As we get older we often see our age as a barrier to accessing a new sport. In addition, there is also a chasm of misconceptions to bridge around karate, which can diminish women’s confidence to give it a go.  So let’s tear down those barriers and look at 3 reasons why all women should be learning karate, irrespective of their age! 1. PRACTICAL, SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE SELF DEFENCE

Learning a martial art, like karate, teaches us a skill unlike any other sport – how to fight back. Nobody should ever need to defend themselves, but sadly that’s not the world we live in and violence against women is still prevalent. Learning self defence is an empowering experience and can boost confidence in dealing with situations which are difficult, uncomfortable or threatening. That confidence and other softer skills developed, such as awareness, focus and the ability to read body language, can aid in spotting and de-escalating potentially dangerous situations before they develop into physical violence. Should the worst happen and you have to defend yourself physically, karate teaches you how to move, how to be powerful and how to use your body to kick, strike, block, punch and throw effectively. Through good modern coaching, all of these techniques are developed over time, safely and progressively building skills at your own pace. 2. KARATE HELPS BUILD PHYSICAL & MENTAL SKILLS WHICH ARE BENEFICIAL TO MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH AS WE AGE

I remember turning 40 and feeling like everything got harder. Aches and pains seemed to take longer to shake off and once peri-menopause got hold and hot flushes, eratic bleeding and many other symptoms kicked in I really started to struggle. I also have ME and fibromyalgia, conditions more prevalent among women, so I understand that for many women battling these and other health conditions, the prospect of taking up a new sport can seem too much. However, the benefits can really help! It is a well known fact that exercise is good for our physical and mental health, but there is often an assumption that you need to be fit to take part in exercise, particularly something like karate. This is simply not true. Due to the way classes are taught, you can work at your own pace and ability level, whilst enjoying the social elements of group exercise training and the associated benefits of the activity. From my own experience I know the benefits of karate and how much it has helped me to maintain critical physical skills such as balance, flexibility, co-ordination and strength as I age. Becoming engrossed in the class is great for clearing my head of the daily stressers in life and helps to build a calm but sharp mental focus and a keen awareness of my body and mind. 3. KARATE IS SOCIAL, FUN & ENJOYABLE FOR WOMEN

When it comes to karate it is important to ditch the sterotype, not all karate clubs are like Cobrai Kai! Selecting a club specifically for women can be really helpful when looking for the right place to give it a go, (for more help on finding the right club check out my blog titled “Top 6 things to consider when choosing a martial arts club”). Certainly when it comes to my own classes, picture women supporting women, taking things at your own pace, co-operative group training and learning, wearing whatever you’re comfortable in, 80’s music playing in the background (a sign of my age no doubt 😆) and, most importantly, a welcoming, friendly and safe space for all. A far cry from Cobra Kai! To wrap up, please don’t believe you’re too old or unfit to take up karate. Most of the time, the  only thing stopping us is our own assumptions and lack of confidence, so go and give it a go and start reaping the rewards!