I keep my nails short and give and take my lumps, but I can't honestly say we, men or women, bloody the mats in the extreme way you describe...maybe sometimes we should, but perhaps that's what the elitist schools are for. You could always hitch a ride back with Austin Powers to find what you are looking for, or just seek out an elitist school, or start your own. There is a market for it, just as there is a place for everyone to learn. Besides, don't the rest of us at least deserve a fighting chance against the tough guys you speak of?:asian:

Respectfully,
MJ :asian:

[Kevin Walker]

Kevin,
You really make some interesting points. I agree about young children walking around with black belts. I think it may give a false sense of security. Although you paint an interesting picture, I don't think all women wear red nail polish (it sometimes clashes) and scream in high pitched voices. I keep my nails short and give and take my lumps, but I can't honestly say we, men or women, bloody the mats in the extreme way you describe...maybe sometimes we should, but perhaps that's what the elitist schools are for. You could always hitch a ride back with Austin Powers to find what you are looking for, or just seek out an elitist school, or start your own. There is a market for it, just as there is a place for everyone to learn. Besides, don't the rest of us at least deserve a fighting chance against the tough guys you speak of?:asian:

Respectfully,
MJ :asian:
To be objective, one of my Hakko-ryu jiu jitsu instructors in the late 60's and early 70's was a women, and she was an excellent tactician. Yes, women do have their place in the martial arts just as some men have their place in the kitchen.

Also, just as in Japan, there should be family dojo's in the U.S. where the women can practice. Unfortunately, a woman can slow a man down when it comes to realistic and ferocious workouts. In my experience when working out with a woman, technique was not needed at all and I could just lift and throw the biggest woman away with mere brute strength. And if a healthy trained adult guy punched a woman with all his strength, it would kill her.

Yes, women have their place in the martial arts. And yes, if I ran a dojo, it would have no windows all year round, rubber automobile tires chained to the wall, bags of sand and gravel hanging from the ceiling, and I would encourage my students to leave. And my blackbelts would be leaders and also would be a formidible opponent to any unfortunate mugger or attacker, and be able to contend with all the vagaries that life may throw at them. This was my introduction to the martial arts.

[kenpo tiger]

Kevin, I agree with you about wearing jewelry while training. Too many of the guys could get choked by their neckchains or could hurt themselves or someone else by wearing their watches during a class.:) :asian:

[Kevin Walker]

Kevin, I agree with you about wearing jewelry while training. Too many of the guys could get choked by their neckchains or could hurt themselves or someone else by wearing their watches during a class.:) :asian:Yes, I too was taken aback when I first saw jewelry being worn in a dojo. Not only could you give someone a nasty cut, but the expensive bauble could get broken. For years our sensei would not let us bow onto the tatami until he inspected our fingernails and hair (too long means it could get entangled - so cut it or leave this dojo). Long fingernails could lay someone open, so trim those lunchhooks before you work out here!

I think a lot of the basics need to be re-established in American dojos, but I do realize that in today's cultural climate, such discipline would be hard to enforce. Thanks.

[kenpo tiger]

I'm glad you took my comments in the spirit in which they were meant.

[Feisty Mouse]

Yes, women do have their place in the martial arts just as some men have their place in the kitchen.

:xtrmshock ooooo-kaaaayyyy....

I'm glad the studios I have trained in have not been the only-the-tough-survive, blood-spattered studios you long for, Kevin. While you may bemoan the fact that women "slow men down" in training, as a woman, I am worried about my training and my physical safety. I hope that my training partners get something out of working with me, and I believe they do. Would I have started at all if the only options for me were tough-guy places where I could get my newbie butt handed to me on a platter?

I think some things you perceive as discipline and remember fondly would intimidate or otherwise turn away worthy people (men and women) who want to train in MA.

Certainly jewelry shouldn't be worn, and the occurrence of young blackbelts is something that I assume has been discussed here before - I know people who have strong feelings about that. But I don't think we're stuck between two extremes - the unheated, uncooled, "tire decor" studio with blood speckles, or the kind of training you describe that sounds like there is more show than "teeth" - there is a region in between, where men and women can train together and train well. It lies in the hands of high-quality instructors who can create that kind of environment. I am thankful I have a place like that to train.

[kenpo tiger]

:xtrmshock ooooo-kaaaayyyy....

I'm glad the studios I have trained in have not been the only-the-tough-survive, blood-spattered studios you long for, Kevin. While you may bemoan the fact that women "slow men down" in training, as a woman, I am worried about my training and my physical safety. I hope that my training partners get something out of working with me, and I believe they do. Would I have started at all if the only options for me were tough-guy places where I could get my newbie butt handed to me on a platter?

I think some things you perceive as discipline and remember fondly would intimidate or otherwise turn away worthy people (men and women) who want to train in MA.

