Does MA practice make you beautiful?

[Dagney Taggert]

I have a laundry list of reasons that I practice Jiu Jitsu, but since this is the women's forum, I'll talk about the "female" ness reason. Gentlemen, if you are reading this, mind the acetone fumes.

I went through a sort of femi-nazi stage in my early 20's, I didn't need anyone to open the door for me, didn't need to be picked up for a proper date, etc etc. Because, darn it, I was a strong woman and didn't need any of that crap. Silly me however, I couldn't even run a mile, and I had scrawny arms. Not the picture of a strong woman.

Long story short, as part of a self-initiated readjustment, I started BJJ three years ago, and I now feel like I have come full circle to living the art of being a woman. The grittyness of the mat yields out of the gut, a clear mind and a strong body, and each time I roll, whether I had a good class or I rolled crummy that day, the clarity deepens and the strength becomes more beautiful. I can run far and hike tall mountains, and then preen delicately for martinis, fine food, great music, and the other great riches in life.

Now, I am a woman.

[Dagney Taggert]

So my question to you ladies, do you feel MA has cut a unique facet in your soul? And I don't mean to ask, if you feel "empowered" or some other cliche'. I mean, do you think MA has deepened your feminine side to the point that "empowered female" is simply redundant?

Dagney

[CuongNhuka]

It seems only a guy will reply, sorry! However I, personnally, I like a girl with some muscle... If that helps any.

[Live True]

I consider myself to still be a newbie, but I do belive Uechi has provided me with a stability and confidence that was weaker before. I also feel like I am working toward better physical health (which I firmly believe is part of why I was recently able to become pregnant). So, yes, I'd have to agree it has strengthened my feminine by allowing me to be more myself.

As for my fellow karateka in my group, I find them all to be strong minded, lovley women with a variety of body types, but all exuberant about life and confident in thier way forward.

Confidence and knowledge of one's body shows....and it's sexy!

[kicksindabank]

Now that is a good question. Of course MA make your beautiful! I mean not only can you sexy, but you can kick butt at the same time! How beautiful

[Fiendlover]

So my question to you ladies, do you feel MA has cut a unique facet in your soul? And I don't mean to ask, if you feel "empowered" or some other cliche'. I mean, do you think MA has deepened your feminine side to the point that "empowered female" is simply redundant?

Dagney

very much so. i was like you, still kinda am and when i joined karate it changed me, made me better and i felt better about being a woman and i continue to feel that way every time i practice or go to class or even when im not at the dojo.

[Ceicei]

Yes. I like how I became because of what martial arts do for me. Actually, I liked myself just as well before.... What martial arts do for me was to strengthen the sense of who I am in letting me express my joy of my physical self. It allows me to delve into the mental and spiritual exploration. The martial arts led me to face my fears eyeball to eyeball and grab the bull's horns in overcoming them. I enjoy the physical, mental, psychological, and spiritual challenges before me.

I was beautiful before, I'm more beautiful now. I like who I am more and enjoy what I'm becoming.

- Ceicei

[JustAVisitor]

The health and self-esteem brought by MA practice 'beautifies' everyone. You feel better, you look better.

[harlan]

Answer: No.

Not completely sure of the original question...does MA make one more beautiful...or more female. Either way, I don't buy into those social constructs, anymore than I accept the pejorative (usually male) that a strong woman is a 'fem-nazi'.

I hope MA practice brings out the best in me...gender aside.

[tellner]

Does MA make women beautiful?

That depends on other people's standard of beauty.

For me the answer is "Yes, and if you're married do you have a sister who likes martial arts and frogs?" I happen to be turned on by strong, graceful confident women.
[Thank goodness my wife doesn't read martial talk :wink1:]

Not everyone is. The ones who like 'em childlike and submissive will be turned off by it.

The correct answer is "C - Who cares?" Do it because it's something you enjoy that serves your own agenda. Don't worry about how it makes you conform to some hypothetical stranger's standards.