Are Combat Sports The New Tasers?
In a society where people still believe in male supremacy and misogynistic values, females have constantly been looking for ways to protect themselves on the streets, and with tasers being considered as a melee weapon and being criminalised, some women have found solace in combat sports such as kickboxing.
Let me introduce one of these women to you; meet Farida Maged King. She's a 19 years old college student who is obsessed with martial arts! She started practising kickboxing and boxing in 9th grade, these sports being male-dominant worldwide has motivated her to, quote, "check out what males can do in this sport that females cannot.
Farida has stopped practising kickboxing professionally nearly a year ago, however, she teaches kickboxing for beginners at UFC gym and still does her kickboxing and boxing workouts. After she's done with her workout, she says that she feels so satisfied because it engages one's whole body. "Kickboxing is an excellent option for toning your body. You can see the difference within weeks!"
When asked whether or not she feels safer going out now as a kickboxer who can defend herself, Farida agreed, saying that 5 years as a kickboxer surely gave her the confidence to face any situation where she needs to protect herself head-on.
Nevertheless, due to Egypt's firm belief in gender roles, Farida's love for the sport is not met with as much praise as it should. "In Egypt, female kick-boxers, or even those practising any martial art, are thought of as non-feminine or vulgar, which is obviously not the case," she noted.
From her personal experience, Farida has also noticed that people, especially males, tend to view her differently after learning that she's a kickboxer. Although some have encouraged her on her journey, some people still seem hesitant, saying stuff like, “oh, kickboxing! that’s amazing! But... isn’t it too harsh for you?” or “because of the sport you’re playing you definitely hate men haha.” Which Farida responds to with, "I really don’t know what the relation between practising kickboxing and hating men is. I really wish that one day I’ll figure it out lol."
At the end of our interview, we asked Farida to give a few words to females who are considering taking up kickboxing and she said,
Let me introduce one of these women to you; meet Farida Maged King. She's a 19 years old college student who is obsessed with martial arts! She started practising kickboxing and boxing in 9th grade, these sports being male-dominant worldwide has motivated her to, quote, "check out what males can do in this sport that females cannot.
little did I know that I’ll fall in love with it ❤."
Farida has stopped practising kickboxing professionally nearly a year ago, however, she teaches kickboxing for beginners at UFC gym and still does her kickboxing and boxing workouts. After she's done with her workout, she says that she feels so satisfied because it engages one's whole body. "Kickboxing is an excellent option for toning your body. You can see the difference within weeks!"
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| a picture from one of Farida's classes. |
Nevertheless, due to Egypt's firm belief in gender roles, Farida's love for the sport is not met with as much praise as it should. "In Egypt, female kick-boxers, or even those practising any martial art, are thought of as non-feminine or vulgar, which is obviously not the case," she noted.
"I firmly believe that there is nothing feminine about being weak."
From her personal experience, Farida has also noticed that people, especially males, tend to view her differently after learning that she's a kickboxer. Although some have encouraged her on her journey, some people still seem hesitant, saying stuff like, “oh, kickboxing! that’s amazing! But... isn’t it too harsh for you?” or “because of the sport you’re playing you definitely hate men haha.” Which Farida responds to with, "I really don’t know what the relation between practising kickboxing and hating men is. I really wish that one day I’ll figure it out lol."
"for every girl who wishes to practise kickboxing or any male-dominate sport; do not let people define who you are or what you’re capable of doing...
you’re the only one who should decide that."