Certainly jewelry shouldn't be worn, and the occurrence of young blackbelts is something that I assume has been discussed here before - I know people who have strong feelings about that. But I don't think we're stuck between two extremes - the unheated, uncooled, "tire decor" studio with blood speckles, or the kind of training you describe that sounds like there is more show than "teeth" - there is a region in between, where men and women can train together and train well. It lies in the hands of high-quality instructors who can create that kind of environment.
Well said Feisty.

I am thankful I have a place like that to train.

Me too.:asian:

[Feisty Mouse]

:asian: Thank you, K Tiger. :)

[TigerWoman]

Actually the women would outnumber the men in our dojang. A statement like that kitchen one wouldn't have gone over too well and would not have been too wise to say it in view of the numbers. We don't all have to be combat fighters to defend ourselves. ;) TW

[Kevin Walker]

Actually the women would outnumber the men in our dojang. A statement like that kitchen one wouldn't have gone over too well and would not have been too wise to say it in view of the numbers. We don't all have to be combat fighters to defend ourselves. ;) TW
Hi,

Yes, in today's politically correct environment, American women have forgotten their place.

And yes, I'm all for women having the right to defend themselves. Even in the 1890's, women did well for themselves with their infamous hat pins.

Women do make good teachers, I just have a problem with a realistic workout with a woman, particularly considering the fights I've had in the past in some of the shipyards and warehouses I've worked, the men tend to be tad more stronger and meaner and bigger than the woman in the various dojos I've attended.

A mixed dojo (male & female students) does have its advantages, but generally speaking, a different type of martial art is usually applied to the female students than for the males. As I've mentioned before, my female Hakko Ryu Jiu Jitsu instructor was excellent and was able to apply jiu jitsu technique expertly, but she faded when it came to Karate or Judo.

[Rich Parsons]

Hi,

Yes, in today's politically correct environment, American women have forgotten their place.

And yes, I'm all for women having the right to defend themselves. Even in the 1890's, women did well for themselves with their infamous hat pins.

Women do make good teachers, I just have a problem with a realistic workout with a woman, particularly considering the fights I've had in the past in some of the shipyards and warehouses I've worked, the men tend to be tad more stronger and meaner and bigger than the woman in the various dojos I've attended.

A mixed dojo (male & female students) does have its advantages, but generally speaking, a different type of martial art is usually applied to the female students than for the males. As I've mentioned before, my female Hakko Ryu Jiu Jitsu instructor was excellent and was able to apply jiu jitsu technique expertly, but she faded when it came to Karate or Judo.


Mr. Walker,

Please read your PM's.

Thank You

Rich Parsons
Martial Talk
Assistant Operational Administrator

[mj-hi-yah]

Yes, in today's politically correct environment, American women have forgotten their place.

And yes, I'm all for women having the right to defend themselves. Even in the 1890's, women did well for themselves with their infamous hat pins.

Women do make good teachers, I just have a problem with a realistic workout with a woman, particularly considering the fights I've had in the past in some of the shipyards and warehouses I've worked, the men tend to be tad more stronger and meaner and bigger than the woman in the various dojos I've attended.Them's fighten words!!! Kevin really is this a joke? Forget Austin Powers....Thinking maybe BAM BAM's time's where you'd be happiest...there's a dino leaving in 20 minutes....Ladies who wants to chip in for the ticket???...:flushed:

[TigerWoman]

Hi,

Yes, in today's politically correct environment, American women have forgotten their place.



Oh, male chauvinism has reared his ugly head. Perhaps men like you should stay in your cave and pound the walls. Women of this age, however do know their place--anywhere they choose to go. That includes training in any way that they choose and becoming anything they want to be. It is attitudes like yours that kept women out of dojos-dojangs and athletics for so long --but watch out, we are catching up fast! Gee, I thought respect was in all martial arts, but apparently not learned everywhere. TW

[KenpoTess]

MOD NOTE

Back to business :) Mr. Walker's account has been suspended for other issues on MT.

~Tess
-MT S. Mod-

[MA-Caver]

W-T-G Mods!! :D
:asian:

[Feisty Mouse]

I was hoping something like that wouldn't be said, but it was. I will rein in my annoyance and disgust at finding another dyed-in-the-wool chauvanist, and instead give my thanks to MJ, TigerWoman, and the mods.

Watch how well a woman exercises her self-control and discipline.

[Ceicei]

Funny, this could very easily have turned into a very nasty flame war, but it didn't.... Congratulations are in order.

To bring this back on topic, it is how an instructor conducts him/herself when faced with such words/behavior that will indicate character.

- Ceicei

[mj-hi-yah]

Funny, this could very easily have turned into a very nasty flame war, but it didn't.... Congratulations are in order.

