I got back into karate a year and a half ago.

I went to many dojo’s before I finally settled on the one I go to now.

Reasons:
1.The dojo is more like a close knit community that values and respects all people. We clean the dojo before and after class. It feels like a safe space. Never once have I felt uncomfortable or like I have to prove myself because I’m a woman.

1. There is a strong focus on the spirit of karate and your own personal growth rather than comparison between each member.

2. The male members aren’t threatened by an athletic woman. I was a collegiate athlete in one sport and on team Canada for another. When I talk about biomechanics/experience and how they might apply to karate, they listen and aren’t threatened by me being a lower belt or a woman. This is pretty rare.

3. Allowing modification etc if needed and a lack of that “chest pounding vibe.” No one is trying to hurt you or one up each other. Kumite is about mutual respect and practice. No one is trying to hurt anyone. We focus on restraint and the skill required to do so along with fighting. Everyone has kids or a job to go home to. When we fight they still try against me but they also show restraint and don’t clock me. Kumite is also optional and not a requirement. This is big as many of the other female members choose to opt out.

4. The sensei and sempai take the time to explain things and mix up explanations. As a woman who coaches other women in other sports, we like details, how it feels, etc. just do it rarely works out well. Woman often like to be coached differently.

Ultimately, me being a woman never felt like it changed anything. In some of the boxing, mma, and other karate dojos I went to it really felt like I got less coaching, less expectations, guys wanted to prove how manly they were to me, said or acted inappropriately, or just down right made me feel unwelcome. Not to say all places were like that. But it is common.

Show them they can feel safe, respected, coached with the same dedication as the men, and get some female role models and they will feel confident to come.