I cannot belive I am writing on sparring again but it has been much on my mind lately. I am trying to get to that place where I can test for black belt. I am going to the gym a few times a week plus taking my sparring class. It is much harder now than it used to be I am older and yes heavier. But the basics have not changed. I still believe that every woman should study a martial art. I still get a rush from sparring. It is not about if I beat another person it is about how I am improving. I get to see the good that comes from working out regulary. My blood pressure is down, my cholesterol is down, and my attitude is up. I look forward to going to the gym and challenging myself. My friends look forward to a day off to sleep in. I look forward to gearing up and stepping into that imaginary circle. We do not have a ring we are not MMA fighters. Our style is not for everyone but that is ok there is truly a style for everyone and for every fitness level. We are not living in a nice age or a perfect place. Women are at risk constantly, every eight seconds a woman is murdered, every four seconds a woman is raped. Usually by someone they know. Woman hesitate to fight back it is not womanly it is not lady like. Well I for one would rather be safe than considered lady like. Yes I am a Christian and no I will not be a victim. I will defend myself knowing that a strong body, with trained responses to attack are my best defense. Does this bother some people, well only guys that don;t want to take no for an answer are bothered by it. Ususally they are the ones standing across the street calling me unwomanly or unladylike. Usually after they were verbally warned to keep thier hands to themselves because I would and could defend myself. Ladies do not wait until you are facing a bully who wants bragging rights over your body - learn to defend yourself before it is too late. You have the right to say no and expect to have your wishes respected but are you expecting others to enforce your rights? Who stands up for you when your by yourself and someone comes at you?