To bring this back on topic, it is how an instructor conducts him/herself when faced with such words/behavior that will indicate character.

- Ceicei Thanks Rich, Tess, Ceicei, TW, Feisty Mouse, MACaver and ladies for the combined effort ...I think it's probably obvious to us all that he was telegraphing his intentions for his next move... tsk tsk... We all know from sparring 101 never knowingly walk into a punch! Use a shield:knight: instead ;) LOL :boing2: In this case a little levity was in order I think...

I prefer having both male and female instructors especially when they are as smart as you all are here! :asian:

[kenpo tiger]

MOD NOTE

Back to business :) Mr. Walker's account has been suspended for other issues on MT.

~Tess
-MT S. Mod-

Thanks Tess. It was painfully evident that he wasn't recognizing sarcasm:idunno:, nor that he was probably in the wrong place to be airing his views. I guess the more direct approach taken by some of the others here worked. KT

[KenpoTess]

Unfortunately there Still are people out there that hold antiquated beliefs. I'm proud of all of you :D You didn't stoop to his level *biting tongue here and remaining uhh.. neutral.. ;) If anything gets out of hand.. Please use the Report to Mod button and we shall deal with whomever. Flame wars are so tedious and we most definitely are above that mentallity :D

Thanks ~!!

~Tess
:whip: to they that deserve it *whistling off-key*

[kenpo tiger]

Like your new avatar Feisty!

[Flatlander]

Wow, the last time I checked this thread, I left the "lurker", I didn't realize what was going on in here.

I'm pretty impressed with you all. I was unable to keep myself in check with such a high degree of control on a different, now locked thread. Honestly, I thought my response was going to get me the boot.

Anyway, carry on, C-U-L-8-R.

:lurk:

[Feisty Mouse]

Like your new avatar Feisty!
Hey, thanks kenpo tiger! That just made me smile, fever and all. :)

[kenpo tiger]

Hey, thanks kenpo tiger! That just made me smile, fever and all. :)
Feel better. No, wait a second.

Feel feisty! (Get well soon) KT:asian:

[littleLetch]

Male or female it doesnt matter as long as you know and understand the techniques. I am now an Aikido student and my instructor is a male, yet when i was a student in Kenpo was often instructed by a female.

[The Sapphire Ping Dragon]

I've been a part of two Tang Soo Do schools and over the years I've had both male and female teachers. As long as the teacher is a very good teacher and has good morals then that's all I need. :)

Brittany :asian:

[MichiganTKD]

A good Instructor doesn't have to be strong and in perfect shape or male to be effective. What they need is an understanding of technique, how to make it work for you, and motivational skills. I've met many guys who were lousy Instructors because they were idiots. Conversely, I've also known many female black belts I had a lot of respect for.

[Feisty Mouse]

Feel better. No, wait a second.

Feel feisty! (Get well soon) KT:asian:
That was perfect!!! :)

And MichiganTKD, "I second that emotion".

[MichiganTKD]

It doesn't mean I don't prefer male instructors by the way, but I acknowledge that female Instructors can be effective. They have to have the qualities mentioned above. I'm sure there are female BB in our organization who have experienced both genders as Instructors and prefer one or the other. Sometimes you can accomodate and sometimes you can't.

[Rob Broad]

A good instructor is a good instructor, no ifs and or buts about it. If the person has the ability to teach the material effectively then gender should not be an issue.

[Feisty Mouse]

In addition to the poll, which more or less is suggesting that a good teacher can be male or female, does anyone have any proposals for getting more women into MA and teaching? I know that for women coming into MA, simply having another woman in the training studio somewhere is an encouraging sign. Does anyone who runs a school or teaches have any ideas for getting more women into MA?

[Rob Broad]

Encouagement is the answer to how do we more female instructors. When I was running my full time school, I picked several young ladies to help assist with the children's classes. Luckily, in Ontario all high school student have to x number of hours volunteering. I amde arrangements with the school so that their assisting in class was counted as their volunteering hours. I also created a program for teaching students how to be instructors.

[hardheadjarhead]

Lessee...

In my school and its affiliate programs I have eight female instructors. In the past I had two more, but one moved and the other took a full time job that prevents her from teaching.

One of the women working for me is 72 years old and teaches a class for women at the "Y". You have to see this woman to believe her. She is in incredible shape.

I would say they all "know their place"*...its at the head of the class. I have no problems with this...and any male student that says he has an issue with this because of their gender will either have his ears pinned back, or be shown the door. Probably both. I'll be the one to do it.


Regards,


Steve

*Sorry...I saw what that absolutely endearing man wrote a couple of pages back, and I simply had to reference it. And Tess is right...you all handled him well. Better than I would have, certainly.

[Sarah]

I have no problem with either sex.

The only time I preferred a female opinion was when I started sparring, I was having a lot of trouble with it and would often burst in to tears on the way home as I was getting so frustrated because I didn’t feel like I was improving.

I did talk to our head instructor and some Black Belts (all Males) but nothing they could give me was helping. I just hated being hit in the face and I couldn’t bring myself to hit my partner in the face. At one stage my Instructor said that men and woman are wired differently when it comes to this sort of stuff, so I went and talked to a Female Red belt about it. She was great and she had the same issues as me at my level, she gave me some really good advice and I have been improving ever since.

So I think with something’s it's good to talk to someone who can understand what you are going through.

[Feisty Mouse]

Sarah

Do you mind if I ask you what advice she gave you? That's been an issue for a few women I know as well.

Thanks!

:) FM

[sandstorm]

In addition to the poll, which more or less is suggesting that a good teacher can be male or female, does anyone have any proposals for getting more women into MA and teaching? I know that for women coming into MA, simply having another woman in the training studio somewhere is an encouraging sign. Does anyone who runs a school or teaches have any ideas for getting more women into MA?

I don't run a school myself but I can report on some things that my sensei has done to increase female membership at our club... he's advertised in local papers to appeal to women under the banner of "self defence" and he's also run cardio-kickboxing classes (kind of like Tai Bo) which have attracted women to join the REAL karate classes. A number of his junior member's mums have also been encouraged to join in the senior's classes... I think they have discounts for family memberships/training fees.

[Sarah]

Sarah

Do you mind if I ask you what advice she gave you? That's been an issue for a few women I know as well.

Thanks!

:) FM

There were a few different things that helped; firstly it was good to know that I’m not just a wimp and that other's had similar problems.

One more specific thing we talked about was my flinching problem, every time a punch come my way I would flinch bring my guard up to close, so all I was seeing was a wall of fist's and I would just wont to get away. She said to stay focused on the face, you don’t have to keep looking at the gloves to see the punches. That made a dramatic difference for me, kept me focused and I didn’t get overwhelmed, could also read the kick's a lot better.

Also she advised to take it slowly, be in charge of my training, be picky with partners, in the early stages only partner with people I trust, if someone is going to hard SAY SOMETHING, and if they are still being an idiot just change partners. This has been really important to me, I have taken control of my training and every time I spar I am learning.

My Red belt friend told me when she started they were basically told to go hard and the general thought was they would get use to it, but here she is a red belt and still hate's sparring, I didn’t wont to end up where she is, so I have taken it slow and my confidence is now good enough to take a few hard hits with out wanting to cry.

Also one more point is something my instructor told our class after some egos were getting out of control 'it is our job during training to make our partners better fighters, not just to give them a beating'. This was a bit of an insight for me and shifted my thinking from trying to get punches in to learning to look for weaknesses and help my partner improve, with them doing the same for me.

Sorry to ramble, hope this helps.

[mj-hi-yah]

Also one more point is something my instructor told our class after some egos were getting out of control 'it is our job during training to make our partners better fighters, not just to give them a beating'. This was a bit of an insight for me and shifted my thinking from trying to get punches in to learning to look for weaknesses and help my partner improve, with them doing the same for me.

Sarah,

This is great advice! You have a very good instructor!

MJ :)

[Sarah]

Yep, he is one of a kind, we are also lucky to have amazing seniors!

[songstrike]

It definately doesn't matter, male or female for an instructer. We have some female instructers that sweat you harder then some of the male instructers I've had before.

sincerely, Song

[mj-hi-yah]

It definately doesn't matter, male or female for an instructer. We have some female instructers that sweat you harder then some of the male instructers I've had before.

sincerely, SongWelcome Song! Nice to have you here! :)

[Insedia_Cantharis]

Shouldn't matter. While training, no person should be afraid of any other. being male or female shouldn't matter in any way...

[bluemtn]

I voted that it doesn't matter to me. There are about a handful of black belts at my school, and men/ women ratio is equal for black belt. Each instructor has something different to "offer," like clarifying a move in a form, or gives you more of a work out (non- gender specified). It's nice to have a female instructor when I'm the only female there- I don't feel so odd. Just joking, I don't feel uncomfortable then, either.

[TigerWoman]

Well, I should soon find out...I got an mixed class to teach, now called "family", although I really wanted just to teach women. I hope the guys are accepting of me but if not, it will probably evolve into a women's class. :idunno: TW

[bluemtn]

Good Luck TW- you'll do fine!

