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There is a topic that I’ve been hoping to discuss recently regarding my own personal experiences and those that I’ve heard about from other women. My experience at multiple gyms as well as the one where I currently train, is there is a “boys club” that exists and creates a certain barrier for women who train. I’ve only trained in the US, so that is my frame of reference for gym culture. A (male) business partner and I are hoping to open a gym in the near future. I’m hoping that this discussion will help inform the culture we create as well as improve the approach of current gyms. I’ve noticed more than one coach almost entirely ignore women who train either as beginners or experienced fighters. Men are given more attention in terms of coaching, encouragement, and feedback. I’ve also observed that women, myself included, seem to get excluded from conversations, condescended to, have borderline or blatant sexist comments directed toward them, and assumptions being make about fighting knowledge as well no matter the level of experience. Other than power level, there have only been a handful of times where experienced being treated differently in sparring. I’m not sure if that’s a common experience for other women or not. This question is addressed to other women who train. What is your experience in this regard? Have you felt that this was common in gyms where you have trained? Do you feel like it slowed down your progress with learning? How do you think the gym culture can be improved so women become more skilled? I’m asking men, respectfully, to refrain from saying things along the lines of “That doesn’t happen” or “women are being too sensitive”. You are welcome to constructively participate in the conversation and ask questions but please do not deny that other people experience things. Men, please be respectful and measured in your responses. I'm placing this here instead of in the women’s only forum because I feel it’s important for all people to read and consider these observations. It’s important for the growth of the sport and for women to have better experiences in the gym.

This with an inner circle around the owner / trainer... And new bees have difficult to come forward. Here, get also the proper education they are de facto paying for, both in their time, effort and often also good money. The phenomena is common! A generous host / owner, whom can create a warm, welcoming athmosphere, is the remedy. But its not always (seldom) the reality.... Ps. A standard way worth to try with, is to anyway work as hard and as well you can. Often enough, with time they will see you ARE a hardworker, not whining for nothing, and with time, accept you in their circle and perhaps even, their cameradeship. If they dont; you hadnt lost much anyway, because your effort will repay for yourself this way or another. Ps. I believe THIS was the way Sylvie did, when she did come to Petchungrang, a male gym... Showing she is a hardworker, she won their acceptance. In this case, as its typically a male dominated milieu, it becomes extra difficult for most females. Sorrowfully but true, this is a common experience for most women in many situations... In war and in peace. That is a heavy reason why most women kept themselves into typically female occupations, and typically female sports... It needs extra determination, and tough skin for a female to be succesfull. in a traditionally male area. Getting massive flak from many men, but sometimes also, from other women... I dont have any good advices nor easy solutions at this moment, I just want to mention it; the problems are a common experience for many females whom want to go forward in a male dominated milieu... And thus, it will help to network with other females (and sympathisers) in martial sports, as here in this forum, but also, networking with almost any other ambitious females, should give some help and mental relief.. Its almost only the so called boygirls, or tomboys, whom manage comfortably in male milieus; they are used to play and work with boys and later on males, and agree with them, "speak on equal and friendly terms"

My gym Stockade Martial Arts, is located in upstate New York, 30 minutes from my house. It is a nice small space in a row of historic buildings. The gym is co-owned by a trainer, his wife, and a current Lion Fight Pro. I am not sure of the exact number of fighters but its pretty small, maybe 10. Occasionally fighters will come down from farther upstate for a few weeks leading up to a fight to be coached and then cornered by our coaches. There are a fair amount of people coming from far and wide to train with the main trainer; their presence is not felt at every class because they often have to travel. It is all Muay Thai with the exception of BJJ Fridays and Kali Sundays. Usually there is a Thai fight playing on the telly as you come in the entryway, which not like being in Thailand but still nice. It is also indicative of the stylistic focus; this is not an American style kickboxing gym or a fitness center. The focus and admiration seems to be for Thai and international style Muay Thai. I know that's general but its based on observation and I don't want to speak for the coaches. Two days a week there is a kids' class, otherwise it is organized as follows: 1 hour bagwork at 5 (beginner's are welcome here), 1 hour padwork and technique at 6, 1 hour sparring and/or clinch at 7. Sparring is by invitation but its not horribly exclusive; its just to keep the absolute beginners out and to allow the trainers to make sure people have appropriate control. There are open mat periods as well on the weekends; the gym is open for something 7 days a week. There are two higher level pros who train at the gym on their own during the day as well as at classes (as coaches and sometimes to train). There are only two weekday Muay Thai mixed-level classes, because around here most people work during the day. One owner offers private lessons as well; he's an incredible teacher. They sell shorts and you get a glove/guard/shorts package when you sign up though I already had the gear from another gym so I don't know the type or quality. Think its Twins gloves anyway. This is my third gym offering Muay Thai and by far the best in both atmosphere and quality. Its laid back yet technical and the owners are welcoming to women to train and/or fight. I'd say the price is competitive with the local places; they want people to able to train but of course have to make a living. I have trained at one more and one less expensive place. Very good value.