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Women in the World of Martial Arts - Carly's story

In recent years the number of women taking part in Martial Arts has rapidly increased. Not only are women now training, but competing at a national and international level. They're up there with the best of them and can stand toe to toe with some of the greatest male fighters on the circuit.

I became involved in martial arts at a very early age. Being brought up on a "rough" local housing estate, my parents were very eager to enrol me at a local martial arts class. The aim was to help me develop the skills and confidence to protect myself. As with all children, the potential dangers were everywhere.

The dangers soon became apparent to my Mum on the very first day she allowed me out to play, unsupervised, with my older sister. We were at a local park which backed onto some woodland. Kids being kids, we thought it would be safe to explore. However, this was not the case and for reasons still unknown to me, we were chased by a strange man who grabbed hold of me. I somehow managed to break free and run home, traumatised by the whole experience. This is one of the first and probably the scariest memory's I have. It was definitely my 'fight or flight' moment.

Shortly after this I enrolled in an Aikido class. I learnt a great deal about the spiritual side of martial arts (like meditation) and how to use my body effectively against someone of greater strength. The art consists of striking; body throw's and joint locking techniques. As an art it is known for its fluidity, using the opponents force against them, rather than relying on your own brute force.

I loved Aikido. I must have trained here for a couple of years, but sadly, my instructor became quite ill and the class had to close.

A short while after, I discovered Shotokan Karate, one of the world's leading karate styles. The traditional aspect really appealed to me and I gained a black belt and taught alongside my Sensei, Mark Berbeck (4th Dan), who was a very inspirational instructor. This is where my passion and respect for martial arts really developed.

Whilst training here, I developed self discipline and gained a hard working ethos that has kept with me through my years as a martial artist. My personal view is that you should throw every punch, perform ever tequnique as if your life depended on it. One day, this may be true.

I found that Shotokan tends to be very rigid, so after nine years of training I felt the need to step up a gear and learn to be a better fighter. I experimented with Kickboxing and Thai Boxing classes which helped me a great deal. I started to analyse my own strengths and weaknesses and was particularly impressed with the tremendous power that could be delivered from round kicks, hook punches etc.

A couple of years after practising Kickboxing and Thai Boxing I met Darren Norris, founder of Hybrid Mixed Martial Arts and one of the most talented and inspirational martial artists I have ever met (and I'm not just saying that!). The thing I like the most about mixed martial arts is that I am able to practise everything I have learnt and loved, and combine it into mixed martial arts. I have been training with Darren for over a year now and my future will definitely be at The Hybrid Mixed Martial Arts School in Plymouth.

Every woman out there has the responsibility to protect themselves. 1 in 5 of us would have been sexually assaulted at some point in our lives, many of us fall victim to Domestic Violence, Bullying at work and face dangers when we are out on an evening. Don't be a victim do something about it. Come by and have a chat with me or Darren, get an insight to what we are about. We will give you the tools and knowledge to protect yourself. You'll get a great body and you can bring the family along and all get super fit.

Remember every journey has a beginning! You can be any age, fitness, flexibility or level. We'll get you fighting fit in no time!

That's my martial arts journey so far. However, it's only the beginning. I plan to continue to add to my skills and develop myself further.

I would like to conclude by saying martial arts have truly had a huge and positive effect on my life. I would recommend that everyone explore this fascinating field and begin there own journey.

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