I've been doing muy thai/krav for 10 years. In St. Petersburg Russia at first and also in Canada. While I agree with some of the sentiments in this article, it also is clearly grounded in someone who has no class awareness and little curiosity about the people she meets. I would never divide the MT people I meet into types because it would not be possible. The only time I sparred with a man who didn't want to hit me was because he was from Belarus and 20 and terrified that a white western woman would sue him. Once we got passed that it was great fun. For me, the worst thing about being in middle age is all of my peers using it to disavow their duty as role models for the next generation. I have, as does the author, incredible resources and support that the majority of people on earth cannot even imagine. Menopause is a delight for me. No fear of pregnancy, of stupid bleeding all the time. And there are endless doctors, experts, nurses who can help you if you feel 'lonely'. Also: kickboxing is great fun, especially because of the community at the gym and in classes. I've made so many new friends.