Can I Take Self-Defense Classes Only With Other Women?
As a woman, taking self-defense classes with men can be a little intimidating (although it really shouldn’t be). The truth is that classes with a lot of men are probably safer than classes with a lot of women, since men typically have more control in their movements and techniques. Nonetheless, if you would still like to practice self-defense with only other women then you can do just that.
Do “All Women’s” Classes Cost More Than Regular Classes?
No, they don’t cost more. The average monthly cost for a quality BJJ membership in the United States is about $120. This can be slightly more or less depending on your geographic location and who your instructors are. But no, you’ll never need to worry about paying more for practicing with women only.
How Often Are Self-Defense Classes Only With Other Women Available?
The majority of self-defense gyms work like this: they’ll have their regular schedule, in which everyone can attend (including women), and then they’ll have their “women’s only” schedule. The actual times for these individual classes will vary from gym to gym of course.
Why Do Some Women Prefer to Only Practice Self-Defense Classes Only With Other Women?
There are a number of reasons for why some women prefer to practice only with other women. The first and most common reason is intimidation: they don’t want to grapple against bigger and stronger men. And this is totally understandable. But it’s important to note that grappling with men isn’t dangerous – if anything they can control their movements much more effectively which lessens the chances of an injury.
Some women are perfectly fine grappling with men. However, it might be a spouse, relative, or friend who insists otherwise. So while you may want to practice in regular Jiu-Jitsu classes, your husband may not. Are women’s classes easier than regular classes? While they might be a little easier in terms of aggressiveness, you’ll basically be learning all of the same techniques and self-defense strategies.
Conclusion
As a woman, it’s very important that you learn how to defend yourself. This is especially true if you live in an area that is well known for robberies or sexual assaults. Even if you end up never using the techniques that you learned, it’s still always better to be safe rather than sorry. And if you feel uncomfortable practicing with men, know that you can always practice in women’s only classes for the same rate.