Why More Women Are Choosing Combat Sports
Martial arts and combat sports have existed for centuries. Whether ancient martial arts such as karate or modern forms such as sambo, combat sports are traditionally associated with men. The physical and mental pursuits of combat sports are widely considered to be more fit for men. However, the view has been changing recently as more and more women are choosing combat sports.
In reality, women have been involved in martial arts for a long time. Despite facing resistance from male-dominated systems, they managed to break the barrier and stereotypes, making combat sports their own.
Not Masculine Only
For a long time, combat sports and martial arts were dominated by men. Even if there were tournaments for women only, male tournaments got the most attention. But times are changing for the better, and women have finally gotten the recognition they deserve in combat sports.
This didn’t happen overnight and without a reason. Reasons, to be more precise. If you check combat sports bookies, you’ll see many female fights on the top cards. Bettors love wagering on these fights as they often have better odds than male combat sports. Since it’s still a new thing, bookies feature female combat sports odds on their front pages, hoping to attract a new generation—and sex—of bettors.
It’s not just the betting PR. As we mentioned, there are plenty of reasons why women are choosing combat sports, and empowerment is just a fraction of it all.
Women Empowerment
For those unfamiliar with the term, women’s empowerment is a woman’s ability to make important life decisions that have previously been impossible. Think back a few decades, and there were just a handful of women fighting in top combat sports competitions. Fast-forward to today, and women’s fights in combat sports get as much attention as men’s fights.
Women have realized that nothing and no one can stop them from getting what they want. The stereotype has already been broken. The increased visibility of women in combat sports—thanks to media and betting sites—has helped challenge stereotypes and show what women are capable of. They’ve empowered many women to follow their dreams and show that they’re not the weaker sex.
Self-Defence and Confidence
Women are traditionally thought of as the gentler sex. Over the years, they’ve been thought of as fragile, which certainly wasn’t the case. With combat sports, women have gained skill sets and tools that help them defend themselves. This results in increased self-esteem, a sense of empowerment, and confidence off the charts.
Thanks to combat sports, they can finally stand up for themselves. Watching champions such as Valentina Shevchenko go through adversity to defend her title inspires women to follow their dreams.
Physical and Mental Benefits
Combat sports training has a variety of physical and mental benefits. It helps women stay in shape, improves their flexibility, strength, and coordination. It goes even beyond physical benefits, offering numerous mental benefits such as mindfulness practices, increased awareness, and sharper focus.
By practicing combat sports, women improve their physical and mental shape. It gives them focus which translates to many life situations, so the physical and mental benefits are among the top things women gain from combat sports.
A Sense of Belonging
By being in a group of similarly minded fighters, women in combat sports gain a sense of belonging. Many of them have been unable to find their place in the world. Combat sports can nurture that feeling with welcoming and supportive groups. The camaraderie boosts the mental acuity of all the women in the group, helping them feel like they belong there.
Variety of Options
Women can choose from a number of contact sports nowadays. There’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, karate, or the massively popular MMA (mixed martial arts). The variety of options allows women to find disciplines that suit their interests and goals.
Most will go for MMA, trying to secure a deal for the UFC. Of course, security such as a deal is pretty far and doesn’t come easily. What it comes with is recognition and global popularity, as well as millions in prizes for the best fighters. But hey, who can stand in the way of your dreams?
Increased Awareness
One of the reasons why combat sports has become so popular with women is increased awareness. Media coverage and online platforms have contributed to women’s participation in combat sports. In short, they encourage more women to get involved and achieve their dreams.
Media platforms have plenty of fighting news that involves women, often leaning to put them on the home page. Others read the news and get inspired, often turning a new page in their lives.
Practicality and Effectiveness
Women in combat sports don’t just know how to fight. Those self-defence lessons can come in handy in real-life situations. They’re effective and practical, allowing women to defend themselves. Many believe that this gives them an equal standing in society.
An Excellent Training Alternative
Not all women are built the same and prefer the same level and type of training. One thing’s for sure – every woman in the world dreams of getting into shape. If the gym is not an option, as you prefer something different, combat sports can provide everything you need.
It’s a challenging and engaging technique that can shape and tone your body, maybe even better than gym equipment.
A Healthy and Engaging Hobby
Combat sports is more than just fighting. For women, it opens the door to equality and offers physical, mental, and many other positive benefits. Even if you’re not that competitive, learning a combat sport may become a healthy and engaging hobby that you’ll fall in love with.
It burns calories, helps women learn important self-defence techniques, and has a massive and positive influence in their lives. Thousands of women have already taken up classes, which offer opportunities for personal growth in the best possible way.
With so many options to choose from, every woman should explore combat sports. There’s something for everyone in store, ranging from karate and light contact sports to heavy hitters such as MMA. Whatever you want, you can easily sign up for classes and get started.
