There is an unspoken layer of family that is rarely mentioned in martial arts. Women martial artists of all walks, rank, background and nationalities share it.

“Thank you, sister,” one of them says. “Great photos, sister,” another shares.

It is the sisterhood, and it exists because it is linked by femininity, womanhood, and martial arts. Its fibers run deep, like the strongest of ropes. There are, of course, exceptions to the sisterhood, but the majority of women hope that it really exists.

When a woman martial artist realizes that for the first time another woman has called her “sister,” she suddenly feels a part of something massively important. She has a place to turn, other women who understand her thoughts and feelings and martial art dreams. She has support and encouragement and will never again feel alone in her journey.

Although overshadowed by masculinity in a martial art world, martial art women dig deep to make their way. Women can sometimes be defensive, bitter, or jealous with each other, but here in the martial art spectrum, their mutual respect parlays all of that as they strengthen the code of sisterhood.

When worried about something, they turn to each other. When they want to share, they reach out to each other. When in trouble, they band together. They are a great force and together can push through negativity, despair, and unwanted advances on social media. They can contend against difficulties that come their way because they share similar experiences.

The sisterhood is not about style or rank. Every woman becomes a part of the sisterhood when she steps foot in a martial art school or program. Admission is free. There are no dues. And, while there may still be a competitive edge among women, in martial arts it can become a healthy desire to excel in whatever direction is important to each of them.

Many times, I have made new friends on social media, and instantly we cherish the fact that we are sisters. My name is often replaced with “sister” during conversations or chats, and I gladly reciprocate. The underlying message is, “Let’s protect each other, if necessary.” By embracing the sisterhood, we confirm that commitment.

This is a family of women who hold a special place in the martial art culture and with each other. Not all that long ago, we had no place in martial arts. We all understand that there was a time when we were not even allowed to learn. Times have changed and we now enjoy a solidarity with other women who understand martial arts from a woman’s perspective.

I was pregnant with my second son when I tested for my 2^nd degree black belt. No man can ever experience that, but every woman can relate to it. It is not the practice of martial arts, but the womanly experiences and perspectives that bring us to the sisterhood.

When all is said and done, martial artists are part of one big family. When you think of the family, there are often siblings, sometimes girls, sometimes boys. They each bring valuable insights, behaviors, anecdotes, and creativity to the table. The same happens in martial arts. The sisterhood is simply a part of the whole family.

The sisterhood has evolved as a strong component to the family. Once a woman martial artist calls me sister, I know I am home.

xoxo

Andrea

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https://goo.gl/rTSaJA – Link to The Martial Arts Woman book

This book shares the stories and insights of more than twenty-five women in the martial arts, and how they apply martial arts to their lives.

Unlike most other martial art books, the reader will catch a glimpse into the brave and empowered woman who dares to be all that she can be. Many of these women had to overcome great societal or personal challenges to break into the men’s world of martial arts. This book will motivate and inspire you to go after your goals in life and to fight through every challenge and defeat every obstacle. The Martial Arts Woman will open your eyes to the power of the human spirit and the martial art mindset that dwells in each of us!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea F. Harkins is a writer, motivator, life coach, martial artist, and public speaker. She has written two books, The Martial Arts Woman, and Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone.