In the past, combat sports were predominantly male-dominated, but there has been a notable increase in female participation in recent years, with more women enrolling in martial arts and self-defence classes. According to the French government, there has been an 11% rise in martial arts licences and a 51% surge in combat sports licences among women from 2012 to 2017.
This trend is particularly prominent in Lyon, France, where Renouveau Boxe offers boxing training to women who have been victims of domestic violence. One participant shared, “This training allows us to regain self-confidence and to see ourselves as people. What it shows us is that we’re not alone in this situation.”
Psychotraumatology psychologist Julie Francols explained how developing self-defence skills can assist women in regaining autonomy and control over their environment, preventing them from being at the mercy of someone. She emphasized that through training, women can experience a transformation in how they exist in the world.
However, former boxing champion Christy Martin, a survivor of domestic violence, cautioned that physical self-defence techniques may not always be effective in real-life violent situations. She stressed the importance of not creating a false sense of invincibility and highlighted the emotional and mental strength that combat sports instilled in her.
Julie Junquet, a consultant on issues of sexual and sexist violence, expressed concerns about the guilt-inducing message that women might internalize if they are unable to reproduce the self-defence techniques they’ve learned. She also cautioned against triggering dangerous mechanisms in the brain when placing oneself in a situation of potential assault.
It is important to acknowledge that the purpose of self-defence training extends beyond physical techniques. While learning how to defend oneself is valuable, the confidence and mental strength gained from combat sports can be equally, if not more, important in facing real-life threats.
As more women engage in combat sports, it is crucial to address the societal messages surrounding self-defence and violence prevention. Instead of placing the burden on individuals to learn how to defend themselves, efforts should focus on preventing assault and creating a safer environment for everyone.
In conclusion, while combat sports and self-defence training have their merits, it is essential to approach the issue of violence against women from a holistic perspective. By combining physical skills with mental resilience and addressing societal attitudes, we can strive to create a safer world for women everywhere.