Why Have a ‘Girls’ Class?
As a shy eight year-old who loved the idea of joining karate, I had mixed feelings of excitement and confliction. There seemed to be an overwhelming number of students, and even more pressure from the combined class, that I felt even more like an outsider. However, with the gentle encouragement from female black belts whom I still admire to this day, I finally joined my first girls-only class and began my martial arts journey. I vividly remember every one of my peers and the positive energy that radiated through the class. Even though the thought of karate seemed intimidating at first, I knew I wanted to be just like them.
It’s safe to say that a girls-only class is the reason I grew to be the martial artist I am today.
For young girls like me, this class was safe, welcoming, and filled with comradery to the core. I felt comfortable asking any question I had as well as actively participating with the class - even more so than I did in school! It wasn’t nearly as intimidating as the co-ed classes seemed, and it soon became the highlight of my week. That positive and powerful environment is the reason I fell in love with the art and I felt encouraged to dive into more of the classes and programs that the dojo had to offer. By pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I was able to grow up, shape myself, and become the role model I once looked up to in those classes.
It’s not just a fluke that girls thrive in the environment of an all-female class. A 2018 study from the University of Essex shows a comparison between single-gender vs. co-ed classes that females exhibit a statistically significant increase in performance in a single-gender class. Female students had a 57% higher graduation rate if they had been in a single-gender class during their first year of study, and 61% more likely to earn a top-ranked degree. (Booth, A.)
This study- along with our own experiences- shows that the environment of an all female class generates a sense of empowerment from both peers and instructors. Whether it be encouraging words, or the excitement of seeing someone just like them in a leadership role, it all feeds into the students’ experience. The result of this positive reinforcement comes increased attendance, higher participation, and the development of even more leaders within our school.
Classes like these are more important than ever. With the #MeToo movement, we’re seeing more of a need for women to support one another and come together as a unified driving force. We need to break the cycle of inequality and build confidence in girls from a young age. Young women must be taught that their body is their own and theirs to control: and that they have the power within them to grow to be leaders even beyond the dojo! In addition, our female students have the opportunity to prioritize the material that we feel is important to us and relevant to the encounters we have faced, and could realistically face in the future.
Tomoe Gozen, the namesake of our IMAS class, was a warrior of Japanese legend. It only seems fitting that, as we gather inspiration and strength from her and from each other, that we channel this warrior’s mindset while we lead our students in this male-dominated art and world. For that reason, this class is open to all ages and all ranks, so we can all inspire and learn from one another.
I hold fond memories from the early days of my Kenpo journey; gathering in the long dojo, lined up side-by-side with other girls and young women, learning and growing together as martial artists. We had the opportunity every Saturday morning to work with the female black belts we aspired to be, and we built up a community within our school. I hope that, one day, through our monthly classes and the growth of the IMAS, Tomoe Gozen Class can grow to fill the shoes that IKS Girls’ Class once did and impact the next generation of leaders.
Written by Hannah St. George
