Transitioning and the Martial Arts

[Gozer]

...or any physical social activity for that matter.

I've been a practicing Aikidoka for a couple of years now. As of the last few months I began my physical transition.  The estrogen and anti-androgens really haven't changed my passion for the art, I love it more each day I practice.    But I am starting to change physically. I won't say that I look "feminine", but I defiantly don't look male either. And the people I train with are starting to notice more and more.

As an activity so focused on very close physical contact, a very male dominated atmosphere, and the very real prospect of being "challenged" physically, does anyone have any comments on pursuing the art they love so much yet protecting themselves too (emotionally, more than physically)?

Unlike work, I can't train in a sweater.

[Sarah]

I had a realy great Aikido sensei.

One of the most open minded people I would ever meet. Outside my own Sangha.

Realy great person.

I was not out yet then or transistioning but I did tell him some other realy deeply personal stuff, and he was very supportive.

I think it depends on the location, the Teacher especialy and the Dojo.

If you are all family, and they are all liberal, then they should accept you.

But then again I was living in northern California.

so it's hard to say.

I think Morihi Ushiba was a wonderfoul passafict accepting man at heart and that spirit flows through the art to this day.

I don't think you would have too much trouble.

But if you explained it durring circle up in the begining of class or at the end when news or anouncements are made then I  think people would be very accepting of it.

Aikido is about acceptance of another's energy and harmonious flow.

That would seem to stand against biggotry.

My thoughts.
Sara

[tekla]

very real prospect of being "challenged" physically

I take it by 'guys' now bigger and stronger then you.... Is that not the basis of Aikido in the first place?  That the bigger they come, the harder they fall?

[funnygrl]

Hey Gozer,

I've had this same question. I have been taking Jeet Kune Do here in Phx, Az and even though I'm still in the begining stages of transition (therapy, laser / electro) and still very male looking too I wonder what to tell my instructor.

He's a great guy, but I haven't been able to bring myself yet to discuss this with him. I am his only student @ this time too. I really liked what "sarah" said in her post, and I can only hope that my instructor is as open minded as her's.

I love JKD, and I really want to continue with it even as I too change.

Look forward to coming back to this post and reading other reply's. Sorry I didn't have any advice though, but thank's for bringing up this issue.

[kalt]

Sometimes the environment will change with you, sometimes it won't.

I'm the same way, considering I'm a workout freak.  I go to a small YMCA where everyone knows everyone.  I can't really figure out if I should stay there or eventually quit going and workout on my own until I move to another city.

I know there's a lot of close minded people there.  I know there'd be a lot of stress to be like, "hey, don't call me this anymore, call me that."  Just because someone might not be accepting, doesn't make that person a bad person.

I think when it comes down to it, I'd rather leave an impression on myself in favor of all my friends there.  I'd love to keep going for years and stuff but... all in all, it doesn't seem likely I'll be able to manage that.  I like it the way things are now, if I were to cut it off then hell, I've got some great memories.  I think if it's a large studio, you should cut it off.  There's no use in putting a place that people come to to relax and get away from life into a level on discomfort, all because a few people might not like it.  A dojo can be a violent place when people don't get along.  I'd see if there's some people you can trust to tell, and tell them.  Spar with them outside, in the park, back yard, whatever.  Keep it alive in you.  If it spreads around as a rumor and people seem to be okay with it, then maybe it'll workout for you to stay.

All in all, the hormones shouldn't effect your performance too much.  You should keep your explosive power as long as you don't slack off.  I'm noticing some major decreases in power but, I'm changing my routines to make up for it and am actually coming out stronger than I was before HRT.

Oh God, I'm gonna have to come out to the SCA.  Lol, I'm NOT quitting them, but luckily they're by nature open minded already, they swing swords around and pretend to be knights and stuff>.>

[tekla]

I've done martial arts, in three forms, throughout my life.  First Judo, second, Shaolin, third, TKD, and then back to Shaolin with my original Shaolin teacher - who I still study with. 

I've never had any problems.

Master Chu, (Shaolin) always told me "no matter how you are dressed, you win, or lose."  In the end, that is the only thing that matters - the first word is 'martial' not 'arts'.

Of course Master Chu told me the three rules for fighing, which (as I've found out the hard way in each case) are pretty awesome.

1. Don't Fight.  We begin and end with running, it's for a reason.
2. There is no such thing as a fair fight.  Whatever you got, better bring it on.
3. If you put your opponent on the ground, make sure they can not get up.  I got to admit that the idea of stomping my foot into someones ribs when they are down was hard.  Got caught on that twice.  Never again.

[Sarah]

Hey Gozer,

I've had this same question. I have been taking Jeet Kune Do here in Phx, Az and even though I'm still in the begining stages of transition (therapy, laser / electro) and still very male looking too I wonder what to tell my instructor.

He's a great guy, but I haven't been able to bring myself yet to discuss this with him. I am his only student @ this time too. I really liked what "sarah" said in her post, and I can only hope that my instructor is as open minded as her's.

I love JKD, and I really want to continue with it even as I too change.

Look forward to coming back to this post and reading other reply's. Sorry I didn't have any advice though, but thank's for bringing up this issue.

What am I in quotes now?

Sorry. LOL I'm glad I could be of help 

Sara


Posted on: January 20, 2008, 08:53:07 PM

Sometimes the environment will change with you, sometimes it won't.

I'm the same way, considering I'm a workout freak.  I go to a small YMCA where everyone knows everyone.  I can't really figure out if I should stay there or eventually quit going and workout on my own until I move to another city.

I know there's a lot of close minded people there.  I know there'd be a lot of stress to be like, "hey, don't call me this anymore, call me that."  Just because someone might not be accepting, doesn't make that person a bad person.

I think when it comes down to it, I'd rather leave an impression on myself in favor of all my friends there.  I'd love to keep going for years and stuff but... all in all, it doesn't seem likely I'll be able to manage that.  I like it the way things are now, if I were to cut it off then hell, I've got some great memories.  I think if it's a large studio, you should cut it off.  There's no use in putting a place that people come to to relax and get away from life into a level on discomfort, all because a few people might not like it.  A dojo can be a violent place when people don't get along.  I'd see if there's some people you can trust to tell, and tell them.  Spar with them outside, in the park, back yard, whatever.  Keep it alive in you.  If it spreads around as a rumor and people seem to be okay with it, then maybe it'll workout for you to stay.

All in all, the hormones shouldn't effect your performance too much.  You should keep your explosive power as long as you don't slack off.  I'm noticing some major decreases in power but, I'm changing my routines to make up for it and am actually coming out stronger than I was before HRT.

Oh God, I'm gonna have to come out to the SCA.  Lol, I'm NOT quitting them, but luckily they're by nature open minded already, they swing swords around and pretend to be knights and stuff>.>

Well, Aikido Dojo's are a bit different than the other martial arts.

More of a peaceful place than a macho workout place.

Definitely an air of calm and peace is there, at least the ones I've seen.
Morihei Ueshiba had a lot to do with that. He wrote The Art of Peace along with being the founder of Aikido.
It's a lot different than a Judo or Karate dojo.
More of  a peaceful place of Meditation than a fight training center.

Sara