Question for female grapplers?

Question

I've noticed in training judo & jujitsu, there are many more men than women; a woman friend of mine said this is because women are less comfortable with all the close contact

I would certainly want women to feel comfortable coming to train, but I often wonder how best to approach a begginer when rolling with her

would it be best to go extra light, or to go the same as I would a man

for the record, I'm a relatively small guy (165lbs) who tries to focus on technique over power, but I'm well aware of how miserable it can be getting squashed by someone bigger than you, and not everyone likes it

(Of course I realize there are plenty of women out there who could kick my tail, but my guess is they would have enough experience training I wouldn't have to worry about this particular problem)

Answer 1

I have been training in Judo for two years now and I am the only female in my class. Size matters  but so does technique and speed. I am smaller but far more flexible and quick. When I am fighting ne waza I usually go for a choke or   an arm bar. I am actually getting pretty good. Learning ukemi's is usually what deters most people in general from sticking it out. I threw a guy in Kata Guruma the other night in randori and he weighed about 190 and I weigh 110. I did modify it by going to the knee.  Just start out slow and focus on technique. If they truly enjoy it they will work around the size issue. I fight in tournaments and most clubs only have one or two women at best.

Answer 2

they're not supposed to like it. ...let's face it...if they are going to get raped...it isnt going to be by a 115 pound girl....its going to be a much bigger, stronger, angrier, smellier guy.

i understand their hesitation, but realistically they need to know how it feels to be squashed...or keep from being squashed.

just tell them before hand...you're going to be in very uncomfortable places. your head will be stuck in places you'd rather it not. its gonna hurt, and youll be sore, and these guys are sweaty. tell her (and warn the guys) that any "odd" contact is unintentional and is not sexual in nature. and if it is...she sould tell you right away, and you will put a stop to it immediately.

tell the guys to take it easy at first so she can get accustomed to the idea of rolling.

or at first just let her do the techniques on you...rather than "rolling"

Answer 3

2 good answers to your question so far.

I have been playing judo since 1970. There were also few female then as there is now.

I was trained by a male and almaost always am the only female. I have felt misdemeanors and have taken care of them by direct confrontation but, that if who I am.

It is hard to give a direct answer but I can say our sport is one of close personal contact. That being said, in it purest form the beginning female can be introduced to the grappling techniques without the feeling of invasion. In introducing them to the sport it is imperative that the Sensei verbally relate that this is close contact and if ever they feel uncomfortable they decline to participate and discuss this with the Sensei or other judoka they feel comfortable with...

The whole group must be aware of all that is happening in the Dojo and if one were to see's something out of the norm they should address the issue.

Let's face it, in this day and age we are so scared that someone is taking advantage that we are not able to just enjoy the sport.

I do not have the answers to this. I struggle to keep females in the sport by way of female only workouts and discussions, Fight Like a Girl Camps, All Women's Championship etc.

There have been and probably always will be the odd ball that will take advantage of situations and they stand out. We should all be on the lookout and nip it if it happens. No matter whom they are what rank they are.

JM2CW