[mj-hi-yah]

Well, I should soon find out...I got an mixed class to teach, now called "family", although I really wanted just to teach women. I hope the guys are accepting of me but if not, it will probably evolve into a women's class. :idunno: TWJust show what you know... most guys really want to learn and you have trained a long time and know a lot more about it than they probably do so go and do your thing! You'll be great! %-}

[GAB]

Hi TW,

I am new to this post, I would like to suggest you go to sanjosekenpo.com go to the article section and read the article posted by Dr. Sumner regarding teaching in the martial arts world and any other job of teaching.

It is called "Why they can't teach or how come they can't teach".
Not right on the money, but I am sure you will find it, about 2/3 down the page.

Regards, Gary

[Flamebearer]

All of our instructors are men. I am the highest ranking female where I am at. We only have one other 15 year old girl that is a green belt.

I wish I did have a female instructor there. I think learning from both sexes is nothing but an advantage for you when you are potentially coming up against someone. Because as some have found out from working with me, what may work on a man will not work so well on a woman and a Plan B, C & D might be in order.

Lorrie
Hi, I'm one of the "new ladies".
I'm in the same boat as Lorrie, except there I do have a female instructor, but she only comes in every few months. When she does I really enjoy hearing the female perspective of self-defense, e.g. what if you're in this, that, or the other situation, and who's involved.
-Flamebearer

[kenpo tiger]

Welcome Flame! You'll find a great group here - very supportive. KT

[Rich Parsons]

Hi, I'm one of the "new ladies".
I'm in the same boat as Lorrie, except there I do have a female instructor, but she only comes in every few months. When she does I really enjoy hearing the female perspective of self-defense, e.g. what if you're in this, that, or the other situation, and who's involved.
-Flamebearer


Welcome to Martial Talk. I hope you can find everything you are looking for.

Make sure you stop by the womens forum, and also contact Kenpo Tess and or Nightingale our own female moserators, to just say hi. :)

Rich Parsons
Martial Talk
Assistant Administrator

[KenpoTess]

I have had connectivity issues yesterday, Welcome Flamebearer :)

*looks at Rich, we are Moderators.. I have never admitted to being a moserator in public *POKES* *giggling*

Female instructors are great.. I have ultimate patience with myself :)

[mj-hi-yah]

.. I have never admitted to being a moserator in public *POKES* *giggling*

:lurk: :rofl: and Hi Flamebearer!

[KenpoNoChikara]

The only thing I have noticed with some female instructors is they seem like they think they have to prove themselves all the time, which is understandable, but can get old, especially if it is clear that they have never been treated any different then the male instuctors. Not saying that they are all like that, or anything, very far from the truth. Just a thought

[Sarah]

The only thing I have noticed with some female instructors is they seem like they think they have to prove themselves all the time, which is understandable, but can get old, especially if it is clear that they have never been treated any different then the male instuctors. Not saying that they are all like that, or anything, very far from the truth. Just a thought
Interesting, cant say I have ever seen this?

[Ceicei]

The only thing I have noticed with some female instructors is they seem like they think they have to prove themselves all the time, which is understandable, but can get old, especially if it is clear that they have never been treated any different then the male instuctors. Not saying that they are all like that, or anything, very far from the truth. Just a thought
I've seen that happen with our only female BB (who later left because of a bad knee injury). She always seemed like she had to prove herself even though I can see the other male BBs seem to treat her the same as they do with each other. However, our female brown belts don't seem to have that issue. Maybe they've been with us long enough by climbing the ranks that they don't have the need to prove themselves. The female BB had only been with us a couple of years (she was a BB before joining our dojo).

- Ceicei

[Sarah]

The only thing I can think of is that maybe these Ladies don’t feel as deserving of there rank???? or maybe they have a bit of low self esteem.

[Ceicei]

The only thing I can think of is that maybe these Ladies don’t feel as deserving of there rank???? or maybe they have a bit of low self esteem.

Perhaps. I have no idea what her experiences were like with her previous dojo. I was disappointed when she left, since we no longer have a female BB available as a role model. Unfortunately, I only had a few days of training with her, so wasn't able to glean as much. I wonder if things would have been different had she stayed longer? At my former dojo, there was a female BB as a co-owner with her BB husband. Terrific instructor team! She's awesome!

But when things get down to the nitty gritty of training, it doesn't matter to me whether the instructor is male or female.

- Ceicei

[KenpoNoChikara]

The only thing I can think of is that maybe these Ladies don’t feel as deserving of there rank???? or maybe they have a bit of low self esteem.


That's possible, or I guess it could also be that a male BB may have treated them badly, acted as if they were not as good as the guys, etc?

[Rikki]

It is good to have bigger, stronger people to work out with, but they don't have to be the instructor.

I think it's good that the instructor not be used to being able to muscle their way out of things. If they aren't big they are forced to focus more on technique (not to say that big people don't focus on technique).

