Women in Martial Arts Victoria

A Woman's Guide to Choosing a Martial Art

Equity, participation and development of women in the martial arts

Home

Choosing a
martial art

Membership

Some points you should consider when choosing which martial art to try, and selecting a club or school from which to learn.

• The easiest way is to attend a WinMA 'TRY OUT' or 'OPEN DAY' workshop to gain an insight into the variety of martial art disciplines available and which art you would like to start. Then choose a school or club where a WinMA member practices, the WinMA member can give you information, support and encouragement.

• Gather information about clubs and schools in your local area by contacting WinMA, the Women's Information Referral Exchange (WIRE - Victoria) Phone: 9654-6844 or 008-136-570, local council, papers, Yellow Pages etc. Ring the instructor and find out the years of experience and qualifications of the instructor/s, if they have First Aid and coaching or other such training. Enquire if the instructor has personal accident insurance available to students.

• Also ask if there are beginner or introductory classes, or more particularly 'women only' classes (we are not referring to self defence classes - that is something different); what costs are involved, is the first class free; ask how many women practice regularly; if there are any women instructors, and if so when do they teach.

• Visit a training session, you should not be bullied into joining in the class if you do not want to, but if it feels OK be prepared by wearing loose clothing which covers your knees and elbows. Do not sign a membership, pay monies in advance or buy special clothing until you are sure you want to continue. If you are watching or participating in the class note how many women are in the class and at what level they are. Is the place of practice clean and safe to train in ie. is the floor or mats and equipment used in good order, are there seperate change rooms etc. Is the class taught in an attentive and caring/safe manner, does the instructor attempt to assist all participants in the class.

• If you start training regularly join the Women in Martial Arts Assoc. (Victoria) for ongoing support and other activities such as camps, workshops etc.

• We recommend that you contact WinMA or WIRE for information about choosing a Women's Self Defence Course. (See WinMA 'Guide to Selecting a Women's Self Defence Course' contact us for this brochure)

Avoid clubs/schools if:
• there are no women training and if you feel uncomfortable and/or unsafe.
• there is not an equal representation of women at different grade levels, for example be suspicious if all the women are at a low grade with few, or no women at the higher grades.
• the instructor/s has inappropriate behaviour, makes offensive comments, or does not appear to give equal and quality attention to the women in their class.