Krav Maga and a Small, Reserved Redhead

I've never stuck with anything physical. No sports. No instruments. No dancing or singing. I've dabbled in all of those things but I've lived the majority of my life in my head. The first word that everyone who knows me would use to describe me is some variation of the word "cerebral." But, my journey into becoming a full person - intangible and tangible, psyche and body - began four years ago. (Well, the ground work was laid when I became a mother, but I'll talk about that and the ferocity that is birthed with one's child in future posts.) Due to various life rocking events and providence, I was exposed to Krav Maga. But, backing up a bit, despite barely living in my body, preferring my mind, I have always loved fighting movies - war, spies, superheros, especially martial arts. Anything where there's a fight between good and evil. I remember in high school I used to watch the fight scenes in The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon over and over and over. I had always wanted to do a martial art, but bluntly, I was too shy to try. Then, finally, it was time. I had already birthed two children unmedicated (talk about pain and endurance). I had been pushed to the breaking point emotionally (nothing could shake me prior). I was a successful professional. I just didn't care what anyone else thought anymore. So, I joined Krav. Four years and one Brown belt later, I'm not going anywhere. I've connected with my body. I've been pushed to the edge physically and psychologically and made it through. I've found a healthy outlet for long buried and new deep emotions. I have a camraderie with my training mates that only comes through shared pain and passion. I have beyond-competent instructors who want me to become better and stronger as a whole person. It's been wonderful, but as this blog highlights, there are some special considerations in my journey. As Holly pointed out in her first post, martial arts is a man's world. My first two instructors were men (one still is my main instructor). And they were and are nothing but fantastic. I've never felt belittled or minimized by any of them. For this, I'm so grateful. However, they're still guys. They're big and strong and I'm little. I'm barely 5'2", 115lbs (sometimes up to 120, when I'm strength training or storing winter fat...It gets cold here and has nothing to do with eating donuts... ;) ). Krav Maga is made for all shapes and sizes but it took me a long time to figure out that how some of the techniques are executed isn't exactly the most effective for me. Then I had to get the courage to question my instructor and ask for a variation. It's been a learning process for both of us, I think. He's been so willing to think of tailored solutions for me and often even gives me tips before I have to ask. I'm excited to share more of my story and hope that it will inspire others, regardless of and in special consideration of sex and size, to train in martial arts. There are few greater feelings than knowing that you are mentally tough enough and physically capable of keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. Kida! (Hebrew for "bow")