[BrandiJo]

I have only two inst in my school, they are alos the owners and brother and sister, its awesome how they have it set up they each teach every other night, you get the best of both worlds my female inst focuses more on overall fitness and presision, and my male inst focuses on strength power and details ...its nice to have the female cus she is my size and a bit less intimdateing, but the male can stop me mid way though a fall if im doing it wrong, and he can take hits that noramly wouldnt be alowed (from the smaller students !~me~ ) when we are doing all outs and streat fighting so I think its good to have them both

[annie]

Well in my school we have both. I originally started with a women instructor in a all women's class. This was great for the basics. It was such a small group It was like having privates all week. It was great preparation for the first test. When watching the intesity of the mixed group class I felt I was missing out on training. Also there was a no contact what so ever rule in the womens class. To me that didn't make sense. Now I enjoy the mixed class and its intensity so much more. Have never been afraid of getting hurt-- this is martial arts its gonna happen. Every time I take a punch or kick to the ribs I learn a valuable lesson--MOVE or BLOCK. It only as to happen once!

[ChrisWTK]

The instructors at my dojo are all male and I have no problem with them. They're not threatening and I feel comfortable around them. I know there are a few female black belts at the other dojo locations, but since I don't go there I never see them. I think if there was a female instructor it would give me someone to look up to and say, that's what I want to become but that's not needed.

[kicksindabank]

I am split on this one. On some occations, I have found woman senesi easier to work with and sometimes male senesi are easier to work with.

I think it up to the person and if they are willing to open thier minds, hearts, and souls to what is being taught.

[Carol]

Both.

There is a female assistant instructor at my school. While we don't have a very strong interpersonal relationship but I deeply respect her teaching and wish I worked with her more.

My visual learning skills are horribly bad..my eyes often deceive me. I learn kinesthetically, and only one of my male instructors is comfortable with guiding my body in to position. The female assistant instructor has no problem with this whatsoever.

When I do see her leading the class, the class does not always give her the full respect that they do the male instructors. One particular eample: when she calls on us for a move up, it's often only me that says "Ma'am". A couple of people say "sir" and most say nothing at all. When the male instructors do the same, the room offers a resounding "sir". My school is largely full of corporate people....these are people that can respect a woman in authority, but they aren't used to seeing it within the confines of a dojo...and I think this would not be the case if she taught more classes.

Perhaps this depends on the man, and depends on the woman....but I've found that men and women instructors sometimes analyze things and explain things two different ways. I personally like the diversity as it strengthens my own understanding.

Being 5' 2" (and a kinetic learner) my training takes on a very different dimension when I am training with someone that is close to my own size. Such a person is more likely to be a woman than a man.

So...personally, I'd like to be taught by both a woman and a man. :)

[IcemanSK]

I'm not an either/or on this subject. I've had female instructors in every step of my MA journey & have been grateful. I've found that the women I've trained with are more detail-oriented & learn the techniques (I don't want to say better, more precisely, perhaps) than men do. Men often rely on their strength. Women on the technique. Also, because there is less machismo involved usually, they focus on both what works....as well the details of forms.

I've trained with female pro fighters (like Chris Kreuz & Kathy Long) & accountants who just want to leran techniques. I've found that details seems to be what women focus on at all levels. I've learned alot because of this.

[matt.m]

I too will put my two cents in as well even though I am not a woman. I have had some of my best training, sparring, and randori sessions with women. Same moves, same skill set, just applied a little differently.

There is a third dan who teaches at my school that is a woman, I love training in forms with her. She is just absolutely great. I have randoried with female black belts in Judo and just loved it. It was great the difference in their attacking styles vs. guys. One of the greatest hapkidoist I have ever known in a 5'2 95 lb 55 yr. old woman. In fact, she and another woman were the first to ever be promoted to hapkido black belt in Moo Sul Kwan.

[Kacey]

I'm not particular about the gender of the instructor - only the instructor's competence. I can understand the viewpoint of those who prefer a same-gender instructor, but as a woman, I've met very few female instructors, and as I moved up the ranks, there are fewer and fewer women who outrank me; in fact, since my last testing, I am the senior female in my organization... so it's kind of a moot point in my case anyway, although there are plenty of women just junior to me and on down to colored belt if I want to work out with someone female instead of male.

[hapki68]

I'm not a woman, but a quick trip to Sweden could change that. <jk>

I think some guys would be reluctant to have a female instructor because:
1. They don't think they're as strong or good,
2. It hurts their egos,
3. They've been trained not to "hit a girl"
4. They get turned on by them and find that uncomfortable.

The first point isn't fair, but it's kind of a fact of life. The burden is on the instructor to prove herself and for the guys to be open to seeing how qualified she is... just like they would a male instructor. Unfortunately for women, they have to try twice as hard to prove their competency.

