Aikido and the fairer sex

Aikido and the fairer sex Carol Stokoe an exellent martial art for women we would like some input from you ladies out there regarding your Aikido, what it means to you and how can this art benifit the woman of today Carol Dean Stokoe 1st Dan CUA founder member Aikido for Women Very little has been said about this aspect of aikido. There is,however,most certainly a place for women in the art. In most clubs there is no separation of the sexes, either in practice or in grading standards. there is no age limit and both young and old may safely participate because of the non –aggressive philosophy involved. Expertise is judged on technical ability, not strength. Where gracefulness of movement, and technical expertise are most valuable, women certainly hold their own. Mixed practice is also doubly beneficial. It teaches a woman to overcome a physically stronger person by sheer movement This sheer effectiveness of this art for women is the fact that this skill can be acquired without muscle power or loss of any gracefulness. jgs 2004 march