I'm not hosting, so is really up to Dom and her helpers (if any) at Mill Hill. I personally prefer if there's no male spectators. On occasion, there have been significant others that have showed up on the day, which I personally feel awkward about turning away; at the same time I have shut down comments from the peanut gallery - it isn't a day for taking direction from men ;) I've got three reasons for this preference:
1) I have had enquiries from women from conservative cultural backgrounds, and while, unhappily none of these women has as yet come along, it is entirely possible that a woman might show up who has a very strong cultural preference for a women-only venue.
2) Sometimes it is easier for women to try something new without men present and as one of the few opportunites to try BJJ with women in London, I think it is important to deliver that opportunity.
3) It is advertised as a Women's Open Mat, and it is a day that is all about us and not about the curiosity - however genuine, humble, kind-hearted or otherwise it might - of men.
Those are just my opinions, and Dom may have a different view and like I've said where dudes have shown up I haven't had the guts to ask them to leave - though I have asked for total silence, but to me, it disrupts the women-only vibe.
No probs, kind of you to ask, but of course it is really up to the ladies of Mill Hill as they're our hosts. Looking forward to seeing the new training space!
Can non-females pop down and watch?
ReplyDeleteHi Meerkatsu,
ReplyDeleteI'm not hosting, so is really up to Dom and her helpers (if any) at Mill Hill. I personally prefer if there's no male spectators. On occasion, there have been significant others that have showed up on the day, which I personally feel awkward about turning away; at the same time I have shut down comments from the peanut gallery - it isn't a day for taking direction from men ;) I've got three reasons for this preference:
1) I have had enquiries from women from conservative cultural backgrounds, and while, unhappily none of these women has as yet come along, it is entirely possible that a woman might show up who has a very strong cultural preference for a women-only venue.
2) Sometimes it is easier for women to try something new without men present and as one of the few opportunites to try BJJ with women in London, I think it is important to deliver that opportunity.
3) It is advertised as a Women's Open Mat, and it is a day that is all about us and not about the curiosity - however genuine, humble, kind-hearted or otherwise it might - of men.
Those are just my opinions, and Dom may have a different view and like I've said where dudes have shown up I haven't had the guts to ask them to leave - though I have asked for total silence, but to me, it disrupts the women-only vibe.
Cool, I suspected so but wanted to check first anyway. Have a good day!
ReplyDeleteNo probs, kind of you to ask, but of course it is really up to the ladies of Mill Hill as they're our hosts. Looking forward to seeing the new training space!
ReplyDelete