Regarding point two, some guys are really fragile. They don't think they are... but they are. They compensate with all kinds of macho b.s., not realizing how easy it is to see through. Nothing you can do about that. Best to avoid them.

Third point, I'm guilty of as well. It's hard to go full force against a female until you're certain she can handle it. Although I do the same thing with guys (feel them out), I'm a little less reluctant to be aggressive with women. Again, I think it's the way we're raised... that it's wrong to fight a woman. (That goes away pretty quickly, though, when she throws you across the mat or makes you yelp from a wrist lock.)

Point four is a fact of life that freaks some people out. You just have to be in control enough to know how to manage your thoughts and actions like a grown up.

Just my 2 cents

Patrick

[Carol]

I'm not a woman, but a quick trip to Sweden could change that. <jk>

I think some guys would be reluctant to have a female instructor because:
1. They don't think they're as strong or good,
2. It hurts their egos,
3. They've been trained not to "hit a girl"
4. They get turned on by them and find that uncomfortable.

The first point isn't fair, but it's kind of a fact of life. The burden is on the instructor to prove herself and for the guys to be open to seeing how qualified she is... just like they would a male instructor. Unfortunately for women, they have to try twice as hard to prove their competency.

Regarding point two, some guys are really fragile. They don't think they are... but they are. They compensate with all kinds of macho b.s., not realizing how easy it is to see through. Nothing you can do about that. Best to avoid them.

Third point, I'm guilty of as well. It's hard to go full force against a female until you're certain she can handle it. Although I do the same thing with guys (feel them out), I'm a little less reluctant to be aggressive with women. Again, I think it's the way we're raised... that it's wrong to fight a woman. (That goes away pretty quickly, though, when she throws you across the mat or makes you yelp from a wrist lock.)

Point four is a fact of life that freaks some people out. You just have to be in control enough to know how to manage your thoughts and actions like a grown up.

Just my 2 cents

Patrick

Agree to a point, I think quite a bit of the reaction from male students depends also on the class of the clientele that the school can attract and retain. The higher the income level and education level...often, the more atttention will be focused on quality of instruction.

[BadAndy38]

My Silat teacher is a woman, and our lineage goes to Ibu Rita, another woman, I have nothing but respect for both, and have no problem being taught by a woman. My teacher actually trains us harder, than her brother does.....

[Drac]

Sorry...I voted before I realized that the poll was only for women. :o

I think that it doesn't matter, just as long as they are qualified!

Guilty too..Sorry...

[stingg]

My experience with female instructors is limited. For four years, my only instructors were male, and I was the senior female student for the majority of that time (and often the only female student in the senior class). My instructors didn't go easy on me or anything, but they would frequently work with me after class individually and show me some advanced self-defense that they didn't teach the guys. They also encouraged me to help as an instructor with the beginners, as early as my blue belt. Since then, they've often credited me with the significantly higher number of females advancing in the class (although I can't judge the accuracy of the claim, I'm very pleased to have been able to contribute).
When I went to college I spent a semester in Shotokan (coming from TKD), and that was the first female instructor I'd trained under. She was an outstanding martial artist and a very competant and organized instructor, and gender never occurred to me. This summer I've been training under my first female instructors in TKD (there are three, all very different, who teach different classes, although I am also attending classes taught by male instructors), and it was last night driving home that I made that realization. All of them are very competant, and whoever posted a page or two back that the students won't notice the gender if the instructor know's his/her stuff was correct. I must comment that now I've made this realization, it's motivating to met outstanding and talented women who have succeeded in the goals I've set for myself.

[KenpoSterre]

in my style there is only one female instructor and she lives on the other side of the states. :( I never had the chance to work with a women on martial arts except for several girls that are not yet blackbelts. To me this is a missed oppurtunity but I do have several good men teachign me. (dude a grandmaster of kenpo). Has anyone ever trained under Ms. Mary Wright of Salem Oregon?

Have any of you ever had a experience where you wish you had a female instructor? Like when you got your period, someone kept hitting you on the breast, etc.? How did you deal?

[Ceicei]

Have any of you ever had a experience where you wish you had a female instructor? Like when you got your period, someone kept hitting you on the breast, etc.? How did you deal?

There are a few threads in the women's forum that addresses these questions. If you cannot find them through searching, go ahead to start a new thread separately and we can answer your questions.

BTW, Welcome to MartialTalk! :wavey:

- Ceicei

[Elayna]

this has been brought up before, but since we've got some new ladies here, I figured bringing it up again could be interesting.

Do you prefer male or female instructors? Why?
For me I dont care if they are female or male. As long as they teach well and take the time to make everything well understood. I have trained with both as my superiors and I found learning from a male was good because of the strength and learning from a female was good because of the friendship. But there would be no way i could have choosen one over the other. They were both really awesome!! :) :)

[KenpoSterre]

There are a few threads in the women's forum that addresses these questions. If you cannot find them through searching, go ahead to start a new thread separately and we can answer your questions.

