I wanted to share with you a strong belief.  I can relate to uphill battles but not to the gender issue.  God created us men and women equally.  To all men who are reading this blog, you are blessed to be men and to all women you are blessed to be women as well.

Every since I was young, I loved watching all sports from hockey to Australian football, from gymnastics to synchronized swimming.  Every sport is beautiful to watch and more excilerating to play.  I met synchronized swimmers at the World Aquatic championships and I was in awe of their athleticism. 

When it comes to martial arts, I see men and women the same, athletes.  I am quite irritated with the macho attitude where men think and act like they are bigger.  In martial arts, it is not how big you are physically but how big you are mentally.  In our martial art school, we all come to learn. 

I have participated in hundreds of aerobic classes and many times I was the only guy.  In fact, it was an honour being the only guy but at the same time I felt very comfortable surrounded by other fitness enthusiasts wishing to improve.  A lot of ladies made me feel comfortable and encouraged me. I remember I was teased or bumped into but I loved how I was welcomed as a family member. 

Having this mind, I come now in the martial arts world.  I don't consider martial arts as a men sport.  In fact, all sports are for everyone.  Some sports may appeal for one more than others.  I do find women are more complete in martial arts then men.  I have seen at the gym that a lot of guys work mostly on upper body strength but women workout on everything with cardio and flexibility.  The more complete you are, the more potential you have.

I really despise men arrogance.  I have seen it, heard it.  I had male instructors who had the old male chauvinist attitude.  I sparred with women and it was a different challenge and I enjoy it.  I really got frustrated when I hear men talk indecent behaviour towards women.  I also had an instructor telling me not to hit hard on a red belt woman, heck I was yellow.  I fight depending on belt level and not on gender. 

On the other hand,  I have seen my share of women flirting in martial arts.  I have seen women wear thong in tkd class.  The tkd wgite pants are quite see through.  I also do not like it when women play the victim or weak.  Just because you are a woman, it does not make you weak.  As a white belt, you start low and you build your strength even past black belts.

I love learning from the best.  There are many talented and skilled martial artists.  I am really proud and love all black belts.  You never have enough role models and people to look up to.  I enjoy seeing people's progress and success especially if it was not easy.  It is amazing to see the transformation from white to black belt for men and women.