BTW, Welcome to MartialTalk! :wavey:

- Ceicei

thank-you. which threads can i find them on? once i find the answer i will delete this post.

It depend on the female. if she is a hard kick butt dominant you-better-put-in-effort you might as well have a male but if she is a slightly more friendly you can do this person its different. the only times i wish i had a female instructor instead of any of the males were when i developed a [temporary] school kid crush :) i think i get a tougher vibe when i am around men because i feel like i have to prove myself

[Origami]

I'm a 55 year old female newbie - TKD yellow belt. The master at our dojang is male and an excellent teacher, a BB in 4 disciplines that I know of and a BB 4th Dan in Tae Kwon Do. One Sabomnim is a young male; fun and light hearted, he's a star in the junior and very junior classes, and the ladies class love him. The other Sabomnim is a young female; very firm, fast and dedicated - deadly, but looking like a pretty high school student.. We are lucky to have three such diverse teachers. I firmly believe that a good teacher is a good teacher irrespective of age, sex, size or whatever...The same surely applies to students - is that not what martial arts is all about?
Lyn

[KamonGuy2]

I am male and sometimes train under Sijee Anna Tanczos from Kamon who is one of the best wing chunners I know. She is a confident teacher despite only been teaching for three years and can fight very well. I know that she has mentioned previously she was once a Fencer and could out fence most Olympic standard fencers.

Most guys train under her because they know that she must be good.
Newbies off the street see a woman taking out a bloke double her size will be impressed.

A good teacher is a good teacher.

[qi-tah]

I agree with the majority here, martial skill and teaching ability have no gender. I have trained under both men and women and have no preference as long as i am learning.

[kidswarrior]

I'm not a woman (been called some things, but...another story :D), but have had both male and female instructors, and found good and bad representatives of each. :asian:

And now I see that if I'd just read some of the thread, especially qi's post just above mine, I could have just agreed. ;)

[Gin-Gin]

If you have something to teach me I want to learn from you. I check my ego at the door when I walk into the dojo.Same here! :)

[punisher73]

My first instructor was male and was VERY knowledgable and able to break something down in its technical parts to know "why" it worked etc. I also did some training with a female instructor who was also very good. One of the main things I learned from her was the importance of "technique" she was of slight build, so she HAD to do the technique the way it was meant to be to show that it worked.

I learned alot on how to let the tool do the job and not try to muscle it, I also learned A LOT of fluidity and not being so rigid in my execution. I think it helped my studies tremendously

[kenpofighter]

I think that a good instructor is pretty much a good instructor, but I generally get along with males better.

[Kacey]

I think that a good instructor is pretty much a good instructor,

Indeed!


but I generally get along with males better.

And that's why a wide variety of instructors being available is invaluable - because different people will react different ways to the same instructor; it's not the art that makes an instructor or student successful - it's the quality of the interaction between them.

[terryl965]

Male Female as long as they can teach me something that is good I am there.

[seasoned]

Male Female as long as they can teach me something that is good I am there.

Ditto, I'm all for that.

[arnisador]

Male Female as long as they can teach me something that is good I am there.

I'm not picky when it comes to learning ideas/techniques! :D

[DarkOverSoul]

o_o Whoops, didn't realize this thread was for women only. >.> Uhh, I voted it doesn't matter but you can ignore that. Haha XD

[Jade Tigress]

Men are welcome to post in this forum as well. :)

[skatatika]

Male, female... doesn't matter as long as he/she has something to teach you and knows how to do it.

[girlbug2]

It doesn't matter, knowledge is knowledge either way.

BUT.....purely from a statistical POV:

My MA is primarily SD oriented. Who's more likely to attack me with an attempted choke, man or woman? Who's more likely to grab me in a bear hug, a male or a female? Who's more likely to attempt a punch to my face...

For that reason, I'd rather train with a male, preferably bigger and stronger than me. I would have less reason to doubt that the tech would really work in a real life attack situation.

But as far as who initially teaches me the tech, it doesn't matter.

[Grendel308]

Indeed!



And that's why a wide variety of instructors being available is invaluable - because different people will react different ways to the same instructor; it's not the art that makes an instructor or student successful - it's the quality of the interaction between them.

Bravo!!!!!!!! I think you just nailed it.:bow:
lori

[DBZ]

My school has a good mix of male and female instuctors. I like having the mix. It helps us work with a wider range of students. My best instuctor is a female( thats because its my wife ;) )

[Kenpo17]

Does it really matter whether you have a male or female instructor? You are going to have a good or bad instructor whether the instructor is male, or female. I have had both male and female instructors and some male instructors are great and some female instructors are great.